Koehler announces nearly $8 million in funding for supermarkets in food deserts

PEORIA - Thanks to State Senator Dave Koehler's support of the Illinois Grocery Initiative, a Peoria supermarket and 10 other stores across the state have received $8 million in combined funding to fight food insecurity.

"It has been difficult to fill the void of grocery stores that have been in our neighborhood for years and have suddenly closed-leaving people without a routine source for their essential food and goods," said Koehler (D-Peoria). "This grant program will revitalize our community by making high-quality groceries more easily accessible."

The New Stores in Food Deserts Program supports the establishment of new grocery stores in USDA-defined food deserts. These grants will fund construction and renovation costs for new stores, as well as many first-year operations costs, such as employee wages, utility costs, initial inventory of food and more.

Harvest Supermarket, based out of Peoria, was awarded $1,666,472 from the program for a full building renovation and new energy-efficient equipment. Supermarkets in Chicago, Rockford, and Carlinville also received funds from this program.

"Having worked with the team at Harvest Supermarket, I know how much they care about our community and making these resources more accessible," said Koehler. "They are committed to making sure our community has fresh, affordable food, which is essential to staying physically and mentally well."

The next round of Illinois Grocery Initiative New Stores in Food Deserts Grant Program are now open for applications, with grants ranging between $150,000 to $2.4 million and requiring a 1:3 match. Applications will be accepted until Dec. 2 at 5:00 p.m. To view the competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity and apply for the grant, visit the DCEO website.