SPRINGFIELD – Food deserts are areas with low access to affordable and nutritious food, disproportionately affecting low income communities. State Senators Chris Belt and Paul Faraci obtained relief for two food deserts in their communities with the Illinois Grocery Initiative Grant.

“I’m thrilled to see the continued success and impact of the Illinois Grocery Initiative,” said Belt (D – East St. Louis). “This funding is essential to ensuring every family in Illinois has reliable access to healthy food while also helping the state work towards the goal of eliminating food deserts.”

The New Stores in Food Deserts Program awards will support the establishment of new grocery stores in food deserts as defined by the Belt-led Illinois Grocery Initiative Act. This funding will support construction and renovation costs for new stores, as well as many first-year operations costs, such as employee wages, utility costs, and initial inventory of food. Venice in Belt’s district and Champaign in Faraci’s district will both be receiving brand new grocery stores.

“This funding is essential to the state’s efforts to eliminate food deserts across Illinois,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “All Illinoisans, regardless of where they live, deserve reliable access to affordable and fresh food. The Illinois Grocery Initiative has been essential in our efforts to make this a reality, and I am thrilled to see this second round of funding support.”

Food deserts plague cities and rural areas across the country especially in poorer communities. According to the USDA, 18%of the St. Louis area population lives in a food desert. Limited access to fresh and affordable food can lead to food insecurity, obesity, nutrient deficiencies and a host of health-related issues. These health issues can lead to increased health care cost and impact a child’s focus and growth.

You can read more about the Illinois Grocery Initiative and grant applications at the Illinois Department of Commerce website.