The Illinois Grocery Initiative is entering a new phase. Gov. JB Pritzker says state grants will help stand up new stores in food deserts and make healthy foods accessible to more Illinoisans.

“The truth is: too many people live in food deserts, and it’s contributing to an ongoing public health crisis,” said the governor. “Diabetes. Cardiovascular disease. Cancer. People without access to affordable and healthy meal options are at much higher risk of these deadly diseases.”

The New Stores in Food Deserts program and the Equipment Upgrades program total $20 million in grants.

Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton says there are social gains to a local grocery store. “We take for granted the power of looking up from the bananas and recognizing a familiar face. Bonds strengthen when people feel like they belong,” she said. “Grocery stores also tether us to ancestral values through culturally relevant offerings. It’s meaningful to see your family’s favorite flavors and ingredients available on a shelf.”