09/22/2026
New funding is available under the Illinois Grocery Initiative through the New Stores in Food Deserts, Equipment Upgrades and Grocery Rescue grant programs – representing a $26 million effort to address food deserts and prevent grocery store closures in communities across the state.
The Metro East has been hit hard with grocery chain closures. Seeing the Cahokia Heights Walmart and the East St. Louis Save-A-Lot closed within days of each other in 2023 left our residents in a number of municipalities with even less fresh food options. As the Senate sponsor of the Illinois Grocery Initiative and a steadfast advocate of the program for the last three years, I’m incredibly proud to announce this current round of funding, ensuring communities across the 57th District have the opportunity to obtain new store funding, equipment upgrades and business incentives.
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SWANSEA – State Senator Christopher Belt announced new funding is available under the Illinois Grocery Initiative through the New Stores in Food Deserts, Equipment Upgrades and Grocery Rescue grant programs –...