Illinois will launch a $20 million initiative to address food deserts across the state, per a law signed Friday by Gov. JB Pritzker. [Health News Illinois]

The initiative will provide wraparound support to local governments and independent grocers opening grocery stores in food deserts. Supports include technical assistance, feasibility studies on operational costs, and access to capital funding for acquiring land, facilities or equipment. 

Twenty percent of funding may be used for grants for independently owned, cooperative and for-profit grocery stores to make energy-efficient equipment upgrades. 

Additionally, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity will commission a study to explore reasons for food deserts, geographic trends and potential policy solutions.

Pritzker said during a bill signing in Venice that the law is the latest “holistic approach” to help Illinois families.

“When our residents struggle to keep a roof over their head, can’t put food on the table or have to choose between paying for basic medical care and keeping the lights on — that’s a failure of the system,” he said.

More than 3 million Illinoisans live in a food desert, according to the Pritzker administration. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines deserts as areas that meet certain criteria, such as a local poverty rate of at least 20 percent and a set distance that a group of individuals lives from the nearest grocery store.

Lawmakers on Friday said the initiative is a key step to addressing one of the major social determinants of health facing Illinoisans. Rep. Mary Beth Canty, D-Arlington Heights, noted those without access to healthy foods often have higher rates of heart disease and diabetes, as well as increased frequency of anxiety and depression. 

“These problems hamper economic growth, so when communities anywhere struggle with food access, we all pay the price," she said. "By making serious investments in small businesses, we will combat these debilitating problems while helping businesses across the state flourish.” 

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