Round 2 of the Illinois Grocery Initiative’s “New Stores in Food Deserts” program is now open, offering critical grants to improve access to fresh, nutritious food in underserved communities. With $11 million in funding available, the program is designed to combat food insecurity by supporting the development of grocery stores in areas where fresh food options are scarce. 

Qualifying grocery stores must meet the following criteria: 

• Be best classified as a supermarket or other grocery retailer in the 2022 North American Industry Classification System under code 445110, a meat retailer under code 44524, a fruit and vegetable retailer under code 44523, or a fish and seafood retailer under 44525. 
• Be located in a food desert census tract (as defined in the NOFO). 
• Earn less than 30% of revenue from alcohol and tobacco sales. 
• Accept SNAP and WIC. 
• Contribute to the diversity of fresh foods available in the community. 

Awards will range from $150,000 to $2.4 million, with applicants required to meet a 1:3 match in funding. Eligible applicants include local governments and independent grocers or cooperatives with fewer than 500 employees and no more than four store locations. 

The deadline to apply for the grant is December 2, 2024. For more information and to view the full Notice of Funding Opportunity, visit the DCEO website.