ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Two grocery stores, in Rockford and Belvidere, will benefit from a $2.2 million grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce in an effort to fight food insecurity.
The money was made available to support or establish new grocery stores in areas the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has defined as a “food desert,” where access to fresh food is limited.
Rancho Supermarket will receive $2.1 million for a full renovation and establishment of a new store.
In Belvidere, the Belvidere Fiesta Market, at 400 W Chrysler Drive, will receive nearly $160,000 for new, energy-efficient refrigerated produce cases.
In total, 11 Illinois grocery stores were the benefit of $7.9 million in grants.
“No matter where they live, every Illinoisans deserves access to fresh, affordable food at a local grocery store, a resource that is essential for maintaining the physical, mental, and financial health of our state’s residents,” said Gov. JB Pritzker. “We’re supporting the opening and maintenance of local grocery stores as part of our mission to end food deserts in Illinois and provide economic and community development for towns and neighborhoods across the state.”