Illinois FY27 budget includes $12 million for the Grocery Initiative

[Viable Food News Desk]

Publisher: State of Illinois Newsroom
Published: June 1, 2026
Source: Read the original source

Summary
The Illinois General Assembly passed an FY27 budget that includes $12 million in new funding for the Illinois Grocery Initiative. The program is intended to address inadequate access to fresh food in underserved urban and rural communities.

Why it matters
This is a major current state commitment to grocery access and a signal for communities, grocers, lenders, and technical-assistance partners to watch the next program round closely.

Discussion
Which project-readiness steps should Illinois communities complete before the next funding notice opens?

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