Independent Illinois grocers or co-ops (under 500 employees, no more than four stores) and local governments opening a new grocery store in a food desert can be reimbursed $500,000–$5.2M for capital and non-capital costs, with a 25% match.
Competitive grants of $500,000 to $5.2 million that reimburse eligible capital and non-capital costs of opening new grocery stores in Illinois food deserts; this round can also cover adding a pharmacy. Applicants must provide at least 25% of project costs (15% if a pharmacy is included). Independent for-profit or nonprofit grocers with fewer than 500 employees and no more than four locations are eligible. Applications are accepted September 10 – December 9, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
Units of local government, or independent grocers or cooperatives with fewer than 500 employees and no more than four grocery locations (for-profit and nonprofit)
Store must be located in a food desert census tract as defined by the program
Prior New Stores in Food Deserts recipients are not eligible at the same location
Match of at least 25% of total project costs (15% when incorporating a pharmacy) from non-state sources
Must be pre-qualified in the GATA Grantee Portal
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Money can be used for
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