Illinois state budget: $20M would fund program to fight food deserts

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - In Illinois' proposed state budget, $20 million would fund a program to fight food deserts.

It is estimated that one in every four residents lives in a food desert, which equates to about 3.3 million people.

The grocery store initiative would assist independent grocers to open or expand grocery stores in underserved neighborhoods.

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The measure also contains a dollar-store deterrent, where those who are eligible for grant money must carry a substantial variety of perishable foods.

The new fiscal year begins July 1.

The state budget is one of 566 bills currently awaiting the governor's signature.