GOVERNOR J-B PRITZKER IS SIGNING THE NEW ILLINOIS GROCERY INITIATIVE INTO LAW. 

THE PROGRAM INCLUDES A 20 MILLION DOLLAR INVESTMENT TO HELP ALLEVIATE "FOOD DESERTS" ACROSS THE STATE SAYS THE GOVERNOR. HE NOTES THAT A GROCERY STORE ANCHORED AND RUN BY PEOPLE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD IS MORE LIKELY TO SURVIVE.

UP TO 20 PERCENT OF THE PROGRAM FUNDING CAN BE USED BY GROCERY STORES TO MAKE ENERGY EFFICIENCY UPGRADES. MORE THAN THREE MILLION PEOPLE IN ILLINOIS CURRENTLY LIVE IN FOOD DESERTS. 

GOVERNOR PRITZKER SAYS MORE INFORMATION WILL BE AVAILABLE WHEN THE STATE STARTS ACCEPTING GRANT APPLICATIONS.