Union County officials are raising concerns over the administration of the Illinois grocery initiative, which has faced significant challenges in its execution. During the recent Union County Board meeting on May 9, 2025, discussions highlighted frustrations with the outdated data used to identify food deserts, which has hindered local grocery stores from accessing necessary funding.

The initiative, managed by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), relies on a USDA food atlas that has not been updated since 2019. This outdated information has led to the rejection of several applicants, including long-standing grocery stores in Gallatin County, due to inaccuracies in mapping food deserts. Local leaders expressed that the current system is cumbersome and difficult for small grocery stores to navigate, particularly those without the resources to compile the required data for grant applications.

The grant process itself has also been criticized for its reimbursement model, which requires stores to front costs before receiving funds. This poses a significant barrier for struggling businesses that lack the financial capacity to invest upfront in improvements, such as upgrading coolers.

Board members emphasized the need for advocacy to improve the situation, particularly with state legislators like Senator Fowler, who initially championed the grocery initiative. They noted that while the intent of the program is commendable, its implementation has not effectively supported local communities, with funds reportedly flowing more readily to areas further north.

As the board continues to address these issues, there is a clear call for action to ensure that the grocery initiative better serves Union County and its residents. The meeting concluded with a commitment to push for changes that would facilitate better access to funding for local grocery stores, aiming to enhance food availability and support economic growth in the region.