SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines food deserts as "regions of the country which often feature large proportions of households with low incomes, inadequate access to transportation, and a limited number of food retailers providing fresh produce and healthy groceries for affordable prices." 

In August, Governor JB Pritzker signed legislation creating the Illinois Grocery Initiative, making $20 million available for food deserts in the state. This includes supports for existing stores and incentives for new grocery stores opening.

Community leaders say this kind of funding is critical for communities with low access to grocery stores. In Ward 2 on Springfield's East side, there is only one grocery store. Ward 2 Alderman Shawn Gregory says these types of programs are crucial for food deserts. 

"It can be difficult, especially if you have to take public transportation to get to the store," said Gregory. "Carrying five, six bags — and you're trying to balance that on a bus or even walk with it — you see people walking with it." 

Gregory says when grocery stores aren't accessible, people get their food from alternative locations like dollar stores and corner stores. While these locations often have canned or boxed food, fresh produce is hard to come by. 

"The addition of more stores with fresh fruits and veggies throughout our community will help close out disparities," said Gregory. "That affects health which is one of the disparities that a community like mine faces." 

Communities like Gregory's now rely on outside resources, like Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois' produce boxes to have easier access to healthy food. BCBSIL brings these boxes to community events and central locations so that it is easier for people to pick them up.  

"Fresh produce is not the cheapest thing, and it's usually much easier to pick up items that have been processed," said L. Marie Asad, a Unit Manager at BCBSIL. "Providing high quality fresh fruits and vegetables, it helps us close care gaps, it helps us provide opportunities for our members to address chronic conditions like diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and other conditions." 

These boxes include enough produce for multiple meals. The boxes also have links to recipes based on certain conditions and community needs. 

The first program of the Illinois Grocery Initiative is an equipment upgrades program. Community grocers can apply for grants to update critical equipment, like heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration units. 

The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity will hold webinars to assist applicants on Jan. 31 at 10 a.m. and Feb. 8 at 2 p.m. Learn more about the Illinois Grocery Initiative here.

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