VENICE, Ill. (First Alert 4) – Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker is making two key stops in the Metro East today — each focused on improving access to basic needs many families still struggle to meet: food and housing.
His first stop will be at Venice Recreation Hall – 321 Broadway at 10am where the state is investing $2.4 million to build a brand-new grocery store. The project aims to tackle food insecurity in Madison County — where many neighborhoods have long been considered food deserts.
According to Feeding America, of the more than 33,000 people living in Madison County, more than 12% live in a food desert. Nearly half don’t qualify for federal assistance programs like SNAP, meaning access to affordable, fresh food is a daily challenge.
Governor Pritzker says today’s groundbreaking comes at a crucial time, as some Republican lawmakers push to limit food access programs for low-income families.
The new Venice grocery store will be required to accept WIC and SNAP benefits and provide a wide range of fresh produce, ensuring families have equitable access to healthy options close to home.
Later Wednesday afternoon, Governor Pritzker will head to Alton for the grand opening of the new Alton Sunnybrook Affordable Housing Development, expanding access to safe, stable homes for working families in the area.
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