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Our Work

Food deserts are a problem in both urban and rural communities. Some communities have taken action, creating public, co-op, or nonprofit grocery stores. States are getting involved too: In August 2023, Illinois enacted the Illinois Grocery Initiative, allocating $20 million to support the establishment and operation of grocery stores in food deserts throughout the state.

 provides a framework for policymakers interested in understanding the case for public grocery stores and the practicalities—and challenges—in implementing them. Through a series of case studies, the Guide discusses cooperative grocery stores, nonprofit grocery stores, public-private partnerships, and publicly-owned stores, and offers important lessons for policymakers and communities that are trying to tackle food deserts.