Hoffman Joins Groundbreaking of New Venice Grocery Store, Emphasizes Need to Eliminate Food Deserts

VENICE, Ill. – State Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, joined Gov. J.B. Pritzker, state Sen. Christopher Belt, D- Swansea, and community leaders this week to celebrate the groundbreaking of a new state- and privately-backed grocery store in Venice that will expand access to fresh, affordable food for area residents.

“Every community deserves access to fresh food, but right now Venice residents have to travel miles away to visit a grocery store,” Hoffman said. “This is an important investment that will benefit the surrounding community, support jobs and help more families access the nutritious food they need.”

Hoffman supported the creation of the Illinois Grocery Initiative, which is working to address inadequate access to fresh foods in communities across the state. In particular, the effort aims to eliminate “food deserts,” and includes competitive grants to support the establishment of new grocery stores in qualifying locations. A $2.4 million state grant will join private community support for the Venice project.

“I appreciate all of the local leaders who have stepped up to make this new grocery store a reality,” Hoffman said. “This project is the culmination of years of hard work, and it’s going to make a real difference in many lives.”

For more information, please contact RepJayHoffman@gmail.com.