Gov. Pritzker Breaks Ground on New Grocery Store in Venice

VENICE – Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and leaders from across the Metro East region to break ground on a new grocery store in Venice as part of the Illinois Grocery Initiative—marking an important milestone in expanding access to fresh, affordable food for local residents. Today’s groundbreaking represents a critical joint effort to revitalize the city, which was made possible through a $2.4 million state grant and private funding.

“Every single Illinoisan—regardless of their zip code—deserves access to fresh, reliable, and affordable grocery options,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “The Illinois Grocery Initiative seeks to keep small, independent grocers thriving and create new grocery options in food deserts across the state. Our local economies and communities depend on these stores. From Champaign to Marion to Venice, across central and southern Illinois, we’re fighting food insecurity while investing directly into the lifeblood of our economy to support small businesses and working families.”

“With this opening, we’re one step closer to ending food deserts in Illinois and ensuring every family has access to affordable, fresh groceries,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “Local stores like this don’t just put food on the table—they create good jobs, support local farmers and producers, and strengthen the community. Our commitment is simple: every community deserves opportunity, and we’re investing to make that a reality across Illinois.”

Established in 2023 and initially announced in Venice, the Illinois Grocery Initiative is a multipronged policy designed to mitigate and eliminate food deserts across Illinois. The initiative consists of two key grant programs—the New Stores in Food Deserts Program and the Equipment Upgrades Grant Program. To date, DCEO has awarded a total of $18.1 million statewide, which includes $16.5 million for new grocery stores and $1.6 million for equipment upgrades.

In addition to state grant support, Venice’s new grocery store benefited from a $3.5 million investment from Dr. Ed Hightower. Hightower, a retired Edwardsville public school superintendent and former NCAA Basketball referee, has generated significant momentum behind his vision of a reinvigorated Venice.

“Venice has a proud history, and it deserves a future filled with hope and opportunity,” said Dr. Ed Hightower, Vice Chair of Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees. “The Venice Market is more than just a grocery store—it’s a symbol of renewal and a promise to the people who have called this community home for generations. By bringing access to fresh, healthy food back to Venice, we’re taking the first step in restoring pride and rebuilding a town that once thrived. I want to sincerely thank Governor JB Pritzker, Deputy Governor Andy Manar, Senator Chris Belt, Leader Jay Hoffman, and all of our state and local partners who have helped make this project possible. Their leadership and commitment to investing in communities like Venice are helping to bring new life to our region. Together, we’re proving that when we invest in people and in community, we can create lasting change for generations to come.”

“Access to healthy, affordable food is essential for every community’s well-being, and the Illinois Grocery Initiative is helping make that a reality across our state,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “Through this investment in Venice, we’re funding a grocery store, fueling local jobs, and supporting small business growth to build stronger, more sustainable local economies.”

“The Venice Market represents a new beginning for our community,” said Venice Mayor Phil White. “For too long, families here have gone without access to something as basic as a grocery store, and today marks a turning point. This project is about restoring dignity, creating opportunity, and showing what’s possible when we work together for the people of Venice. I want to thank Governor JB Pritzker, Deputy Governor Andy Manar, Senator Chris Belt, Leader Jay Hoffman, Dr. Ed Hightower, and all of our state, local, and community partners who have helped make this vision a reality. Their belief in Venice and their investment in our future mean the world to this city and its residents.”

“Venice is one of those proud, blue-collar communities that has faced more than its share of challenges, but today marks the beginning of a turnaround,” said Chris Slusser, Madison County Board Chair. “With new quality housing, a grocery store, and new businesses like Pizza World, we’re seeing the first signs of renewal that will bring opportunity back to this city. I want to thank Governor JB Pritzker, his administration, and our local legislators for their commitment to the Route 3 corridor and to communities like Venice. And I especially want to thank Dr. Ed Hightower for his vision and personal investment—his leadership is helping to spark the next chapter of growth and revitalization here in Madison County.”

With the nearest grocery store currently miles away, Venice is a food desert—a classification granted to many parts of Illinois where residents are forced to travel to neighboring cities for fresh, nutrient dense food or rely on discount stores for less sustaining options. Meanwhile, cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) have made it increasingly difficult for Illinoisans to access and afford groceries.

Governor Pritzker is committed to addressing food insecurity, making historic investments in economic development, infrastructure, and community revitalization across Illinois. Through targeted programs like the Illinois Grocery Initiative, his administration is working to ensure that every community has access to essential services, good-paying jobs, and opportunities for long-term growth. Under his leadership, the State has launched transformative initiatives to attract new business investment, strengthen local economies, and promote equitable access to resources that improve quality of life for all Illinoisans.

“Venice has been through a lot—at one point, this town didn’t have a single school or grocery store,” said State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea). “Now, through a partnership with community leaders, they will have both. What we are accomplishing here in Venice should give hope to small towns across the entire state. We haven’t forgotten about you.”

The Illinois Grocery Initiative provides wrap-around support to local governments and independent grocers opening grocery stores in, and those currently operating in, food deserts as authorized by PA 103-0561. The initiative has a detailed list of efforts to combat food insecurity across the state that includes:

DCEO opened Round II of the Illinois Grocery Initiative Equipment Upgrades Grant Program in January 2025. This is a rolling grant opportunity, which will remain open until December 15, 2025, or until funding is exhausted. Applicant qualifications include independent grocers or cooperatives with fewer than 500 employees and no more than four grocery locations. More information on this funding opportunity can be found on DCEO’s website.

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