Buying groceries is a challenge for nearly one in four people in Illinois because they live in food deserts. A new state law taking effect January 1 could help every community get access to groceries.

More than 3 million Illinoisans live in a food desert. The new state law will invest $20 million into a grocery initiative to help grocery stores stay open and lift up local governments or independent grocers opening stores.

The State will provide technical assistance, marketing and support with operational costs for groups trying to open stores in food deserts.

Sponsors said the new law will help keep costs down and keep the grocery doors open.

Eligibility information for the Illinois grocery initiative will be released at a later date.