Turner announces $3.5 million in grants available for grocery store equipment upgrades

• Agriculture

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner is encouraging local grocers to apply for funding through the Illinois Grocery Initiative for the purchase of updated energy-efficient equipment.

“We must do everything in our power to eliminate the food deserts across our state,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Through these grants, local grocers will be able to maintain residents’ access to fresh food.”

Rising energy costs lead to outdated equipment, which presents a major expense for small community grocers. Under the Equipment Upgrades Program, eligible grocers can apply for grants to upgrade heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment; refrigeration units and freezers; lighting systems; and other systems providing significant energy savings.

Eligible grocers should apply online by March 25. In order to support the businesses most in-need, grocers must be independently-owned with fewer than 500 employees and no more than four grocery stores. Grocery stores located in food deserts as defined by the USDA map will be given priority.

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Turner encourages farmers, producers to apply for food systems infrastructure grants

• Agriculture

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner is encouraging eligible farmers and food producers to apply for food systems infrastructure grants to help uplift their business and tackle food insecurity.

“By fortifying the food system, we are supporting our local farmers and mitigating food insecurity,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Everyone benefits when we empower our local farmers.”

The Resilient Food System Infrastructure program announced $6.4 million in grant funds are available to help strengthen the state’s food supply chain. Funds for this grant come from the Illinois Department of Agriculture and seek to build upon Illinois’ investments in local food and ending food insecurity.

Those interested should apply online at Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program by March 15. Applications from smaller farms and ranches, new and beginning farmers and ranchers, underserved producers, veteran producers, and underserved communities are encouraged.

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Turner launches annual Valentine’s Day card drive for seniors

• Card Drive

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to lift the spirits of seniors across the 48th District, State Senator Doris Turner invites residents of all ages to get creative and donate homemade or store-bought valentines.

“Seniors play an important role in our community and writing them a note can remind them they’re appreciated,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Taking time out of our day to do a little act of kindness can go a long way to make someone feel loved this Valentine’s Day. We’ve had successful card drives in the past, and I hope we can continue making our seniors feel recognized this year.”

Turner is encouraging community members in the area to write Valentine’s Day cards, which can be dropped off or mailed to her Decatur or Springfield district office. Once all the cards have been collected, they will be delivered to various senior facilities in the 48th District.

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Turner secures funding for local school libraries

• Grant Funding

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner announced five school districts across the 48^th District have received nearly $18,000 to provide resources to libraries through books, e-books, audiobooks, periodicals, multilingual materials, technology and programs.

“Investing in our libraries is essential for students to have the fundamental resources that provide educational value,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We have to continue prioritizing our students to set them up to be lifelong learners.”

Based on a statutory formula, school districts receive $0.885 per student enrolled at each school with a qualified library. Funding for the School District Library Grant Program originates from the General Reserve Fund and is appropriated for this purpose by the Illinois General Assembly.

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