Big news for Deer Creek! A $1 million grant is set to help Heartland Food Solutions launch a popcorn venture, bringing jobs and tasty snacks to the small Illinois town.
Heartland Food Solutions LLC is gearing up for an exciting expansion in Deer Creek, Illinois, thanks to a generous $1 million grant that aims to boost local employment and food production. This initiative will create 40 new jobs in the small town, which houses approximately 660 residents and is nestled between Peoria and Bloomington-Normal, along Interstate 74.
The funding comes from the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and will support Heartland’s entry into the burgeoning popcorn production market. Officials highlighted that the grant will assist the company in purchasing new equipment after acquiring an existing popcorn business, ensuring that valuable jobs remain within the community.
Derek Karr, the chief financial officer of Heartland Food Solutions, expressed optimism about the project. “The ready-to-eat popcorn market is growing rapidly as consumers shift toward healthier, better-for-you snacks,” he remarked. Karr emphasized that the grant funding will enable the company to invest in essential equipment and expand its capabilities, allowing it to reach new customers while continuing to grow alongside Deer Creek and its surroundings.
As the grant facilitator, the Village of Deer Creek plays a key role in this endeavor. Village President Grant Hackney expressed gratitude to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for their support, underlining the importance of keeping small towns attractive to businesses.
Heartland Food Solutions is an established player in Illinois’ food industry, with several sister companies involved in food production and processing, employing over 150 people. Governor JB Pritzker celebrated the funding announcement, stating, “I’m proud to announce this critical funding that supports the hardworking Deer Creek community and boosts the Central Illinois economy. Investments like these don’t just sustain local economies and create new jobs for Illinoisans — they transform communities, promote continued growth, and improve the quality of life for working families in our state.”
