Walgreens is set to bring 600 new jobs to Chicago over the next two years as part of its new Chicago Hometown Investment Initiative. The company will also quadruple the number of stores located in food deserts in the city, which will result in a change from 11 to 50 stores over the next two years.

“This dual investment by Walgreens will have a profound effect on the city of Chicago,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “The 600 new jobs will have a strong impact on our economy, and the nearly 40 new stores will allow many of our residents to get fresh, healthy food for their families. This is an example of a corporation that is committed to both the City of Chicago and its mission.”

Three hundred of the new jobs will be will be created by new stores and the remodeling of several old ones. The other half of the jobs will be in e-commerce, information technology and similar areas and will be housed in the company's downtown Chicago office.