State Senator Dale Fowler has advanced a new bill aimed at improving access to nutritious foods in rural food deserts.
“Well-stocked grocery stores can be hard to find in parts of southern Illinois due to the rural nature of the region. It’s important we address the issue so residents don’t have to drive hours to the nearest supermarket to find nutritious foods,” said Senator Fowler.
Senate Bill 1360 would create a program where the Illinois Department of Agriculture would establish and operate projects and strategies that focus on the distribution of fresh and nutritious food while providing education in food preparation and nutrition in food deserts.
“This bill is critical to rural communities especially across the 59th district and as a state legislator it’s my duty to provide and promote access to state resources like the Department of Ag to serve as a tool in this case for food deserts across the state and southern Illinois.”
The bill passed the Senate Agriculture Committee on Thursday and will now head to the full Senate for consideration.