New Illinois law could increase food accessibility, support farmer-owned stores

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A new law will expand the state's grocery initiative by providing grants for farmer-owned grocery stores and markets.

The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity currently provides grants to independently-owned grocery stores, co-ops and nonprofit grocers.

Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield) said this law prioritizes small-scale farmers who work every day to put food on our shelves.

"Food deserts, especially in central and southern Illinois, deprive people of fresh, nutritious foods," Turner said. "This is an important step to tackling food deserts while uplifting our farmers."

Turner stressed that everyone deserves access to fresh, nutritious food regardless of where they live. She worked with advocates from the Grab n' Grow Greenhouse in Riggston to make the plan possible.

"The heart of the home is the kitchen. Food brings everybody together," said Grab n' Grow Greenhouse founder and owner Jenny Sauer-Schmidgall. "I would like to see if we can actually make this concept a heart of a community and help the community."

Senate Bill 3219 will take effect on January 1.