SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield) hopes to expand the Illinois grocery initiative by allowing the state to provide grants for farmer-owned grocery stores and markets.
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity currently provides grants to independently-owned grocery stores, co-ops and nonprofit grocers. Turner told reporters Tuesday that everyone deserves access to fresh, nutritious food regardless of where they live.
"With this initiative, we can ensure our communities have access to food while boosting our local economies and prioritizing our farmers," Turner said.
She was inspired to file this plan after learning about the Grab n' Grow Greenhouse, a farm to table store in Riggston.
"The heart of the home is the kitchen. Food brings everybody together," said Grab n' Grow Greenhouse 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."
Turner's legislation passed unanimously out of the Senate Agriculture Committee last week.
Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) is also sponsoring a measure to require the Illinois Department of Agriculture to enhance local food processing, collection and distribution through a new grant program. The local food infrastructure grants could be used for production, packaging equipment, refrigerated trucks and processing equipment among other needs. Koehler believes his plan would only cost the state $2 million.Â
"By incentivizing the growth and collaboration of local food providers, we're not just investing in infrastructure, we are investing in a healthier Illinois," Koehler said. "This program represents a strategic investment in our communities, reinforcing our commitment to a sustainable and thriving future for everyone."
A separate bill could require the state to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students attending public and private K-12 schools. Lawmakers passed a bipartisan plan to provide free school meals last year, but they did not appropriate funding for the plan in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget. Sen. Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) said she's committed to getting $209 million approved for the program this year.
"All students need balanced meals to nourish their learning capabilities and improve their overall mental performance throughout the school day," Ellman said.
Another plan would establish a grant program to provide $7,500 per school to provide breakfast options after the school day has started. Sen. Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) noted that research has proven that children who eat breakfast have significantly higher scores in math, spelling and reading.
"Eating a sufficient breakfast is essential for students to perform well and have the energy to get through the day," Belt said. "With more Breakfast After the Bell programs, we are setting students up for better success."
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