SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) has played a pivotal role in the fight against food deserts in Illinois by championing a new law that could reshape access to nutrition.
The law, signed on Friday and effective January 1, 2024, focuses on combating food insecurity through the strategic allocation of grants to grocery stores in underserved regions.
“The number of food deserts has increasingly gotten worse over the last few years,” emphasized Senator Joyce, addressing the urgency of the issue. “There is no reason why rural and urban residents should not have easy access to affordable foods.”
Food deserts, where nutritious and affordable food is scarce, disproportionately impact lower-income areas, leading to health challenges. To tackle this, the law mandates the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to provide grants to existing or upcoming grocery stores in food desert areas. This initiative aims to alleviate the food desert problem across the state.
A food desert is designated as an area where urban residents must travel over half a mile, and rural residents over 10 miles, to find a grocery store. The grants aim to reduce this distance, ensuring convenience for residents in underserved communities.
Senator Joyce, a chief cosponsor of the bill, underscored the significance of grocery store establishment in food deserts. “Food deserts disproportionately affect lower income communities, causing poor nutrition and health issues,” he stated. “By addressing these concerns, we can help promote a healthier lifestyle and improve overall health and well-being for all residents.”
Through the enactment of Senate Bill 850, Illinois takes a substantial step towards eradicating food insecurity. By allocating grants to grocery stores dedicated to serving food desert areas, the state demonstrates its commitment to offering accessible, healthy food choices for all residents.
As the law gears up for implementation in 2024, the prospect of improved nutrition and enhanced quality of life shines brightly for long-neglected communities.
