SE Illinois News

State Senator Dale Fowler's efforts to combat food deserts in Illinois saw progress on Tuesday as Senate Bill 3265 was unanimously passed off the Senate floor. Senator Fowler expressed his commitment to addressing the issue, stating, "Our state is making great strides in raising awareness to the food desert problem that several of our local communities face."

Senator Fowler emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to tackling food deserts, highlighting the importance of improving access to healthy food, supporting local food systems, and identifying the root causes of food insecurity. He stated, "Addressing food deserts requires a multifaceted approach that includes improving access to healthy food, supporting local food systems, and identifying the root causes of food insecurity."

Senate Bill 3265 aims to establish a program within the Illinois Department of Agriculture that will focus on distributing fresh, nutritious food in food deserts while providing education in food preparation and nutrition. Senator Fowler remarked, "Passing this bill out of the Senate ensures access to the education necessary to bring fresh, affordable food to the underserved areas of our state."

The legislation will now proceed to the House for further consideration, marking a significant step forward in addressing food deserts and promoting food security in Illinois.