CHICAGO – State Senator Jacqueline Y. Collins’ joined First Lady Michelle Obama and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel when they visited her district Tuesday to discuss the importance of local access to fresh foods. For years Senator Collins has been a strong advocate for the eradication of "food deserts" throughout Illinois, especially in impoverished neighborhoods. 

As the leaders gathered at the 75th and State Street Walgreens, which now sells produce, Senator Collins said, "I deeply appreciate the First Lady’s ‘Let’s Move’ campaign and call to action to promote health, prevent obesity and reduce other related chronic diseases. And I thank Mayor Emanuel for his strong commitment to eliminate food deserts by 2020."

Senator Collins fought to secure $10 million to provide loans and grants for capital-related projects for qualified grocery stores located in underserved communities. Collins also sponsored Illinois Local Food, Farms and Jobs Act (House Bill 3990) in 2009. This legislation created an economic development strategy to bring fresh food to Illinois households and facilities across the state with products grown in Illinois. According to some reports these efforts are working.

Mari Gallagher, an author and food deserts expert who runs her own Chicago-based research and consulting group, reported that progress has been made in parts of Englewood and Austin as retailers, like Walgreens, have begun selling fresh foods. However, Gallagher also notes that 384,000 Chicagoans still live in food deserts.

Senator Collins will continue to work with advocates who are pushing to eradicate food deserts.