Legislation introduced by Sen. Collins will be signed Tuesday at State Fair

SPRINGFIELD, IL— A bill sponsored by State Senator Jacqueline Collins combating food deserts will be signed Tuesday by Governor Quinn.

The law will form the Illinois Local Food, Farms, and Jobs Council, which will work with state agencies, Illinois businesses, organizations and citizens to build a fully functioning local farm and food system in the state. The Council will work with the organizations and agencies to develop strategies for local purchasing.

“The fact that all but a tiny percentage of the fruits, vegetables, and meats that Illinoisans eat are produced in other states or countries is an astonishing imbalance and presents us with an enormous opportunity,” Collins said. “This legislation is an important step forward that will enable farmers in the state to produce and sell fresh food in underserved communities.”

The Illinois Local Food, Farms and Jobs Act creates an economic development strategy to bring fresh food to Illinois households and facilities across the state with products grown here in Illinois. The bill will also spur economic growth by combining the state’s vibrant agriculture industry with the needs of households across the state. Estimates suggest that the strategy could ultimately bring as much as $30 billion a year to the state’s economy.

 House Bill 3990 will facilitate state institutions to source at least 20% of their food locally by 2020. In addition, the Local Food, Farms and Jobs Council will be created to coordinate the development of community-based farm and food networks statewide. By establishing policies that promote the sales of Illinois produce, the state will create jobs in the farming industry and improve the health of Illinoisans who have been far too reliant on unhealthy, processed food.

 “ Illinois is faced with a preponderance of fast food establishments,” Collins said. “This bill will help provide fresh, healthy and easily accessible food in many of the state’s underserved areas while putting Illinoisans to work.”

 Governor Quinn is set to sign the bill Tuesday at the Illinois State Fair’s “Ag Day.”