Written by Noland Staff Monday, 31 August 2009 13:40
House Bill 3990 establishes a Local Food, Farms, and Jobs Council. The council will be responsible for ensuring that 20% of all food and food products purchased by state agencies and state owned facilities come from Illinois local farms by the year 2020. Additionally the law will increase the accessibility of fresh produce, grains, meat, dairy and other foods necessary for a well-balanced diet to urban areas.
According to a recent "food desert" study by researcher Mari Gallagher, more than 600,000 Chicago residents have no ready access to fresh and affordable foods and vegetables because of the absence of full-service grocery stores. "Many urban residents including Chicagoans, are without convenient access to local fresh produce or healthy food choices, which ultimately leads to urban food deserts," said Senator Noland. "This new legislation will assist the state to expand Illinois’ markets of locally grown foods and ensure that all Illinois’ residents have the same access to healthy food choices." The Food, Farms and Jobs Act also encourages job growth in all aspects of farming, business, organic farming, processors and representatives of state agencies, municipalities and community organizations. The council, which will be comprised of 35 members representing various departments such as Agriculture, Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Public Health, Human Services and Health and Prevention and Office of Health and Prevention, will oversee the implementation and success of this program. "This new law has many economic benefits for our farmers, businesses and communities," said Senator Noland, "But most importantly it will allow all Illinois’ residents an opportunity to access healthier foods and spend less while doing so."
ELGIN, IL –State Senator Michael Noland’s (D-Elgin) announced today that legislation designed to prevent urban food deserts, create new community jobs and promote Illinois local farms was signed into law by Governor Quinn.
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Senator Noland Menu
22nd District
Years served: 2007 - Present
Committee assignments: Judiciary; Public Health; Criminal Law (Chairperson); Energy; Committee of the Whole; Licensed Activities; Subcommittee on Special Issues; Subcommittee on Transparency (Sub-Chairperson).
Biography: Bachelor's degree and MBA from the University of Illinois at Chicago; Law degree from John Marshall Law School. Served as a Corpsman in the United States Navy at the Great Lakes Naval Hospital. Community volunteer with local organizations protecting the environment and assisting homeless persons. Resides in Elgin with his wife, Veronica, and their two children.