The legislation defines a 'food desert' as a census tract where a significant portion of the population lacks access to a grocery store. Specifically, it targets areas where either 500 residents or 33% of the populace lives more than one mile from a grocery store in metropolitan areas, or those living more than ten miles from a grocery store in nonmetropolitan areas. By incentivizing the establishment of grocery stores in these locations, the bill aims to alleviate food insecurity and promote better nutrition in affected communities.
House Bill 3554, introduced by Rep. Mary Beth Canty, seeks to address the issue of food deserts in Illinois by providing financial assistance in the form of grants to special access food providers. The bill amends the Department of Agriculture Law under the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois and is set to take effect on July 1, 2023, subject to appropriations. The grants aim to support those providers seeking to construct, renovate, or rehabilitate grocery stores located in designated food deserts, thereby improving access to healthy food options for underserved communities.
Discussions surrounding HB3554 may involve debates over the allocation of state funds and the definition of 'special access food providers.' Stakeholders may express differing views on the effectiveness of grants as a solution to food access challenges and how the identification of food deserts is determined. Not concerns may arise regarding the long-term sustainability of grocery stores established with grant support, and whether additional measures should be instituted to ensure their continued operation post-grant.