SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS) — The new state legislature is looking to find more ways to fight food insecurity.

The new bill would help those living in suburban and urban areas of public housing help fight food insecurity by growing their own food.

It would allow the Illinois Housing Development Authority to provide incentives for affordable housing projects that will incorporate urban and suburban gardening.

The sponsor of the bill Senator Doris Turner said that the bill adds an economic benefit as well.

She said it will provide distribution options for the leftover produce to help tackle food deserts.

“We think about food deserts as people who live maybe in small rural communities, but that’s not always the case. I mean you can live in an urban area, a large city but if you do not have a grocery store that may be within walking distance of you and you don’t have transportation, then you are finding yourself in a food desert,” she said.

If signed the IDHA will work with the University of Illinois on an educational program that teaches individuals about gardening and its benefits.

Turner said the bill is a great opportunity to provide fruit and vegetables to those who cannot access stores on an affordable basis.

The bill passed both chambers and is headed to Governor Pritzker’s desk for approval.