SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Illinois Senate approved a bill Friday to expand the state’s grocery initiative by providing grants for farmer-owned grocery stores and markets.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity currently provides grants to independently-owned grocery stores, co-ops and non-profit grocers. 

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"We have to prioritize our small-scale farmers who work every day to ensure we have food on our tables," said Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield). "Food deserts across the state deprive people of fresh, nutritious foods. Allowing farmer-owned grocery stores and markets to receive grants will continue our effort of tackling food deserts while providing resources to our farmers and rural communities."

Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield) stressed that everyone deserves access to fresh, nutritious food regardless of where they live. Turner worked with advocates from the Grab n’ Grow Greenhouse in Riggston to make this possible.

"Food brings everyone together," said Jenny Sauer-Schmidgall, owner of the Grab n’ Grow Greenhouse. "I would like to see if we can actually make this concept a heart of a community and help the community."

A separate plan could require the Illinois Department of Agriculture to enhance local food processing, collection and distribution through a new grant program. The local food infrastructure grants could be used for production, packaging, equipment, refrigerated trucks and processing equipment among other needs.

"By incentivizing the growth and collaboration of local food providers, we’re not just investing in infrastructure, we are investing in a healthier Illinois," said Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria). "This program represents a strategic investment in our communities, reinforcing our commitment to a sustainable and thriving future for everyone." 

Both proposals passed out of the Senate Friday on the chamber’s agreed bill list. 

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