Harper Bill Tackling Food Deserts in Illinois Passes House

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, is fighting to expand access to fresh, healthy food in historically disinvested communities by passing a new bill to advance innovative approaches to addressing food deserts.

“The goal is for everyone to have a fair shot at leading a healthy and sustainable life,” Harper said. “Yet, our underserved communities have limited access to nutritious and affordable food, oftentimes putting them at an increased risk of suffering from chronic diseases, diabetes and obesity.”

Harper passed House Bill 1607, which would bring together policymakers, agriculture professionals, and other stakeholders to form a Commission on Eliminating Food Deserts, responsible for reviewing the effectiveness of current state-led efforts to combat food deserts. The commission will develop concrete solutions regarding policy, funding, initiatives, and best practices to expand access to healthy food in every community. 

“The problem of food deserts is a complex and longstanding issue but I know that we have the most brilliant and innovative minds here in the state of Illinois to make sure that they become a thing of the past,” Harper said. “I look forward to continuing to advocate for food equity and I hope and I encourage my colleagues in the Senate to support this meaningful measure.”

Harper’s Bill passed the House and awaits consideration in the Senate.