Yingling Supports Legislation to Address Food Insecurity

ROUND LAKE BEACH, Ill. – In order to ensure that unused food is not going to waste, state Rep. Sam Yingling, D-Grayslake, helped pass legislation allowing public schools to give unused food to children in need who are students of that school.

“With so many families struggling as we rebuild from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever that we are using all of our resources as efficiently as possible,” said Yingling. “No child should be going hungry, especially when there is ample food available to feed them. Schools should not be forced to throw away good food for no reason when they have students who desperately need to eat.”

According to Feeding America, nearly one in eight Illinois children are facing hunger. To provide support to these students, Yingling voted for Senate Bill 805, which passed the House with bipartisan support. The bill directs the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) to create the School Unused Food Program, which gives food unused by the school to students at no cost to the students. Supporting this legislation is part of Yingling’s efforts to get food to those who need it most. In the past, Yingling has worked to provide food to his constituents by holding a Food Donation Drive in his office.

“Students should be afforded the opportunity to focus on their schoolwork and learning, not having to worry about whether or not they will get to eat,” Yingling said. “This commonsense legislation will reduce needless waste while providing an important service to students and families across Illinois.”