Harper-Sponsored Food Infrastructure Bill Becomes Law

CHICAGO IL.— State Rep. Sonya M. Harper, D-Chicago, is celebrating the signing of her bill to increase access to fresh foods in underserved areas. provide grants to businesses that function as local parts of Illinois’ food distribution network.

“As we continue to promote improved access to healthy foods, including fresh produce, in more communities across our region, it’s crucial that we consider the question of how the products of our farms and fields actually reach the stores where families can purchase them,” Harper said. “That’s why I joined my Senate colleagues in creating a program to financially support businesses that move healthy foods through our supply chain.”

Harper introduced Senate Bill 3077 to create a grant program to help businesses that function as local parts of Illinois’ food distribution network. The state Department of Agriculture will develop and administer a Local Food Infrastructure Grant program that supports entities that process, aggregate or distribute agricultural produce in Illinois. 

The bill was passed unanimously, and was signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Aug. 2.

“Every community in our state should have access to healthy, fresh fruits and vegetables—and making that a reality requires those foods and more to be able to make it efficiently to communities that currently don’t have the same access as others,” Harper said. “Change requires investment, and this grant program is an investment in the change we’re seeking in order to keep Illinois moving forward.”