SPRINGFIELD — As many communities in Illinois still grapple with limited access to quality, healthy food, State Senator Mattie Hunter is sponsoring a measure aimed at looking into the effectiveness of efforts to reduce food deserts.

“Access to quality and fresh food is a basic right that each person in our community deserves,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “Although the state has taken steps to address these inequities, it is imperative that we continue to reflect on the initiatives aimed at addressing this issue and learn more about what can be done in the future.”

In the 3^rd District, neighborhoods including Englewood and Woodlawn are considered food deserts. In response to the lack of access to fresh food, Hunter spearheaded a law in 2022 that created the Healthy Food Development Program to provide financial assistance to grocery stores, corner stores, farmers' markets, and other small food retailers in order to help provide healthy food to communities.

House Bill 1607 would create the Task Force on Eliminating Food Deserts within the Illinois Department of Public Health. The task force would review the effectiveness of current efforts to eliminate food deserts, advise the General Assembly on the best practices for eliminating food deserts and submit a report of their findings to the governor.

“This is a step in the right direction to ensure our neighbors have access to the nutritious food they need to live long, healthy lives,” said Hunter.

House Bill 1607 passed the Senate on Sunday.