Bill > HB3716

This bill establishes a new grant program through the Illinois Department of Agriculture designed to support local farmers in providing free, healthy food to expectant mothers with limited financial resources. Specifically, the bill defines key terms such as "expectant mother" (a pregnant individual) and "expectant mother in need" (a pregnant woman whose household income is at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines), and creates a grant opportunity for farmers to receive up to $250,000 to help cover the costs of distributing food to eligible expectant mothers who live in the same county or within 20 miles of the farmer's farm. The grant program will be subject to legislative appropriation, and the Department of Agriculture will be responsible for developing specific rules and guidelines for implementation. By connecting local agricultural producers directly with pregnant women facing economic challenges, the bill aims to support both agricultural businesses and maternal nutrition in Illinois communities.

Budget and Finance

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=3716&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104