Bill > HB4721

This bill amends the Grocery Initiative Act to expand its scope and financial assistance programs. It now explicitly includes "mobile farmers markets," which are farmers markets operating from movable vehicles that can change locations and sell directly to consumers, and "online farmers markets," which are online platforms selling products primarily from Illinois farmers with delivery or pick-up options. The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), the state agency responsible for administering these programs, can now award grants not only for traditional grocery store initiatives but also for technology upgrades, such as software and point-of-sale systems, to improve efficiency and accessibility for these new types of markets and existing grocery stores. This expansion aims to further increase access to healthy foods in underserved areas, often referred to as "food deserts," by supporting a wider range of food access points.

https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=4721&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104