SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to address food deserts, State Senator Doris Turner is leading a measure that would provide grants for farmer-owned grocery stores or markets.

“Rural communities across Illinois are often in food deserts,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Everyone deserves access to fresh, nutritious foods no matter where they live.”

Senate Bill 3219 would expand on the 2023 Illinois Grocery Initiative by allowing the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to provide grants for equipment upgrades for farmer-owned grocery stores or markets. Currently, DCEO provides these grants to existing independently owned for-profit grocery stores, cooperative grocery stores or not-for-profit grocery stores.

Turner’s initiative comes in response to a “self-service” grocery store in Riggston that sells products in the area, providing local products to consumers.

“Agriculture drives our state’s economy,” said Turner. “Allowing farmer-owned grocery stores and markets to receive grants would help boost our local economies while uplifting our farmers.”

Senate Bill 3219 passed the Senate Agriculture Committee with bipartisan support.