ACCESS TO NUTRITION PROGRAM Senate SponsorsSen. Dale Fowler, Sally J. Turner, Tom Bennett, Seth Lewis, Rachel Ventura, Javier L. Cervantes, Michael W. Halpin, David Koehler, Terri Bryant, Erica Harriss and Mary Edly-Allen House Sponsors(Rep. Patrick Windhorst) 1/7/2025SenateSession Sine Die 20 ILCS 205/205-360 newAmends the Department of Agriculture Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that the Department of Agriculture shall conduct an access to nutritious food program to establish and operate projects and strategies within food deserts that focus on: (1) distribution of fresh and nutritious food; and (2) education in food preparation and nutrition. Provides that the Department shall promote the sharing of information concerning best practices and programs, including specified projects, that have proven to be effective in improving distribution of fresh and nutritious food and education in food preparation and nutrition. Provides that the Department shall convene an annual meeting of nonprofit organizations and other interested parties to share best practices and information on programs, including specified projects, that have proven to be effective in improving distribution of fresh and nutritious food and education in food preparation and nutrition. Defines "food desert" and "program". 2/6/2024SenateFiled with Secretary by Sen. Dale Fowler 2/6/2024SenateFirst Reading 2/6/2024SenateReferred to Assignments 2/20/2024SenateAssigned to Agriculture 3/7/2024SenateDo Pass Agriculture; 012-000-000 3/7/2024SenatePlaced on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading March 12, 2024 3/14/2024SenateSecond Reading 3/14/2024SenatePlaced on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading March 20, 2024 4/3/2024SenateAdded as Co-Sponsor Sen. Sally J. Turner 4/9/2024SenateAdded as Co-Sponsor Sen. Tom Bennett 4/9/2024SenateThird Reading - Passed; 055-000-000 4/9/2024SenateAdded as Co-Sponsor Sen. Seth Lewis 4/9/2024SenateAdded as Co-Sponsor Sen. Rachel Ventura 4/9/2024HouseArrived in House 4/9/2024SenateAdded as Co-Sponsor Sen. Javier L. Cervantes 4/9/2024SenateAdded as Co-Sponsor Sen. Michael W. Halpin 4/9/2024SenateAdded as Co-Sponsor Sen. David Koehler 4/9/2024SenateAdded as Co-Sponsor Sen. Terri Bryant 4/9/2024SenateAdded as Co-Sponsor Sen. Erica Harriss 4/10/2024HouseChief House Sponsor Rep. Patrick Windhorst 4/11/2024HouseFirst Reading 4/11/2024HouseReferred to Rules Committee 4/11/2024SenateAdded as Co-Sponsor Sen. Mary Edly-Allen 4/15/2024HouseAssigned to Agriculture & Conservation Committee 5/3/2024HouseRule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee 1/7/2025SenateSession Sine Die