SPRINGFIELD – Farmer-owned grocery stores or markets can now apply for grants thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Doris Turner.

“With this expansion, we are prioritizing our small-scale farmers who work every day to put food on our tables,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Food deserts, especially in Central and Southern Illinois, deprive people of fresh, nutritious foods. This is an important step to tackling food deserts while uplifting our farmers.”

Senate Bill 3219 expands 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.

Turner’s law came in response to conversations with Jenny Sauer-Schmidgall who founded Grab ‘n’ Go Greenhouse, a “self-service” grocery store in Riggston that sells local products in the area.

“With the passing of this bill, it will give the opportunity to farmers, community members and rural communities as a whole to create a locally sourced food hub providing affordable, nutritious foods,” said Sauer-Schmidgall. “It will also help provide practical rural development and commerce by keeping all food and revenue within the community itself. It’s a win-win, and I’m proud to be a part of such an important bill on behalf of small farmers everywhere.”

Senate Bill 3219 was signed into law Friday and takes effect Jan. 1, 2025.