Gov. Quinn Signs Local Food Laws To Benefit Low Income Families, Schools

By Chuck Sudo in Food on Jul 20, 2010 5:40PM

Gov. Quinn signed into law Saturday two new pieces of legislation aimed at making it easier for low income families and schools to obtain local food. The Farmers' Market Technology Improvement Act will help facilitate farmers markets and alternative models of distribution such as roadside farm stands, mobile farmers markets, farm-fresh food kiosks, home delivery, and urban farm stands across Illinois to accept food stamp benefits disbursed under the Illinois LINK program. The Farm-to-School database will be a database created by the Illinois Department of Agriculture which will connect local farmers with school districts looking to add fresh produce to their school lunch programs.

The two new laws are landmark pieces of legislation. This being Illinois, however, we do have reservations as to how they'll be implemented. The Farmers' Market Technology Improvement Act, which went into effect immediately, allows for the already bone dry state treasury to establish a fund for the markets, food stands, kiosks and home delivery programs to purchase or lease wireless POS terminals capable of processing LINK disbursement benefits,reimburse transaction fees related to the purchases, and provide outreach to LINK participants. Meanwhile, we agree with Heartland Meats owner John Sondgeroth, who told the Tribune that the Farm-to-School database (which goes into effect January 1, 2011) is a great opportunity if school districts would follow through on it. "But I don't think they have the funds," Sondgeroth said. "When they're cutting teachers, I don't know how much money they're going to have to spend on fresh food."