IL HB3884

Department of Human Services shall annually identify and track food deserts statewide by conducting block-by-block food and health studies within census tracts, community areas, and postal zip codes, excluding areas with very small or zero populations.

Department must collect minimum data including average distance in miles to closest full-service or small grocery stores, average distance to closest fast food restaurants, and ratio of grocery stores to fast food restaurants for each residential area.

Department shall submit annual reports on food desert findings to the General Assembly beginning October 1, 2018 and each October 1 thereafter, with reports posted on the Department's official website.

Each municipality identified as having a food desert must develop a comprehensive plan to combat nutritional challenges for residents in those areas.

Municipalities must submit annual progress reports to the Department of Human Services beginning October 1, 2019, detailing measures taken and planned to improve access to healthy, affordable food options in food deserts.