IL SB0629

Amends the Department of Agriculture Law to establish an access to nutritious food program focused on distributing fresh and nutritious food and providing education in food preparation and nutrition in food deserts.

Defines "food desert" as underserved geographic areas where fresh food is difficult to obtain, including rural or urban areas where 25% of households have incomes below federal poverty level, or where at least 500 residents or 33% of the population lives more than one mile from a supermarket (or 10 miles in non-metropolitan areas).

Requires the Department to promote sharing of information about best practices and effective programs for improving food distribution and nutrition education in food deserts.

Mandates the Department convene an annual meeting with nonprofit organizations and interested parties to share best practices and information on programs that have proven effective in improving access to fresh food and nutrition education in food deserts.