FarmersMarketFresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables could make their way to more kitchens and family dinner tables under a measure overwhelmingly approved by the Illinois Senate on Monday.

Legislation sponsored by Senator Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) and Representative Mike Tryon (R-Crystal Lake) would enable low-income Illinoisans to purchase fresh, healthy food at more local farmers markets using their government nutrition assistance benefits.

“People all over Illinois are trying to achieve healthier lifestyles and discovering the value of farmers markets as a resource for fresh, locally grown food. Means should not be a barrier to this alternative,” Harmon said.

“This change will encourage more people who must stretch their food dollars as far as possible each month to look to the local farmers market as an option for discovering affordable, healthy food for themselves and for their families.”

House Bill 6027 would create the Healthy Local Food Incentive Program and would enable SNAP benefits to be accepted more widely at farmers markets across Illinois. It also would enable the state to leverage matching federal dollars for the program.

The legislation has the support of numerous advocacy organizations that promote healthy lifestyles, including the American Heart Association, the American Diabetes Association, the Illinois State Alliance of YMCAs, the Illinois Alliance to Prevent Obesity and more.

Several well-known Chicago chefs, including Rick Bayless, Jason Hammel, Paul Kahan and Matthias Merges – each of whom showcase local produce on their menus and encourage home cooks to do the same – have expressed support for the initiative, too.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2014 National Farmers Market Directory, Illinois ranks fifth for the number of farmers markets that can be found in communities around the state.

The Illinois Senate passed the measure 51-0 Monday. The House unanimously approved it in April. It now goes to Gov. Bruce Rauner to be signed into law.