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Join Monday's Zoom to Boost State Purchase of Local Food in Illinois
- Bob Benenson
- Mar 16
- 3 min read
Advocates Seek Law to Boost Farm to Institution Sales
Sorry about the short notice, but if you believe the Illinois government should increase its institutional purchases of healthy, sustainable local food, then you may want to take an hour out of your Monday to participate in this event.
The Action Huddle to Rally Around the Good Food Purchasing Law, presented by Illinois Food Justice Alliance, takes place online tomorrow (Monday, March 17) at noon central time.
It precedes by one day a hearing by the state House Agriculture & Conservation Committee on House Bill 3701, which would create a requirement that the state's institutional food buyers — including veterans homes, hospitals, universities, schools, and prisons — increase their purchases from local farms and businesses.
Here are the details from the organizers, with links below to participate:
My name is Kiara Jackson, director of the Illinois Food Justice Alliance, a multi-sectoral and statewide coalition focused on transforming the Illinois food system via policy. I am thrilled to connect with you all to share some exciting updates regarding the Good Food Purchasing Law and how you can support the advancement of this legislation.
Illinois spends hundreds of millions each year on food for public institutions — including veterans homes, hospitals, universities, schools, and prisons. Yet, big food corporations continue to secure huge food contracts with no accountability for their labor standards, sustainability measures, fair wages, or humane practices — only the lowest bid.
But it doesn't have to be that way.
HB 3701 is poised to change that and to leverage the power of institutional purchasing to transform food systems and address systemic inequities.
HB 3701, The Good Food Purchasing Law, is set for a hearing on March 18th at 2:00pm, and we need your support to help it move forward!
HB 3701 will work towards making Illinois’ state-level public food procurement system more transparent, equitable, and accountable—ensuring state agencies prioritize local economies, sustainability, worker rights, animal welfare, and nutrition in their purchasing decisions.
By aligning public taxpayer dollars with these values, we can create a food system that strengthens communities, redirects millions into the local economy, supports local farmers and food businesses, and ensures healthier food across Illinois.
Click the 1st button below to read the details of the bill, and the 2nd button to register for Monday's discussion.
The Alliance is also seeking those willing and able to attend the hearing and testify in support of the proposal. If you can do this, the following provides information about how to file a witness slip, with a link to do so.
Now is the time to act. Submitting a witness slip is a quick and effective way to show lawmakers that this bill matters to you and that Illinoisans care about where their food comes from and how it impacts communities. Let’s make Illinois a leader in values-based food procurement.
Please take a moment to submit a witness slip in support of the bill. Before the bill can move forward, it must be passed by the Committee. A strong showing of support for The Good Food Purchasing Law will help push HB 3701 through the committee. Your participation matters, and together, we can make a difference.
Fill out the following:Your name, address, organization/title, and email/phone.If you represent an organization, add that information. If you are filing as yourself, simply put “Self.” Select, “Proponent” under position and then select “Record of Appearance Only” under testimony. Fill in the reCAPTCHA, agree to the terms, and then hit “Create (Slip).”
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