Navigating Legislative Landscapes: Advocating for Food Security in Missouri and Illinois
Operation Food Search provides food and services to 200,000 people each month through a network of hundreds of partners in Missouri and Illinois. As such, we are actively engaged in the Missouri and Illinois legislative sessions from January to May. Each state holds unique challenges and opportunities for addressing food security, and our Government and Community Affairs team is keeping a close watch on legislation that impacts our work. We are engaging with lawmakers, testifying at hearings and finding as many opportunities as possible to inform stakeholders about the importance of supporting food security efforts.
Food Security Highlights in Missouri
- Summer EBT Program The Missouri legislature approved funding for the Summer EBT program for 2024 and 2025, ensuring continued support for food-insecure families during the summer months.
- Maybe Next Year Several other food security bills made significant progress, although they did not pass this session. These include:
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- House Bill 1777 and Senate Bill 905: These bills would allow Missouri to opt out of a federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) ban that prevents nonviolent drug offenders from ever applying for food assistance. Key supporters include Mary Elizabeth Coleman (R-Jefferson County) and Lauren Arthur (D-Clay).
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- House Bill 2438 and House Bill 2730: Tax credits for food access legislation gained momentum this year by offering tax relief for opening a grocery store in a food desert. The bill was unable to cross the finish line this time but may have a chance in the next session. Supporters include Weber (D-Kansas City) and Dane Diehl (R-Butler).
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- House Bill 1730: The Food Pantry Tax Credit would have expanded the cap on tax credits that can be claimed for donations to food pantries. It was sponsored by Representative Phil Amato (R-Jefferson County).
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- Restaurant Meals Program: This program, championed by Senator Mosley (D-St. Louis County), aims to allow seniors, people with disabilities, and the homeless to use SNAP benefits for hot meals at approved restaurants.
Food Security Highlights in Illinois
- Summer EBT Program Illinois will participate in the nationwide Summer EBT program, benefiting 49% of public school students who qualify for free or reduced lunch.
- HR0625: The Black Farmers Week Resolution 2024 Farmers, growers and food advocates from across the state celebrated Black Farmers Week at the Second Annual Black Farmers and Growers Lobby Day. The event, organized by Rep. Sonya Harper and supported by Illinois Stewardship Alliance and partners, brought more than 120 farmers and advocates to the Capitol to raise awareness for the existence of Black farmers and growers in Illinois. Operation Food Search attended the event this year.
- SB3077: This state grant program, funded at $2 million, supports underserved farmers and communities, promoting local food production and distribution. Because of this bill, you may see more mills, canneries, food hubs and community kitchens, as well as greater access to locally-grown fresh fruits and veggies and Illinois flour, pickles, jams, tomato sauces, frozen meats, and more.
- SB2617: Cottage Food This Senate bill addresses registration issues in two Southern Illinois counties that do not have health departments. This allows for mobile farmers markets to sell their products in food deserts and high-need communities.
- Socially Disadvantaged Farmer Grants: The Senate budget includes $2.5 million for grants to disadvantaged and urban farmers, aiding those who face significant barriers to land and equipment access.
- Maybe Next Year
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- HB5052: The proposed Statewide Good Food Purchasing Policy aims to improve transparency in procurement and increase state purchases from local, healthy, sustainable, and fair businesses.
Looking Ahead
Operation Food Search will continue to educate lawmakers in Missouri and Illinois about food insecurity and our innovative programming. The future of the federal Farm Bill, set to expire on September 30, remains uncertain, with contrasting versions being drafted by the Republican-controlled House and the Democratic-controlled Senate. The bill has historically had bipartisan support but may be stalled until after the November elections. The House Agriculture Committee recently voted to cut $30 billion from future SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits for low-income families. National and local advocacy coalitions are working to prevent cuts to SNAP benefits.
This summer, our focus will be on ensuring successful legislative sessions in 2025 by advocating for policies that address the intersection of food and health.
For more information and updates, stay tuned to Operation Food Search’s government and community relations efforts. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those facing food insecurity in Missouri and Illinois.
