DHS-MUNICIPALITIES-FOOD DESERT

Amends the Department of Human Services Act. Requires the Department of Human Services to annually identify and track all food deserts located within the State by conducting a Statewide block-by-block food and health study within each census tract, community area, and postal zip code of the State, excluding areas with very small or zero populations. Defines "food desert". Requires the Department to collect and use certain data to identify the locations of food deserts within the State including: (i) the average distance, in miles, to the closest full-service grocery store or independent or small grocery store for each residential block, census tract, community area, and postal zip code; and (ii) the average distance, in miles, to the closest fast food restaurant for each residential block, census tract, community area, and postal zip code. Defines "fast food restaurant". Provides that beginning October 1, 2018 and for each October 1 thereafter, the Department shall submit an annual report on its findings to the General Assembly and post the report on the Department's official website. Amends the Illinois Municipal Code. Requires each municipality with a community or geographical area that is identified as a food desert by the Department in its annual report to develop a comprehensive plan on how to combat the nutritional challenges faced by residents located within a food desert. Provides that beginning October 1, 2019 and for each year thereafter, each municipality shall submit a report to the Department on the progress of its plan, including a detailed account of the measures taken and planned by the municipality to improve access to healthy, affordable food options for residents located within a food desert.