Senator Holmes’ district-wide ‘Food for the Whole Family Drive’ addresses food insecurity for people and pets

• Geneva
• Food for the Whole Family Drive
• Batavia
• Montgomery

Aurora — To fight hunger in our communities, State Senator Linda Holmes is partnering with the Batavia Public Library to host a Food for the Whole Family Drive benefitting the Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry, as well as programs in Montgomery, Aurora and Geneva.

“Without access to free or reduced lunch options provided by the school, the summer months can be especially challenging for struggling families,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “For those of us with extras in our cupboards, we can pitch in to help our neighbors. Food banks have seen more families in need, and we know in many cases, that means every member of the family including pets.”

From now until June 8, community members are encouraged to donate food, including pet food, at the following locations:

1. Village of Montgomery: 200 N. River St., Montgomery, IL 60538
2. Batavia Public Library: 10 S. Batavia Ave., Batavia, IL 60510
3. Aurora Public Library, West Branch: 233 S. Constitution Drive, Aurora, IL 60506
4. Sunset Community Center: 710 Western Ave., Geneva, IL 60134

Detailed lists of most-needed products are on the above graphic. For questions or additional information, contact Senator Holmes’ office at 630-820-8650.

Holmes’ measure helps Illinois farmers get surplus food to families through food banks

• Farm to Food Bank Program
• Food Insecurity
• HB2879

SPRINGFIELD – Growing and raising food for the nation is engrained in Illinois’ character, with a bountiful farming culture throughout the state. However, there are families all over Illinois who live with food insecurity every day. A measure sponsored by State Senator Linda Holmes that will establish a Farm to Food Bank Program to address that gap passed the Senate today.

House Bill 2879 will focus on the food insecurity needs identified by a feasibility study conducted by multiple state agencies. This program will help provide nutritious food to expand the Illinois emergency food system and assist more than a million Illinois citizens.

“Getting farmers’ surplus products into a program that will arrange for timely redistribution to food banks for local availability is a victory for everyone in the process,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “Farmers need a secondary market for off-grade and surplus products; food banks face rising food insecurity and difficulty making products available for their clients; and families need greater access to food, particularly for nutritious fresh products. This measure can fulfill those needs.”

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Senate passes Holmes’ bill to end insurance discrimination based on dog breed

• Homeowners Insurance
• Dog Breed Discrimination
• HB1049

SPRINGFIELD – Right now, families with specific dog breeds sometimes face home or renter insurance discrimination solely because their breed is perceived to be dangerous, resulting in cancelation or stiff premiums for their policies. Longtime animal welfare defender State Senator Linda Holmes wants to prohibit that insurance practice, and her House Bill 1049 to amend insurance code to this effect has passed in the Senate.

"Families should not be punished for owning a specific dog breed, and insurance discrimination only perpetuates harmful stereotypes,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “This measure will help ensure that all dog owners are treated fairly in the insurance market.”

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Holmes protects homeowners, renters from insurance discrimination based on assumptions about their dogs’ breed

• Homeowners Insurance
• Dogs
• Dog Breed Discrimination
• Renters Insurance
• HB1049

SPRINGFIELD – Right now, 65.1 million U.S. households own a dog. From companionship to emotional support, pets are a vital part of their owners’ lives. In fact, 85% of dog owners consider their pets to be a member of the family. Unfortunately, families with specific dog breeds sometimes face insurance discrimination solely because their breed is perceived to be dangerous, resulting in cancelation or stiff premiums for their policies.

Longtime animal welfare defender State Senator Linda Holmes wants to prohibit that insurance practice, with exceptions only for specific dogs involved in documented incidents of dangerous or vicious behavior. Her House Bill 1049 amending insurance code to this effect was heard and passed in Tuesday’s Senate Insurance Committee.

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