Illinois Lawmaker Seeks Healthier Local Options At Rest Stop Vending Machines

SPRINGFIELD, IL -- State Rep. Don Moffitt (R-Gilson) introduced legislation that urges the Illinois Department of Transportation to include "healthy" and Illinois-made snacks in vending machines at rest stops along the state's highways.

The bill would require the agency to mandate at least three snacks containing less than 220 calories for every 10 snacks that are offered in machines. And two of those three products would have to be made in Illinois.

If passed, the law would apply to all 30 rest areas and 11 welcome centers that IDOT operates.

"Anyone who has done much traveling knows how hard it can be to eat healthy while on the road," Moffitt said. "With this legislation we are helping Illinoisans and visitors to our state to find some healthy options."

Moffitt's proposal follows the debut of Taste NY vending machines at New York's highway rest stops that promote and sell locally produced agricultural items.