Since 2018, retail stores in Oak Park that are 5,000 square feet or larger have charged customers 10 cents for each single-use paper or plastic bag provided at checkout. The program is intended to encourage customers to bring their own shopping bags to avoid taking a single-use, disposable bag, the use of which can be detrimental to the environment. Half of the fee is remitted to the Village to support the community’s Sustainability Fund, while retailers retain the other half. In July, the Village received input from local retailers and neighboring jurisdictions and the Board approved an exemption from this fee for any persons participating in a governmental food assistance program such as LINK, SNAP and WIC. The exemption took immediate effect. Reusable bags are always available free of charge in the lobby at Village Hall, 123 Madison St. For more information, visit www.oak-park.us/bringyourbag.