By Andi Anderson
Illinois has expanded its Local Food Infrastructure Grant program to help farmers, food producers, and small businesses strengthen the systems needed to bring locally grown food to communities across the state.
Through the Illinois Department of Agriculture, a total of $3.6 million in grant funding is available for applicants until March 27. Selected recipients will receive funds in June.
This program aims to reduce the state’s reliance on food purchased from outside Illinois by supporting essential infrastructure such as cold storage, processing tools, refrigerated transport, and distribution networks.
Applicants must complete a required pre‑registration before submitting their full applications. More details are available on the Department of Agriculture’s website.
The goal of the program is to make fresh, locally grown food more accessible and encourage economic growth within Illinois communities.
Highlighting the importance of such support, Sen. David Koehler, D‑Peoria, stated, "When we say farm-to-home food, we forget about the critical infrastructure in between. This investment ensures that our food makes it from farm to local food processor and distribution safely and cleanly to your plates at home."
The Illinois Stewardship Alliance, which first administered the program in 2023, helped bring the idea forward after identifying major gaps in infrastructure for local food systems. Molly Pickering, policy director for the alliance, explained their vision, saying, “We believe Illinois farmers can feed Illinois, but we need programs and policies to support these farmers.”
She also emphasized the financial importance of local food, noting, “We know that in Illinois, 95% of the food that we eat is imported from out of state. That means every time we spend money on food, all that money is flowing to corporations and companies out of state. It's not staying in our communities. It's not being reinvested in our communities.”
The state has now taken over the administration of the program. Although $2 million was allocated for fiscal year 2025, delays meant some funds rolled over into the current grant cycle. Supporters argue that strong local food infrastructure is essential for a reliable and resilient food system.
As Liz Moran Stelk, executive director of the Illinois Stewardship Alliance, stated, "Local food doesn't move itself. Farmers across Illinois are ready to meet growing demand for locally produced food, but they need the infrastructure to do it."
Past grant recipients show the impact of this funding. Sola Gratia Farm in Urbana purchased a refrigerated delivery van and processing tools, enabling expanded deliveries to schools, food pantries, and neighborhood markets. Funks Grove Heritage Fruits & Grains in McLean County invested in grain processing equipment, which improved product quality and reduced waste.
Sen. Doris Turner, D‑Springfield, praised the program’s benefits, saying, “Everyone benefits when we empower our local farmers. By fortifying the food system, we are supporting our local farmers and mitigating food insecurity. This funding will expand access to fresh, local foods, strengthen the local economy and grow the food supply chain.”
The Illinois Stewardship Alliance continues to advocate for stable, long‑term funding to keep the program growing in future years.
Photo Credit: pexels-julia-m-cameron
Categories: Illinois, Rural Lifestyle