The Roadmap
The Illinois Food System Roadmap is an initiative designed to strengthen the state’s food system through community-informed planning and coordinated action.
Phase I
Supported by grant funding from the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), Experimental Station convened a Task Force in early 2025 with an initial six-month goal of information gathering — what would an Illinois Food System Roadmap look like; what are the initiatives already underway in the state to improve the food system; who’s working with whom; what are the needs and gaps? This initial phase did not develop a complete Roadmap but instead laid the groundwork for future development, as outlined in the Phase I Report.
A roadmap would bring Illinois in line with many other states. 18 state plans have already been developed to grow their local food systems, and 11 more are in the process of developing (as of 2021 survey).
Phase II
Underway in late 2025, Phase II develops the process and strategies for better state-wide coordination in the food system, all driving toward a shared Vision, and toward implementation in Phase III.
In Phase I we asked:
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What would an Illinois Food System Roadmap look like?
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What are the initiatives already underway to improve the food system?
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Who’s working with whom?
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What are the needs and gaps?
We shared Phase I findings in a Zoom.
Watch the recording here:
The Task Force
Emy Brawley, The Conservation Fund
Rodger Cooley, Sarah-Jayne Ashenhurst CFPAC
Gary Cuneen, Seven Generations Ahead
Libby Ervin, Food Works
Kiara Jackson, Illinois Food Justice Alliance
Janie Maxwell, Illinois Farmers Market Association
Jennifer McCaffrey, University of Illinois Extension
Gina Roxas, Trickster Cultural Center
Raghela Scavuzzo, IFB Specialty Crop Growers Association
Alexandra Sossa, Farmworker & Landscaper Advocacy Project
Connie Spreen, Experimental Station
Liz Moran Stelk, Illinois Stewardship Alliance
Marty Travis, Down at the Farms