2. BACKGROUND: STATE OF THE ILLINOIS LOCAL FOOD SYSTEM
A) The Changing Paradigm: The Importance of Building a Diverse, Resilient and Sustainable Food System
The concept of building a diverse, resilient, and sustainable food system is a critical shift in the way Illinois approaches food production and consumption. Conventional food systems have been globalized, with crops grown in one part of the world and transported to consumers in another. While this model has provided an abundance of food in many regions, it has also led to a range of issues that we are now grappling with, including food insecurity, environmental impacts, and a lack of community control of food production.
Building such a system requires creating a network of local farmers, producers, food processors, distributors, and consumers who work together to produce and consume food in a way that strengthens the community, supports the environment, and ensures access to healthy, fresh food.
Why Is Building a Diverse, Sustainable, and Resilient Illinois Food System Important?
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY:
Reducing food miles and transportation emissions: Long-distance food transportation is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. By building local food sheds, we can cut down on the carbon footprint of food production and distribution.
Protecting biodiversity: Local, sustainable food systems often prioritize organic farming practices, regenerative agriculture, and crop diversity, all of which help protect local ecosystems and biodiversity.
Conserving resources: By adopting sustainable farming techniques and using resources like water and soil in a more responsible way, local food systems can reduce waste and reliance on non-renewable resources.
ECONOMIC RESILIENCE:
Strengthening local economies: Supporting local farmers and food businesses keeps money within the community. It also creates jobs and boosts economic activity in rural and urban areas alike.
Reducing reliance on global supply chains: The COVID-19 pandemic and other crises have highlighted how fragile global supply chains can be. A local food system can buffer against these shocks by fostering more self-sufficiency and shorter supply chains.
Supporting diversified farms: farms that focus on diversified products (as opposed to monocultures) can thrive in local food systems, leading to greater resilience in the agricultural sector.
SOCIAL AND HEALTH BENEFITS:
Access to fresh, nutritious food: Local food systems often provide fresh, seasonal produce, which can be healthier and more nutritious compared to food that has been stored for long periods or heavily processed.
Reducing food insecurity: Local food systems can ensure that communities have access to healthy, affordable food, particularly in underserved or food-insecure areas.
Building community connections: Local foodsheds foster closer connections between farmers, producers, and consumers. This not only strengthens the social fabric but also encourages more sustainable eating habits.
FOOD SYSTEM RESILIENCE:
Reducing vulnerability to external factors: By having a more localized system of food production, communities are less vulnerable to international trade disruptions, climate change impacts, and other external factors that affect global food availability.
Promoting diversity in food production: A diverse, resilient food system is less likely to be wiped out by pests, diseases, or extreme weather events. This variety also ensures that food systems are less prone to disruption due to geopolitics or pandemics and more adaptable to changes in demand.
LAND AND CAPITAL ACCESS:
Promoting long-term access to farmland for food production: As farmland becomes increasingly threatened by urban development and land speculation, securing long-term access allows farmers to invest in the land, adopt sustainable practices, and diversify crops.
Prioritizing land ownership by farmers: Traditionally, farmland ownership has been an inheritance passed from generation to generation. Now, less than 25% of Illinois farmland is owned by farmers. Most of Illinois’ farmland is owned by corporations that drive up the cost of farmland and prioritize shareholder profits over land and water stewardship. This affects both food-producing and commodity crop farmers.
Addressing disparities in access to land, capital, and infrastructure: Historically marginalized communities often face systemic barriers that limit their ability to participate fully in food production and distribution.
SAFE AND LIVABLE WORKING CONDITIONS:
Working to ensure livable incomes: Many small and independent farmers struggle to cover basic costs due to low market prices and limited bargaining power. Supporting fair pricing structures, cooperative models, and agricultural policy reforms can help ensure farmers receive livable incomes for their work.
Ensuring safe working conditions: Many food system workers face unsafe environments, and limited protections, despite their essential contribution to keeping communities fed. Strengthening labor standards and supporting worker-led initiatives can help improve conditions across the food chain.
CULTURAL PRESERVATION:
Supporting traditional food cultures: Food systems are deeply tied to culture and heritage including the diverse immigrant communities who continue to settle in Illinois. A local, sustainable food system can help preserve traditional farming practices and regional food customs, while also adapting to new, sustainable methods. This creates a more holistic food culture that blends modern sustainability with the richness of local tradition.
Building a local, resilient, and sustainable food system is an important step toward addressing the challenges of climate change, food insecurity, and the environmental impacts communities face. It offers Illinois an opportunity to rethink our food systems. By investing in a local food system, we can create a more sustainable and equitable future for the state.
B) The Current State of the Illinois Food System
A key way to view the Illinois food system is through the eyes and experience of farmers like our Task Force member, Marty Travis, the co-founder of Down at the Farms and co-owner of Spence Farm.
Down at the Farms is a farmer-to-farmer marketing and delivery service based outside of Fairbury, Illinois. They represent over 100 local food producers in Central Illinois and sell to chefs, grocers, buying clubs, institutions, and corporate kitchens.
His reflection on the arc of Down at the Farms’ progress:
“Much of this work in retrospect began with an early 2000’s meeting at Spence Farm with Abby Mandel and a number of individual chefs and staff from the City of Chicago Mayor’s office. The idea of an aggregation hub came from the realization that most farmers have no interest in driving to the city to deliver their products. The continued support of farmers from across the state and region supports that realization. Being able to continue to support infrastructure advancement and reproduction of similar aggregation hubs across the state and Midwest is an important aspect to the recreation of a vibrant local food system. Collaboration is very important and vital to the well-being of all participants in this system. Financial infusions into building capacity for infrastructure and education for local farmers is important for this success to happen. Relationship building skills are also important and desperately needed for leaders to understand both sides of the equation.
The efforts being made with this Roadmap goal are valuable and deserving of greater involvement from state and community leaders. Change can happen very quickly when everyone believes that good things are possible. It will take many more farmers in order to fill the demand for great local food. That creates opportunities for educational and business entities to help train and equip these new generations of farmers to achieve success and thrive. Having the ability to collaborate together greatly increases the likelihood of success in feeding our neighbors. With that perspective in mind, Down at the Farms offers its past experiences and future visions to the cause.”
Illinois has implemented a variety of initiatives over the past five years to enhance its food system, focusing on improving access to nutritious foods, supporting local agriculture, and addressing food insecurity. Below is an overview of key state or federal programs:
Illinois Farm to Food Bank
Established through House Bill 2879, which was signed into law in 2023, the Illinois Farm to Food Bank Program aims to expand resources for food banks while supporting local farmers. The program facilitates the acquisition and distribution of surplus fresh produce, meat, dairy, and eggs to organizations serving those in need. In fiscal year 2024, the program received a $2.5 million investment, building upon a successful pilot that distributed nearly 3 million pounds of food in its initial years. In fiscal year 2025, the program received a $5 million dollar investment to increase programming.
Illinois Grocery Initiative
Launched to address food deserts and prevent grocery store closures, the Illinois Grocery Initiative provides grants for new store establishments and equipment upgrades. In October 2024, Governor JB Pritzker announced $7.9 million in grants, supporting 11 projects aimed at enhancing access to fresh, affordable food. Additionally, $11 million was allocated for a second round of grants to further expand grocery access in underserved areas.
Local Food for Schools (LFS)
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Local Food for Schools (LFS) program provides grants to schools to purchase locally sourced foods, supporting regional farmers and offering students fresh options. Despite federal funding challenges, the program received a $7.4 million state grant, extended through January 2026, to continue operations. Schools are encouraged to contact the Illinois State Board of Education for participation details.
IL-EATS
IL-EATS is an initiative designed to enhance access to healthy, locally produced foods across Illinois. Local food purchasing for food banks began in 2024, funded by a cooperative agreement with USDA through the Local Food Purchasing Assistance program administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services and University of Illinois-Extension. Over its first year of operation, IL-EATS connected thousands of consumers with Illinois’ underrepresented food producers to promote healthier eating habits. As of March 2025, IL-EATS has distributed $16.2 million to 15 lead agencies and 176 farmers across 85 counties.
Local Food Infrastructure Grant (LFIG)
The Local Food Infrastructure Grant (LFIG) program supports the development of infrastructure that facilitates the distribution of local foods. With an initial $2 million in state funding in 2024, LFIG funding has been directed toward projects that enhance food processing, storage, and distribution capabilities, aiming to strengthen local food systems and economies. Specific funding amounts and project details vary annually.
Illinois Product
Established in 1987, this program uses the “Illinois Product” logo to identify items that are produced, processed, packaged, or headquartered in Illinois. Consumers can look for this logo to ensure they are purchasing goods that support local businesses and contribute to the state’s economy.
Illinois Grown
Launched in February 2025, the “Illinois Grown” initiative highlights products either grown within the state or containing at least one ingredient sourced from Illinois. The program aims to connect consumers with local farmers and producers, fostering community support and economic growth. Consumers are encouraged to pledge spending $10 of their weekly grocery budget on Illinois Grown items, which could reinvest millions into the local economy.
Illinois Cottage Food Law
The Illinois Cottage Food Law, expanded by the Home-to-Market Act in 2022, allows home-based food entrepreneurs to sell non-hazardous foods directly to consumers through various channels, including online, farmers markets, events, and roadside stands.
Producers must register with local health departments, follow labeling requirements, and adhere to safety standards. The law promotes economic opportunities, especially for women, minorities, and low-income individuals, while ensuring food safety. It also improves consumer access to locally made foods, boosting local economies.
IL State Treasurer Ag Invest
The Ag Invest Agriculture Operating Line of Credit Loan program makes loans more affordable for farmers and agricultural professionals. The loans can be used to help pay for the annual start-up costs associated with seed, fertilizer, plants, salaries, transportation cost, transitioning, milling, processing, crop insurance, and other qualified expenses.
Good Food Purchasing Program
The Good Food Purchasing Program (GFPP) sets standards for food procurement by institutions with local economic development, environmental sustainability, fair treatment and conditions for workers, animal welfare, and health as pillars. The Policy also prioritizes accountability, transparency, and equity as core values and practices. The City of Chicago, Chicago Public Schools, Chicago Park District, and Cook County (hospital and corrections) all adopted the policy and have been implementing it since 2018 with the close support of the Chicago Food Policy Action Council. GFPP was originally developed by the Los Angeles Food Policy Council and is now being implemented by over 70 institutions in 26 cities across the United States.
Healthy Local Food Incentives Fund
The Healthy Local Food Incentives Fund was created as a special fund in the Illinois State Treasury for the purpose of implementing the Healthy Local Food Incentives Program. The Department of Human Services makes an annual grant of $500,000 from the Fund to a qualified Illinois non-profit organization, which then distributes those funds to participating Illinois farmers markets. The purpose of these funds is to provide matching dollar incentives for the dollar value of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits spent on GusNIP-eligible fruits and vegetables at participating Illinois farmers markets and direct producer-to-consumer venues.
Growing for Kane
The Growing for Kane Program was launched to support food growers in all areas of Kane county operating at any scale of production. Since the program’s inception, the Kane County Agriculture Committee and County Board have directed numerous projects to support growers including grant programs, technical training, and food system studies. The County also plays a role in connecting local producers with buyers, distributors, and other value chain contributors to help expand their economic opportunities. Kane County has protected 4,927 acres of farmland from future development through their Farmland Protection Program.
Illinois Specialty Crop Block Grant
In 2025, Illinois has been allocated $679,000 from the USDA to support the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). The SCBGP is intended to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. Specialty crops are defined as “fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture).” These funds are supporting projects that expand the availability of fresh, locally-grown produce and strengthen the competitiveness of the state’s specialty crop industry vis-a-vis imported specialty crops.
While Illinois has made significant strides in enhancing its food system through various state funded and organized programs, recent federal funding challenges including grant and program cancellations, staff reductions, and massive shifts in policy priorities have posed major obstacles requiring rapid responses by state and local governments and by businesses across the food supply chain. These shifts are underscoring the need for sustainable and resilient funding mechanisms to support local food initiatives.
C) What’s Working in Illinois
Illinois is fortunate to have a variety of organizations working statewide and within specific regions that are helping to build a local, resilient and sustainable Illinois Food System. Below are listed a handful of organizations that are working to build innovative infrastructure for Illinois’ food system.
You can find more food system organizations in Illinois communities at Resources.
Artisan Grain Collaborative
The Artisan Grain Collaborative (AGC) creates a diverse regional grainshed in the Upper Midwest built upon regenerative agricultural practices that steward the health of communities, local economies, and natural resources. AGC is a network of farmers, makers, and advocates working to strengthen the Midwest grainshed from seed to table. (Midwest)
Black Oaks Center for Sustainable Living
The Black Oaks Center’s mission is to create resilience on a community level. The Center’s 10-acre teaching farm on the 40-acre eco-campus is located in the historic Black farming community of Pembroke Township, Illinois. The residents of Pembroke Township are stewards of the Kankakee Sands, one of the most prized ecosystems in Illinois and home to the endangered dwarfed black oaks. They carry forward this tradition of stewardship, which dates back to the people indigenous to this land, the Potawatomi. (Pembroke Township)
Community Food Navigator
Community Food Navigator works towards greater food sovereignty for all people. They focus on supporting the Black, brown, and Indigenous growers, producers, educators, and organizers in Chicago’s food ecosystem working towards widespread food sovereignty. The Community Food Navigator App is an equitable hub for knowledge in a growing community. Designed by and for those who grow food, the App is a space to connect, collaborate, and share information and resources. (Chicago)
Down at the Farms
Down at the Farms offers marketing and distribution services to more than 120 family farmers in the Illinois region, while connecting them to chefs, restaurants, corporate kitchens, prescription food programs, community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs, charities, grant programs, and more. Growers use organic practices (and beyond) and are required to focus on improving the flavor and nutrient density of the food they are producing. (Central Illinois)
Feeding Illinois
Feeding Illinois is the association of Feeding America food banks that serve Illinois. They provide food and other services to every county in Illinois through a vast network of member agencies and specialized feeding programs. Each food bank has identified the specific needs of their communities and has developed a comprehensive array of programs and services to combat hunger in their region. This organization pioneered the Farm to Food Bank program for the state through grants; feasibility studies; a pilot program; and is now being administered by the state as a permanent program. (Illinois)
Jo Daviess Local Foods
Jo Daviess Local Foods (JDLF) is an online farmers market featuring local food and products. JDLF helps producers work together to meet the growing demand for local, sustainable food in Jo Daviess County. Ordering from JDLF helps to build and support the local food community, preserve agricultural land for future use, and reduce the region’s carbon footprint. (Jo Daviess County)
LEAF Food Hub
LEAF Food Hub in Southern Illinois is an online farmers market and a farmer-owned cooperative focused on providing fresh, locally grown food. They connect consumers with local farmers and makers, who offer a variety of seasonal produce, meats, cheeses, and other products. Their mission is to support sustainable agriculture, nurture the land, and strengthen the local community by providing a direct connection between consumers and producers. (Southern Illinois)
MarketMaker
MarketMaker is a national food directory working with individual state organizations to develop regional food mapping that can be shared locally and nationally. In Illinois, the local food directory is free for food and farm businesses to market their products. This serves as the official state local food directory with over 3,500 food and farm businesses. The program partners with 13 local and state organizations to develop and maintain the database. This collaboration of organizations helps share and promote the directory while also providing technical assistance to the businesses. This serves to help small businesses create B2B connections, develop online sales, and conduct statewide marketing. (Illinois)
Urban Growers Collective
Urban Growers Collective (UGC) is a non-profit organization that works closely with community partners to demonstrate the development of community-based food systems. The UGC team cultivates eight urban farms on 11 acres of land, predominantly on Chicago’s South Side and has recently expanded to a 25 acre farm in Chicago Heights, Illinois. Their produce is available at farmers markets through their Collective Supported Agriculture program and via their Fresh Moves Mobile Market buses. They are close partners with the Green Era Biodigester located in South Chicago. The biodigester is operational and takes in tons of food scraps and food waste and converts that waste into renewable natural gas and sustainable compost for local urban agriculture and gardens. (Chicago)
You can find more food system organizations serving Illinois communities at Resources.