Improving the Food Supply in Illinois

We have connected Illinois farmers with more than $150,000 in infrastructure funding to date, which has supported more than 500,000 pounds of food delivery and $1.5 million in economic impact for farmers.

More than 14 new local food distribution points have been established in the region between Nashville, Tennessee, and Chicago, Illinois, through CSAs, new distribution routes, and community partners. New routes will come online in 2025.

We are supporting our partners by managing a $1.4 million Illinois-EATS local food program. We will reach up to 250 families per week with high-quality groceries—the same as high-end chefs in Chicago—and connect more than 100 farmers with retail pricing.

We are partnering with Down at the Farms LLC, FreshRx Oklahoma, Run-A-Way Buckers, and health care organizations to create pilots that help patients in Illinois who want to manage Type 2 diabetes connect with food procurement, nutrition education, and cooking classes.