USDA grants support local food

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced $14.7 million in federal grant funding will be used to extend the state’s Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program beyond June 30.

The funding will be awarded to the existing providers announced in 2024.

LFPA was launched as the Illinois-Equitable Access Towards Sustainable Systems, or IL-EATS, program in 2022 by the Illinois Department of Agriculture and the Illinois Department of Human Services in a joint effort to transform the food system.

Under the program, lead agencies such as food banks and nonprofit organizations receive grant funds to purchase food from underserved farmers at a fair market value which is then provided at no cost to food-insecure communities.

The program prioritizes ensuring culturally responsive fresh foods are available to Illinois’ most vulnerable families.

Grant recipients are:

• Northwest Illinois — Northern Illinois Food Bank, Jo Daviess Local Foods and Angelic Organics Learning Center.

• Northeast Illinois — DeKalb County Community Gardens, Northern Illinois Food Bank and Think Regeneration NFP/Run A Way Buckers Club Inc.

• Cook County — Black Oaks Center for Sustainable Renewable Living, In His Hands Resource Center/Top Box/Midwest Foods and Greater Chicago Food Depository.

• West-Central Illinois — Think Regeneration NFP, Midwest Food Bank, Central Illinois Food Bank and St. Louis Area Food Bank.

• East-Central Illinois — Eastern Illinois Food Bank, Midwest Food Bank Bloomington and Northeast Community Fund.

• Metro East St. Louis — St. Louis Area Food Bank and Operation Food Search.

• Southern Illinois — Tri-State Food Bank and St. Louis Area Food Bank.

“The continuation of this vital program ensures that those at both ends of Illinois’ food chain — historically underserved farmers and vulnerable communities — receive the support they need and deserve,” Pritzker said.

“Thanks to our federal partners, IDOA and IDHS are dispersing $14.7 million in grant funding to support local farmers while addressing food insecurity in communities that are often overlooked.”

Since the initial rollout of the federally funded program, Illinois has been committed to sourcing 100% of LFPA products from socially disadvantaged farmers, growers and producers.

“In a state where agriculture is our No. 1 industry, no one should have to wonder where their next meal is coming from,” said Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton.

“Ag connects us all, and these grant funds build a bridge between disadvantaged farmers and our most vulnerable communities needing access to fresh, nutrient dense, culturally relevant food.”

“This innovative program creates new markets for farmers and pays fair market value for their products, which bolsters the economy and ultimately strengthens the food supply chain in Illinois,” said Jerry Costello II, IDOA director.

“We have seen firsthand the difference it’s making, and we are grateful to Gov. Pritzker and the USDA for extending the cooperative agreement.”

“Illinois families should have access to nutritious, culturally responsive food,” said Dulce Quintero, IDHS secretary designate.

“This program creates more equitable access to fresh food, all locally grown by under-utilized farmers and growers, in underserved communities.”

To learn more about LFPA, visit extension.illinois.edu/il-eats.