By TIM ALEXANDER Illinois Correspondent
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) announced 2026 award recipients of the state’s Local Food Infrastructure Grant (LFIG; SB 3077) program, distributing nearly $4 million in fiscal year 2026 funding to support the continued expansion of Illinois’ local food system. The LFIG program was created to strengthen the capacity of Illinois producers and food businesses to store, process, package, aggregate and distribute locally grown products. “The LFIG reflects our commitment to supporting Illinois agriculture,” said IDOA Director Jerry Costello II in a state news release. “These awards will help farmers, food businesses and community partners expand their capacity and reach new markets. When we invest in local food infrastructure, we are creating economic opportunity for businesses while ensuring Illinois residents have greater access to fresh, locally grown foods.” The bill, sponsored by State Sen. David Koehler (D-Peoria) and passed by the Illinois General Assembly in 2024, requires the IDOA to amplify local food processing, collection and distribution within the state through the distribution of grants. Eligible applicants include farms, co-ops, process facilities, food businesses and hubs with fewer than 50 employees, as well as Illinois nonprofit organizations and local governments. Funding supports essential investments that help move Illinois-grown food from farm to consumer while building long term resilience within the state’s food supply chain. “The impact (of SB 3077) is already visible across Illinois,” according to a statement from the Illinois Stewardship Alliance. “These investments strengthen local supply chains, increase processing capacity, create jobs and keep more food dollars circulating in Illinois communities. At a time when Illinois imports approximately 95 percent of the food we eat despite having some of the most productive farmland in the world, investments like these are essential to building a stronger, more resilient food system.” Thanks to the diligence of Illinois small farmers and the Illinois Stewardship Alliance, LFIG funds of $2 million were appropriated in the FY27 budget passed recently by the Illinois General Assembly. The grant dollars currently being distributed reflect two years’ worth of funding, combining appropriations of $2 million each from FY 25 and FY26. The budget allocated funds for both collaborative and individual projects, with awards ranging from $1,000-$250,000 for collaborative projects to $1,000-$75,000 for individual applicants. LFIG grants have funded food hubs, refrigerated trucks, meat processing facilities, mills, aggregation facilities and other projects that connect Illinois farmers to schools, grocery stores, hospitals, food banks and wholesale markets. The Alliance noted: “This is one of the most effective farm and food investments Illinois makes. We are grateful for the continued bipartisan support of lawmakers and look forward to working together to grow the program in future years.” Just a 10 percent shift in the average grocery budget toward local food purchasing could generate billions in economic growth for the state of Illinois, according to the Alliance. “Illinois continues to make critical investments that support the local farmers and food businesses that feed our state,” said Gov. JB Pritzker. “Illinoisans deserve fresh, nourishing food that was grown close to home, and these grants will help producers statewide expand access to locally grown products in their own communities.” Business and non-profit grantees in 2026 included Feeding Illinois-Eastern Illinois Foodbank, Food for Greater Elgin, Inc., Carthage Quality Meats, LLC, Evanston Grows, Zehr Farms, LLC, and Rendleman Orchards. A complete list of 2026 grantees and the amounts received can be viewed at https://agr.illinois.gov/assistance/illinoisfarmprograms/lfig.html. Those interested in applying for a 2027 LFIG grant must pre-register with: LFIG Grant Administrator Illinois Department of Agriculture 801 E. Sangamon Ave. Springfield, IL 62702 email: agr.lfig@illinois.gov
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