Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has announced $14.7 million in federal grant funding will be used to extend the the state’s Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program beyond June 30, 2025. The new round of funding will be awarded to the existing 15 providers announced in 2024.
“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,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “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.”
LFPA was launched as the Illinois – Equitable Access Towards Sustainable Systems (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 non-profit 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…