On August 3, 2023, Governor JB Pritzker signed the Illinois Farm to Food Bank Act into law, marking a significant step forward in addressing food insecurity across the state. With $2.5 million in funding allocated for 2024, the program aims to connect Illinois farmers with those in need, ensuring that high-quality produce, dairy, and meat can directly benefit residents struggling with food insecurity.
“Illinois farmers are producing some of the finest food in the country, and now that produce, dairy, and meat can go directly to Illinoisans struggling with food insecurity,” said Governor Pritzker. “It’s good for our farmers’ bottom line, it’s good for those in need, and it’s good for our state—a win for everyone in Illinois.”
The funding will primarily support the acquisition of food, but it will also be used for capacity building grants to enhance storage and transportation infrastructure. These improvements aim to better reach underserved communities and manage the growth of the program.
This initiative was made possible through the advocacy efforts of Feeding Illinois, the Greater Chicago Food Depository, the Illinois Farm Bureau, and the Illinois Farmers Market Association. The need for a permanent Farm to Food Bank program was highlighted by research conducted by the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center (ISTC) at the University of Illinois.