SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) has announced $6.4 million in grant funds will be available for projects designed to help strengthen the state’s food supply chain.
The Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program is an agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
"The Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program provides federal funds to build upon Illinois’ investments in local food," said Governor JB Pritzker. "When we help small and mid-sized producers grow, we expand access to fresh, local food products, fortify local economies and strengthen the food supply chain."
Applications will be accepted beginning Jan. 22, 2024, from food and farm business and other eligible entities including nonprofits, local government entities, universities, schools and hospitals.
"The Resilient Food System Infrastructure program uplifts our state’s number one industry and puts us on a path to ending food insecurity. Every community in Illinois deserves access to fresh, nutrient-dense food, and these grants will bring historically disinvested areas closer to that reality,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “This program proves that Ag Connects Us All, and I strongly encourage our local BIPOC, women-owned, and veteran farmers to apply.”
The program hopes to build resilience in the middle of the food supply chain, supporting activities that happen after harvest but before retail sale. Examples include processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, and distributing locally and regionally produced food.
RFSI funds support food system crops and products meant for human consumption, excluding meat and poultry products which are funded through other USDA programs.
“An investment of this size offers a tremendous opportunity to support small and underserved farmers and business owners in Illinois,” said Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. “We appreciate the opportunity to partner with the USDA to fund infrastructure and food supply chain improvements that will benefit our state as well as the nation.”
Those interested should apply online at Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (illinois.gov) by March 15, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. Applications from smaller farms and ranches, new and beginning farmers and ranchers, underserved producers, veteran producers, and underserved communities are encouraged.
For more information, visit the USDA Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure webpage.
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