Illinois Stewardship Alliance Promotes Local Food Infrastructure Grant Applications, Urges Continued State Investment (Springfield, IL) – The Illinois Stewardship Alliance is encouraging farmers, food businesses, cooperatives and community organizations across the state to apply for the Fiscal Year 2026 Local Food Infrastructure Grant (LFIG) program, with the current enrollment period open through March 27.
Applications for the program opened Feb. 18, offering Illinois producers and food system partners an opportunity to invest in infrastructure that supports local food distribution and market access. The grant program funds projects such as cold storage facilities, food processing equipment, aggregation centers, transportation capacity and distribution systems that help move Illinois-grown food from farms to schools, grocery stores, local markets and families.
“Local food doesn’t move itself,” said Liz Moran Stelk, executive director of the Illinois Stewardship Alliance. “Farmers across Illinois are ready to meet growing demand for locally produced food, but they need the infrastructure to do it. The LFIG program helps close that gap, strengthening farms, communities and our state’s economy at the same time.”
The grant program has attracted strong interest since its launch, according to the alliance, with previous funding rounds drawing significant demand from farmers and food businesses looking to expand operations and improve efficiency.
Several past recipients illustrate the program’s impact.
In Urbana, nonprofit Sola Gratia Farm used grant funding to expand refrigerated transportation and food distribution capacity. The farm, which focuses on improving food access and building community partnerships, now delivers more fresh produce to schools, food pantries and neighborhood markets while reducing spoilage and improving logistics.
In McLean County, Funks Grove Heritage Fruits & Grains invested in improvements to grain handling and on-site processing. The upgrades reduced transportation costs and helped maintain product quality, allowing more economic value to remain within the regional food economy.
“These are exactly the kinds of ripple effects we envisioned,” Stelk said. “When you invest in infrastructure, you’re not just helping one farm. You’re supporting jobs, improving food access, strengthening supply chains and keeping food dollars circulating in Illinois communities.”
As state lawmakers prepare to debate the next Illinois budget this spring, the alliance said participation in the current grant cycle could demonstrate the continued demand for the program.
“Momentum matters,” Stelk said. “The response to this year’s application cycle will help show policymakers how much demand still exists and how much opportunity remains. If Illinois wants to continue building resilient local food systems, another round of funding must be part of the next state budget.”
Supporters say local food infrastructure investments can help small and mid-sized farms expand market access, improve food security in both rural and urban communities and strengthen the state’s broader agricultural economy. Projects funded through the program aim to reduce food waste, improve distribution networks and increase the year-round availability of Illinois-grown products.
The Illinois Stewardship Alliance is encouraging prospective applicants to prepare project plans, budgets and potential partnerships ahead of the March 27 deadline. Strong applications typically highlight economic viability, community impact and expanded access to locally produced food.
More information about eligibility and application requirements is available through the Illinois Department of Agriculture at agr.illinois.gov.
Illinois Stewardship Alliance Promotes Local Food Infrastructure Grant Applications, Urges Continued State Investment
