Illinois Opens Local Food Infrastructure Grants: $1.8 Million Available
SPRINGFIELD — Illinois will make $1.8 million available to farmers, food businesses and community organizations in Local Food Infrastructure Grants, Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Agriculture announced. The program supports projects tied to food processing, storage, aggregation and distribution, aiming to strengthen local food systems and expand access to locally produced food.
Under the latest round, collaborative projects may receive grants ranging from $1,000 to $250,000, while individual projects can receive awards from $1,000 to $75,000. Funding may be used to purchase, lease-to-own, rent, build or install infrastructure for processing, storage, aggregation or distribution of value-added agricultural products — including refrigerated vehicles, livestock processing equipment and community kitchens.
Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II said investments such as refrigerated trucks, storage facilities and food-safety equipment help small businesses reach new markets. The state has distributed nearly $4 million through the program since it was established in 2025. Pritzker said the program helps producers expand operations while improving access to nutritious food and supporting local economies.
Source:Illinois Department of Agriculture announcement (via State Journal-Register)
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 伊利诺伊州议会大厦（斯普林菲尔德），CC BY-SA 4.0，摄影：Daniel Schwen（Wikimedia Commons）
