Benson, Illinois, isn’t where you’d expect a local food revolution, but that’s exactly what’s happening at Farm Family Foods. This small-town grocery and grower collaborative is leading the way for rural food access and farm-to-table distribution in Woodford County. Founded by sisters Lauren Reedy, Corrie Scott, Elise Panic, and their mom, DeAnn Heck, Farm Family Foods is more than a store—it’s a mission.
Growing a New Farm Vision
In 2021, Lauren and Corrie took over their grandparents’ 80-acre farm, determined to transition it to organic production. They leased 72 acres to organic grain farmers, while setting aside the rest to grow food for their community. The question they faced was: what to grow? They decided on heirloom potatoes.
One day, Corrie and husband, Kenji, met with Marty Travis, the leader of the Down at the Farms grower aggregator in Fairbury. During their meeting, Travis mentioned chefs were clamoring for heirloom potatoes but lacked suppliers. This sparked an idea for the sisters, and they decided to create their first crop plan. A few thousand pounds of ‘LaRatte’ fingerlings later—sourced, seeded, weeded, watered, harvested, and stored —their farm was soon supplying top restaurants across Illinois with flavorful spuds.
John Heck, a devoted father, husband, and horticulturist, expressed his pride in his daughters. “Potato harvest day every year now is so rewarding. Everyone works together, a huge family meal is prepared, and we all sit down outside and eat together afterward. It’s better than Christmas dinner.”
What Plays Well with Potatoes in Storage?
Success with potatoes prompted the sisters to consider their next move. They found inspiration in the retiring owners of Blue Moon Farm, known for their high-quality storage carrots. Seizing the opportunity, the sisters purchased Blue Moon’s carrot digger and expanded their root crop operation.
While their farm known as the 19 By 1950 Family Farm thrived, Benson still had no grocery store in the area—no Casey’s, no Dollar General, not even a farmers’ market. When an abandoned store went up for auction on Benson’s square, they took the leap. Farm Family Foods was born.
Rethinking the Rural Grocery Model
Before the building could open, extensive renovations were necessary, as well as the development of a viable business model. Inspired by their participation in Spence Farm's grower aggregator network, they established a localized version that connected with over 25 small farmers in the Woodford County area. Even before their physical store opened, they launched a weekly online ordering system showcasing amazing vegetables, fruits, eggs, meats, grains, and other Illinois farm goods. This initiative has continued to support their business to this day.
Customers order online weekly, farmers deliver to the farm, and products are distributed through pick-up locations—a simple system bridging the gap between local growers and eaters.
The Bigger Picture—and a Setback
Farm Family Foods’ mission of providing the freshest, high-quality farm products to members of rural, small-town communities aligns well with IL-EATS, Illinois' Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program. In 2024, their farm and grower network were selected to participate in the state program and became a vital distribution point for fresh, locally grown food to communities in need, supporting both small farmers and food-insecure families.
Then, in early March, the federal government froze reimbursements to Illinois for $17.8 million in promised LFPA funds. Many small farmers, who have scaled up production to participate in the program, were left scrambling. “We built this believing local food systems matter,” Lauren said. “This setback hurts, but we’re not stopping.”
Looking Ahead
Despite facing challenges, the sisters remain committed. Farm Family Foods physical location will open in Benson later this year and will have public shopping hours as well as paid membership enhanced access options. Plans for community engagement are already being discussed, like school volunteer programs and delivery services for elderly residents of Benson.
Their story is a mix of grit, passion, and an unshakable belief that small-town residents deserve great food. Farm Family Foods proves that with enough vision and determination, small farm dreams can have big impacts.
WRITER: Nick Frillman-Local Food Systems & Small Farms Systems Educator, Livingston, McLean and Woodford Counties
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