Nurture connections and cultivate knowledge
Rooted For Good will host the Northern Illinois Grow Gathering on Monday, February 17, from 11-3 PM. As one of the IL-EATS sub-awardees, Rooted For Good is an incredible example of how small non-profits are using Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) funding to create lasting changes in their communities. This gathering features tours of the Rooted For Good warehouse, the Salem Lutheran Church food pantry, and Sunny Oaks mushroom farm.
Tentative Schedule:
- 10:45-11:00 am - Arrive at Rooted For Good warehouse (2280 Bethany Road, DeKalb, Illinois 60115)
- 11:00-11:30 am – Tour of Rooted For Good warehouse
- 11:30-12:30 pm – Lunch and networking
- 12:30-1:00 pm – Pack senior boxes and stock shelves at the Rooted For Good warehouse
- 1:15-2:00 pm – Salem Lutheran Church food pantry tour (1145 DeKalb Ave, Sycamore, IL 60178)
- 2:15-3:00 pm – Sunny Oaks Farm mushroom farm tour (49W630 Plank Rd, Sycamore, IL 60178)
What are Grow Gatherings?
Join the IL-EATS Grow Gatherings, half-day events across Illinois from February to September 2025. These gatherings bring together IL-EATS farmers, food access leaders, and community partners to connect, collaborate, and learn from each other. Each event features tours of IL-EATS farms, distribution sites, and lead agencies, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the journey of food from local farms to communities in need funded by Local Food Purchase Assistance. Attendees will network, share stories of challenges and successes, and lay the groundwork for positive change.
Event Highlights:
- Guided tours of IL-EATS farms and food access partners
- Engaging discussions and learning opportunities at each stop
- Networking with IL-EATS partners and local leaders
- Complimentary lunch
Pre-registration is required, and space is limited based on each host site’s capacity. IL-EATS is funded by Local Food Purchase Assistance.
