Connect, learn, and collaborate with IL-EATS partners in Northern Illinois
Rooted For Good will host the Northern Illinois Grow Gathering on Monday, February 24, from 11-3 PM, bringing together IL-EATS lead agencies, farmers, community partners, and local leaders in Northern Illinois. 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 regional gathering is an opportunity to connect with fellow IL-EATS participants, exchange insights, and see firsthand how LFPA funding is transforming local food systems. The event includes tours of the Rooted For Good warehouse, the Salem Lutheran Church food pantry, and Sunny Oaks mushroom farm.
Event Schedule:
- 10:30-11:00 AM - Arrive & Check-in, Optional Networking at Rooted For Good warehouse (2280 Bethany Road, DeKalb, Illinois 60115)
- 11:00-11:15 AM - Welcome & Icebreaker Activity
- 11:15-11:45 AM – Tour of Rooted For Good warehouse
- 11:45-12:30 PM – Lunch & Optional Networking
- 12:30-1:00 PM – Food System Reflection Activity
- 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?
IL-EATS Grow Gatherings are regional meetings designed to bring IL-EATS farmers, food access leaders, and partners together for collaboration, learning, and relationship-building. Each event offers a behind-the-scenes look at the local food system in action through tours of IL-EATS farms, distribution sites, and lead agencies.
Why attend?
- Tour & learn from fellow IL-EATS farmers, community partners, and lead agencies
- Connect with the IL-EATS partners in your region working towards a better food system
- Share ideas, insights, and best practices from IL-EATS and beyond
- Enjoy a complimentary lunch featuring local foods from Wild Carrot Cooking Co.
Register for a Grow Gathering near you!
- April 11, 2025: Southern Illinois at St. Louis Area Foodbank
- June 2025: Central Illinois at Eastern Illinois Foodbank
- September 2025: Cook County at Black Oaks Center
Space is limited! Pre-registration is required.
