Connect, learn, and collaborate with IL-EATS partners in Southern Illinois
St. Louis Area Foodbank will host the Southern Illinois Grow Gathering on Friday, April 11, bringing together IL-EATS lead agencies, farmers, community partners, and local leaders in Southern Illinois. As one of the IL-EATS sub-awardees, St. Louis Area Foodbank has built relationships with Illinois farmers and distributed their fresh, high-quality foods on their mobile pantry.
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. While we are facing uncertainties regarding the federal funding of this program, we hope the Grow Gatherings will catalyze lasting collaborative relationships between attendees. The event includes tours of the St. Louis Area Foodbank distribution center, their FARM: Food Access and Resource Market mobile pantry, and Liberty Orchard.
Tentative Schedule:
- 9:30-10:00 AM - Arrive & Check-in, Optional Networking at FARM Mobile Pantry Site (Collinsville, Illinois)
- 10:00-10:15 AM - Welcome & Icebreaker Activity
- 10:15-11:15 AM - Tour of Liberty Apple Orchard (8308 Kuhn Station Rd., Edwardsville, IL 62025)
- 11:15-12:00 PM - Drive to St. Louis Area Foodbank (70 Corporate Woods Drive, Bridgeton, MO 63044)
- 12:00-12:45 PM - Lunch & Networking at St. Louis Area Foodbank
- 12:45-1:15 PM - Food System Reflection Activity
- 1:15-1:45 PM - F.A.R.M. Mobile Market Presentation & Questions
- 1:45-2:30 PM - Tour of St. Louis Area Foodbank
- 2:30-3:00 PM - Closing Circle & Optional Networking
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
Register for a Grow Gathering near you!
- February 24, 2025: Northern Illinois at Rooted For Good
- June 2025: Central Illinois at Eastern Illinois Foodbank
- September 2025: Cook County at Black Oaks Center
Space is limited! Pre-registration is required.
