The Local Food Purchasing Assistance program is an opportunity to unite Illinoisans invested in building a resilient food system and build a collaborative network of food system support. This program prioritizes ensuring culturally responsive fresh foods are available to food insecure communities.
During the first part of 2023, 30 listening sessions were conducted across Illinois to collect feedback about how to best use the Local Food Purchasing Assistance funds. Over 300 community members attended the listening sessions, and more than 150 potential partners were identified. Read a high-level overview of what we learned from the listening sessions. For a comprehensive summary of what we learned from our community in the listening sessions about the strengths and needs of the Illinois food system, read our full report.
What is LFPA?
The United States Department of Agriculture established the Local Food Purchasing Assistance program to strengthen statewide food systems over two years. Funds will buy food from socially disadvantaged growers/producers and distribute it at no cost to community members. Illinois is committed to sourcing 100% of products from socially disadvantaged growers/producers and encouraging the distribution of culturally responsive foods. The primary goals of LFPA are:
- To support local and socially disadvantaged growers/producers by building and expanding their economic opportunities to get their products to markets.
- Establish and broaden partnerships with growers/producers and the food distribution community to ensure distribution of fresh and nutritious foods to underserved communities.
Office Hours
Ask us anything! We are excited to announce that we are hosting virtual office hours for you to get all your LFPA questions answered. Join us Tuesdays from 11 AM – 1 PM July 25 through October 31. Email uie-lfpa@illinois.edu for the Zoom link.
LFPA Application
The application is officially posted! It will remain open until October 31, and its official name in the system is Illinois – Equitable Access Towards Sustainable Systems (EATS), funded by LFPA. You can find it as a Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) using its CSFA number 444-80-3189. It’s posted in the GATA Catalog of State Financial Assistance on Illinois.gov and the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) website. If you would like assistance completing your application, please email us at uie-lfpa@illinois.edu, and we will connect you with someone who can help.
Additionally, the Illinois Department of Human Services hosted a technical assistance call on Friday, September 15 at 10 a.m. to go over the application and answer questions. A recording of the session will be available soon. Questions and answers from the call will be added to the IDHS Questions and Answers page.
Funding
Where does it come from?
Funding for the LFPA program is authorized by the American Rescue Plan (ARP) as part of the “Build Back Better” initiative. The money will flow form the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to institutions in the state. In Illinois, funds will be received by the Illinois Department of Agriculture and distributed by the Illinois Department of Human Services.
How much funding?
Illinois is expected to receive $28 million to be used over two years.
How is the funding going to be distributed?
Interested lead agencies will coordinate with socially disadvantaged growers/producers and community partners that distribute food to underserved communities (e.g. food pantries, mobile markets, nonprofits, etc.) to submit a grant application. Funding will be awarded from the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) to selected lead agencies throughout the state. Lead agencies will provide payment to the growers/producers. Community partners will distribute the food to community sites/members at no cost.
What can funding be used for?
Most of the funding must be used to buy locally produced fresh or minimally processed foods. Illinois is committed to purchasing these goods at fair market value. Examples include fruits and vegetables, grain products, meats, beans or legumes, dairy products, and pre-determined specialty products such as honey and tomato sauce. For a complete list of eligible foods, review the Illinois Local Food Purchasing Allowable Foods List. Some funds are available to cover expenses related to administering the program, coordination, storage, and distribution.
How to apply for funding?
The LFPA application will be posted as a Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) on the IDHS website and the GATA Catalog of State Financial Assistance. Before applying, potential grantees should review the materials on the IDHS Grant Application information and Instructions page. Once the notice of funding is released, IDHS will be hosting formal grant technical assistance calls.
Proposed timeline
- January through April 2023: Listening sessions
- May through July 2023: Build an implementation plan
- August through October 2023: Application for funding
- December 2023: Funding awarded
- January 2024 through September 2025: Implementation
To participate
For growers and producers
To participate in LFPA you must be a socially disadvantaged farmer located within the state of Illinois. Products must be grown or produced within Illinois.
If you are interested in being a grower or producer, please complete our grower/producer questionnaire.
Socially disadvantaged growers/producers that fall within one of these categories, are eligible to apply. If you have further questions regarding eligibility, please contact uie-lfpa@illinois.edu .
- American Indian or Alaska Native
- Asian
- Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
- Black / African American
- Latine/o/a
- Refugee
- LGBTQ+
- Veteran
- Female business owner
- Greater than 50 miles (or 30 minutes) to nearest distribution point (farmers market or market opportunity)
- Qualify for benefits based on income (low socioeconomic status)
- Person with disabilities
- New farmer/rancher (USDA definition is under 10 years)
- Business is located in one of the following high-vulnerability counties (as determined by the CDC’s Social Vulnerability Index): Champaign, Coles, Cook, Douglas, Fayette, Franklin, Jackson, Jefferson, Kane, Kankakee, Knox, Lake, Lawrence, Macon, Marion, Massac, Morgan, Peoria, Perry, Pulaski, Rock Island, Saline, St. Clair, Stephenson, Union, Vermilion, Warren, Wayne, Winnebago
For lead agencies
Lead agencies are responsible for applying for funding and administration of the LFPA funds. Organizations that are interested in participating should have networks, systems, and capacity in place at the time of application. If you are interested in being a lead, please complete our lead agency questionnaire.
Ideal lead agencies have:
- Fiscal abilities to invoice project expenses and follow GATA procedures in a timely manner
- Fiscal abilities to pay growers/producers and any contractor, vendors, etc. based on a reimbursement model
- Ability to comply with Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards
- Ability to complete project reports and attend collaboration meetings
- Knowledge of the local food system in the region
- Ability to build and sustain diverse collaborations and partnerships
- Belief in building an equitable local food system
For community partners distributing food
Food purchased for the LFPA project is to be distributed to underserved communities at no cost. If you are interested in distributing food, please complete the community partner questionnaire.
Below are some examples of ways that food can be distributed to consumers in need. This list is not exhaustive, and we are encouraging communities to be creative.
- Mobile markets
- Backpack programs
- Summer food/snack programs
- Prescription programs
- Meals on wheels
- Meal programs (medically tailored)
- Feeding programs for homeless
- Food box programs
- Food pantry
- Schools
- Mutual aid
- Novel ordering/pick up/delivery
Organizations that are going to distribute food in underserved communities should meet the following criteria:
- Have the infrastructure to accept and store foods (at no cost to the CBO) per current food safety guidelines
- Have relationships with individuals and families facing nutrition insecurity in underserved communities and be able to provide justification of how they meet this requirement
- Have the customer base to use or distribute the food in a timely manner to ensure zero waste
- Be available to meet the needs of the community members and neighbors to ensure equitable access to food
The following are resources to help determine if your community is underserved
Make connections
Lead agencies
These lead agencies are interested in participating in the Illinois Local Food Purchasing Assistance program. It is important to note that organizations listed on this website must complete the grant application process and are not guaranteed funding. If you would like to collaborate with any of the organizations listed, you are encouraged to contact them directly. If you’d like support in making connections or want your organization listed on our website, contact us at uie-lfpa@illinois.edu.
North Central Illinois
Angelic Organics Learning Center
Angelic Organics Learning Center builds sustainable local food and farm systems through experiential education and training programs in partnership with rural and urban people. Open to partnerships up to 1 ½ hours from location.
1545 Rockton Rd, Caledonia, IL 61011
Phone: 815-389-8455 | Email: jackie.b@learngrowconnect.org
DeKalb County Community Gardens
DeKalb County Community Gardens (DCCG) empowers people to access healthy and sustainably grown foods and addresses the root causes of hunger. Open to partnerships up 1-2 hours from location.
2280 Bethany Rd. DeKalb, IL 60115
Phone: 815-739-0044 Email: hedwards@dekalbgardens.org
The Foundation for Northwest Illinois
Community Foundation serving nonprofits and communities of northwestern Illinois including but not limited to Stephenson, Jo Daviess, and Carroll counties. Open to partnerships up to 1.5 hours from location.
1525 South Forest Road, Suite 200, Freeport, IL 61032
Phone: 815-801-3035 | Email: info@fornwil.org
Midwest Food Bank
As a faith-based organization, Midwest Food Bank’s mission is to share the love of Christ by alleviating hunger and malnutrition locally and throughout the world and providing disaster relief, all without discrimination. Open to partnerships up to 2 ½ hours from location.
9005 N. Industrial Rd. Peoria, IL 61615
Phone: 309-691-5270 | Email: akamm@midwestfoodbank.org
Northeast Illinois
Beauty in You
Beauty In You does distribution, growing, and education.
Riverside Village, Chicago, IL 60827
Phone: 708-527-5557 | Email: rettasham@yahoo.com
Black Oaks Center
The mission of Black Oaks Center is to facilitate local food system development from Pembroke to Chicago. Open to partnerships up to 2 ½ hours from location.
6735 S South Chicago Ave
Phone: 773-410-3446 Email: blackoakscenter@gmail.com
Chicago Local Foods
Chicago Local Foods is a food hub and wholesale distributor supplying locally sourced produce, proteins, and more to restaurants and institutions in Chicago and around the region. Open to partnerships up to 2 ½ hours from location.
1427 W Willow St., Chicago, IL 60642
Phone: 919-412-2166 | jamie@localfoods.com
Common Market Great Lakes
The Common Market is a 501(c)3 mission-driven distributor of sustainable, local farm foods. The Common Market provides an efficient delivery system for local institutions and communities to procure from multiple farms throughout the Chicago region. We aggregate products from small and mid-scale farmers, democratizing access to fair market opportunities while expanding food access for vulnerable communities. Open to partnerships up to 2 ½ hours from location.
400 E 71st St, Chicago, IL 60619
Phone: 224-955-7720 x 44 | Email: greatlakes@thecommonmarket.org
GGs Helping Hands
GGs Helping Hands does distribution and health classes.
1054 W 108th St, Chicago, IL 60643
Phone: 773-620-3180 Email: jgregetta@gmail.com
Greater Chicago Food Depository
The Greater Chicago Food Depository started to nourish our neighbors at risk of hunger, and as the needs of our neighbors have evolved, so have we. To achieve our mission of ending hunger, we work with a network of community-based organizations and individuals to connect our neighbors with healthy food, lift our voices and advance solutions that address the root causes of hunger – poverty, systemic inequity, and structural racism. Open to partnerships up to 2 ½ hours from location.
4100 West Ann Lurie Place, Chicago, 60632
Phone: 773-843-7784 | sshatto@gcfd.org
Illinois Migrant Council
Open to partnerships up to 2 hours from location.
333 Commerce Dr. Suite 800 Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Phone: 815-995-0300 | Email: mrivera@illinoismigrant.org
In His Hands Resource Center Inc.
The mission of In His Hands Resource Center is to facilitate and sustain human and economic viability in underserved communities and act as a common navigator for small businesses. Open to partnerships up to 2 ½ hours from location.
1200 Ring Rd. Suite 2374, Calumet City, IL 60409
Phone: 312-768-3871 | Email: inhh.nfp@gmail.com
Kuumba TreAhm Garden and Fulton Street Market
This organization grows and distributes.
Garfield Park Garden Network in Chicago, Illinois
Phone: 407-748-2546 Email: aantoin3@gmail.com
Northern Illinois Food Bank
Northern Illinois Food Bank is a food bank that serves 13 counties in Northern Illinois. Open to partnerships up to 2 hours from location.
273 Dearborn Ct, Geneva, IL 60134
Phone: 630-443-6910 | Email: serruto@northernilfoodbank.org
Madison Street Garden
Madison Street Garden does urban farming, distribution, and preparation.
Garfield Park Garden Network in Chicago, Illinois.
Phone: 407-748-2546 Email: aantoin3@gmail.com
Onward House
Onward House is a community-based non-profit which provides wrap-around services to Belmont Cragin and the surrounding area, including a Food Pantry, Early Childhood and School Age Education, Adult Education, Illinois Welcoming Center for Immigrants and Refugees, and co-located Healthcare Clinic run by Community Health. Belmont, Cragin is the neighborhood with the largest Latino population in Chicago, and Onward House serves as an anchor point for this community that both fulfills basic needs and provides opportunities for stability and growth.
5413 W. Diversey Ave. Chicago, IL 60639
Phone: 773-622-3215 | Email: earaujo@onwardhouse.org
Run-A-Way Buckers Cowboy Cowgirl
Run-A-Way Buckers organization provides fresh non-pesticide produce and non-hormonal pastured farm-raised chickens. We provide fresh produce to our local veterans, seniors and disabled, schools, and food pantries. We educate the youth in the community on basic agricultural and animal husbandry practices. We provide an intern and mentoring program. Open to partnerships up to 1 ½ hours from location.
14317 E 2000 S Rd, Pembroke Township, IL
Phone: 815-272-1326 | Email: stewart91863@sbcglobal.net
Team Enterprise M
This organization does growing, distribution, and education.
2710 E 77th St, Chicago, IL 60649
Phone: 718-685-8763 Email: fbatchelor4@gmail.com
Central Illinois
Carle Health
Carle Health is a health system with many initiatives focused on addressing food insecurity and personal nutrition within the communities that Carle serves. The Mobile Market provides access to fresh and nutritious foods to food desserts and limited-resource communities. The Mobile Market also provides education on healthy preparation and preservation of produce obtained on the market. Open to partnerships up to 1 hour from location.
4116 Fieldstone Rd. Champaign, IL 61822
Phone: 217-902-3112 | Email: Jonathan.Woods@Carle.com
Southern Illinois
Goshen Market Foundation
The Goshen Market Foundation uses its resources to provide greater access to healthy food, encourage the growth of local agriculture, and educate children and the community about sustainable farming practices and nutrition. Open to partnerships up to 1 ½ hours from location.
PO Box 1030 Edwardsville, IL 62025
Phone: 314-302-8793 | Email: info@goshenmarket.or
Lively Stone Church Ministry
Lively Stone Church Ministry has a local food pantry. Open to partnerships up to 2 hours from location.
17000 Oakland Ave. Mount Vernon, IL
Phone: 618-203-2593 | Email: banikkatipton@gmail.com
Operation Food Search
With a strategic focus on ending childhood hunger, Operation Food Search (OFS) empowers families and increases access to healthy and affordable food in 40 Missouri and Illinois counties. It approaches food insecurity from an “upstream” perspective by addressing immediate need through 168 community food distribution partners, shopping/cooking/nutrition education, and food as medicine/advocacy work to foster systemic, sustainable solutions. Open to partnerships up to 1 hour from location.
1644 Lotsie Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63132
Phone: 314-726-5355 | Email: ashley.snyder@operationfoodsearch.org or christine.krueger@operationfoodsearch.org
Pete’s Produce
Open to partnerships up to 1 ½ hours from location.
116 W 9th St, Mount Carmel, IL
Phone: 618-262-6531 | Email: hairport89@yahoo.com
St. Louis Area Food Bank
St. Louis Area Food Bank serves 26 counties, including 12 in Southwest Illinois. Our vision is a nutritionally secure Missouri AND Illinois, and we are actively looking to partner with local farmers and growers across Southwest Illinois to support the residents of Illinois with locally grown, healthy foods. Open to partnerships up to 1 ½ hours from location.
70 Corporate Woods Drive, Bridgeton, MO 63044
Phone: 314-292-6262 | Email: MKNOPP@STLFOODBANK.ORG
Tri-State Food Bank, Inc.
A member of the Feeding America network of food banks, Tri-State Food Bank collects and disburses food to partner agencies and feeding programs assisting food-insecure families. Open to partnerships up to 1 ½ hours from location.
2504 Lynch Road, Evansville, IN 4772
Phone: 812-303-3558 | Email: glennroberts@tristatefoodbank.org
Community partners distributing food
These community partners are interested in participating in Illinois Local Food Purchasing Assistance program. It is important to note that organizations listed on this website must complete the grant application process and are not guaranteed funding. If you would like to collaborate with any of the organizations listed, you are encouraged to contact them directly. If you’d like support in making connections or want your organization listed on our website, contact us at uie-lfpa@illinois.edu.
North-Central Illinois
Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry
Established in 1981, the Aurora Food Pantry has been serving the community for over 40 years. Our mission is to strengthen the community by connecting those in need with nourishing food and access to area resources. www.theapc.org
1110 Jericho Road, Aurora, IL 60506
Phone: 630-897-2127 | Email: hshort@aurorafoodpantry.org
Barb Food Mart
We serve 250 families each week. Fresh produce is the highest priority for families when surveyed. We look forward to connecting families with additional resources for fresh produce.
900 E Garden St, DeKalb, Il 60115
Phone: 773-592-8449 | Email: Barbfoodmart@d428.org
Community Food Basket
Located in Ottawa, IL the Community Food Basket serves the LaSalle County area and beyond.
519 W. Madison St. Ottawa, IL 61350
Phone: 815-431-0155 | Email: mjvicich@ottawafoodbasket.or
Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry
The Christian mission of the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry is to provide food, clothing, and short-term emergency assistance for families and individuals residing within the Geneseo school district.
620 W Main St, Geneseo, 61254
Phone: 309-944-3165 | Email: geneseopantry@gmail.co
Jo Daviess Local Foods
We are an online farmers' market that delivers food throughout the county. We also have a nonprofit group called JDLF Gives that runs a Farm to Food Pantry program in the county.
3117 W. Mitchell Rd., Hanover, IL 61041
Phone: 815-990-5374 | Email: erin@jdlf.or
Mercer County Health Department
Health Department located in Mercer County.
305 NW 7th St, Aledo, IL 61231
Phone: 309-582-3759 | Email: hannah.harrison@mchdept.or
Peoria Grown
Peoria Grown’s mission is to address food insecurity issues through improved coordination of resources; access to affordable, healthy food with an emphasis on fresh produce; and education on nutrition and making healthy food choices.
2812 N Bigelow Ct, Peoria, IL 61604
Phone: 309-363-3200 | Email: julieeliathamby@gmail.com
River Bend Food Bank
4010 Kimmel Drive, Davenport, Iowa 52802
Phone: 563-345-6490 | Email: cford@riverbendfoodbank.org
Savanna Chamber of Commerce
Small Chamber supporting local agencies to provide basic needs in the area.
315 Main Street, Savanna IL 61074
Phone: 815-273-2722 | Email: chamber@savannail.com
Northeast Illinois
American Association of Single Parents / Free-N-Deed Market
American Association of Single Parents, Inc. (AASP) has served south suburban Cook County over the last 15 years. At the height of the pandemic, we opened Free~N~Deed Market, a client- choice pantry that offers fresh produce, culturally specific meats, and staple items.
14200 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive, Dolton IL 60419
Phone: 708-465-5600 | Email: drnicolescott@aasp-inc.org
Common Threads
Common Threads is a national nonprofit that supports food as medicine. We inspire communities to embrace healthy cooking, healthy eating, and the celebration of culture by providing children, families and educators with hands-on cooking and nutrition education classes.
Cook County
Phone: 312-462-0719 | Email: sfolkens@commonthreads.org
Dion’s Chicago Dream
Our mission is to eliminate food insecurity and shrink food deserts by bringing fresh, healthy food into vulnerable neighborhoods throughout Chicago. The Dream Team addresses critical needs by using logistics and last-mile delivery services to make nutritious food accessible in 70+ neighborhoods across the city. Our vision is to create financial, physical, and emotional stability for every Chicago resident lacking consistent food resources.
6235 S Homan Ave Chicago, IL 60629
Phone: 312-509-4909 | Email: dionschicagodream@gmail.com
Greater Chicago Food Depository
The Greater Chicago Food Depository is a food bank that serves Cook County and beyond.
4100 W Ann Lurie Pl, Chicago IL 60632
Phone: 773-843-7784 | sshatto@gcfd.org
Holsten Human Capital Development
Holsten Human Capital Development is a community-based organization.
350 N Broadway St, Joliet, IL 60435
Phone: 815-770-5672 | Email: elizabethprotich@hhcd.org
ICNA Relief
We are the local branch of a national social service agency that focuses on assisting those in our local community who are in need. Our food pantry in West Ridge actively sees clients several days a week to offer them fresh produce, meat, milk, eggs, bread, etc.
2809 West Devon Ave., Chicago, IL 60659
Phone: 866-354-0102 x3101 | Email: zakariya.sirajullah@icnarelief.org
Love Thy Neighbor Austin
Love Thy Neighbor In Austin is a 501(c)(3)community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of our neighbors. Our mission is to empower residents in building a resilient community by providing support and other resources to promote health and wellness. We believe that by working together as a united community, we can address the challenges of food insecurity.
1823 N Luna Ave #1, Chicago, IL 60639
Phone: 773-710-4066 | Email: lovethyneighborinaustin@gmail.com
North Chicago Think Tank
NCTT pursues health equity for hyper-exploited citizens of north Chicago and Waukegan, Illinois.
429 Hull Ct, Waukegan, IL 60085
Phone: 262-456-9965 | Email: frpettis@gmail.com
Northern Illinois Food Bank
Northern Illinois Food Bank is helping fight food insecurity in Northern Illinois.
273 Dearborn Ct Geneva, IL 60134
Phone: 630-443-6910 | Email: aserruto@northernilfoodbank.org
OAI
OAI is supporting the PRNN, a neighborhood network that supports the communities of Park Forest and Richton Park. We are dedicated to ensuring that quality living is obtainable and equitable for all residents. We screen our residents for barriers to resources and find ways to connect our residents to the resources that are missing from their community. This includes food scarcity, mental health and wellness services and opportunities for our youth.
208 Forest Blvd, Park Forest, IL 60466
Phone: 708-283-5020 | Email: cwilliams@oaiinc.org
Plant Chicago
Plant Chicago's mission is to cultivate local circular economies.
4459 S Marshfield Ave, Chicago, IL 60609
Phone: 773-847-5523 | Email: jonathan@plantchicago.org
Rare Earth Food Collective
Rare Earth Food Collective is an online farmers market and food hub.
4706 Alden Rd. Woodstock, Il 60098
Phone: 815-912-2687 | Email: andrew@refc.farm
River City Church Chicago
We are a church in a low poverty community in the suburban area of Chicago. We host a food pantry between once to twice a month for local families in need of food and clothing.
1413 East End Avenue, Chicago Heights, IL 60411
Phone: 708-303-8404 | Email: Rivercitychurch2016@gmail.com
Run-A-Way Buckers
Run-A-Way Buckers organization provides fresh non-pesticide produce and non-hormonal pastured farm-raised chickens. We provide fresh produce to our local veterans, seniors and disabled, schools, and food pantries. We educate the youth in the community on basic agricultural and animal husbandry practices. We provide an intern and mentoring program.
14317 E 2000 S Rd, Pembroke Township, IL
Phone: 815-272-1326 | Email: stewart91863@sbcglobal.net
Sisters Working It Out
4351 D. Drexel Ave. Chicago, IL 60653
Phone: 708-932-9761 | Email: bbrent@sistersworkingitout.org
The Eco-Friendly Mobile Farm Stand Project
The Eco-Friendly Mobile Farm Stand Project is a 501(c)(3) organization that provides provide urban farmers with electric mobile farm stands so they can deliver their locally grown, fresh & healthy produce to residents experiencing food insecurity -- all done without them having to pay for expensive gasoline and pollute the local air.
492 S Arlington Avenue, Elmhurst, IL 60126
Phone: 312-852-0132 | Email: bkop64@gmail.com
University of Illinois Kankakee
1650 Commerce Dr, Bourbonnais, IL 60914
Phone: 815-933-8337 | Email: Froning@illinois.edu
Will County Land Use Department Community Development Division
Coordinator of county-wide community garden program that has several gardens that support food pantries. Currently have 18 pantry partners.
58 E. Clinton Street, Suite 100, Joliet IL 60432
Phone: 779-230-0637 | Email: kpecora@willcountylanduse.com
Central Illinois
Apostolic Pentecostal Church of Bloomington/The Pantry
We are a grocery-style food pantry that currently serves an average of about 70 families per week. We are open every Saturday.
2810 Tractor Lane, Bloomington, IL 61704
Phone: 309-829-3936 | Email: lift@theapc.org
Community for Christ Assistance Center
Faith-based organization which operates a food pantry and thrift store.
113 E Jefferson St, Camp Point, IL 62320
Phone: 217-593-7052 | Email: cfcac@adams.net
Old King’s Orchard Community Center
OKO is a non-for profit that works with youth and their families to help them get to a better situation in their daily struggles and challenges to position themselves to achieve more positive and productive outcomes and goals!
815 N. Church Street, Decatur, IL 62521
Phone: 217-428-2782 | Email: djoyner@okocommunitycenter.org
Peoria Area Food Bank
The Peoria Area Food Bank serves Peoria, Tazewell and Mason counties.
721 W McBean St, Peoria, IL 61605
Phone: 309-671-3906 | Email: wcannon@pcceo.org
Southern Illinois
Circle A Servolution
Circle A Servolution is a food pantry located in Wabash County.
103 S State St, Allendale, IL 62410
Phone: 618-240-1508 | Email: circleaservolution@gmail.com
Gateway Region YMCA
The Gateway Region YMCA is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) charity
dedicated to nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving health and well-being, and supporting and serving nearly 325,000 individuals in the bi-state region and employing more than 5,000 full-time and part-time people. In Illinois, we serve community members through 8 branches located across Clinton, Monroe, Madison, Randolph, and St. Clair Counties.
2815 Scott Ave, Suite D, St. Louis, MO 63103
Phone: 314-421-8821 | Email: marla.guggenheimer@gwrymca.org
Pete’s Produce
1020 N Walnut St, Mount Carmel
Phone: 618-262-6531 | Email: hairport89@yahoo.com
St. Louis Area Food Bank
The vision of the St. Louis Area Food Bank is simply a nutritionally secure Illinois and Missouri. We serve 12 counties in Southwest Illinois, and there are many farmers in our region that we continue to build relationships with to nourish the families of Southwest Illinois.
70 Corporate Woods Drive, Bridgeton, MO 63044
Phone: 314-292-6262 | Email: MKNOPP@STLFOODBANK.ORG
The Family Treehouse – Twigs
Twigs began in 2011. We have four main programs – a summer lunch program that provided over 100,000 lunches to children in 25+ communities in Illinois and Missouri this summer, a program that runs during the school year and provides weekend bags of food to at-risk children, a monthly mobile market that provides food to approximately 250-300 households per month, and Metro East Mutual Aid which supplies families struggling to make ends meet with diapers, pull-ups, menstrual supplies, and basic household cleaning and paper supplies.
2101 Cleveland Blvd., Granite City, IL 62040
Phone: 618-973-1627 | Email: twigsforkids@gmail.com
Culturally responsive foods
Illinois is committed to using LFPA funds to provide culturally responsive foods to underserved communities. Growers, producers, and food access organizations are encouraged to review the Cultural Food Guides for a list of culturally requested foods in their area of the state.
Food safety requirements
Growers and food handlers will need to meet minimum food safety standards for the project. Depending on where the food is being distributed, additional food safety standards may be required.
Minimum food safety standards:
- Completion of the LFPA food safety course for safe produce handling or
- Submission of other approved food safety certificates (i.e. FSMA, GAP, etc.)
- Continually maintain best practices for food safety throughout the life of the program and beyond
- Use of state of Illinois licensed processors for meat and poultry products
- Food handler certification at distribution sites
Fair Market Value
Products will be purchased from growers and producers that participate in the program based on the prices in the Fair Market Value List. Prices are estimated to be at wholesale or better and will be reviewed and updated on a biannual basis.
Frequently Asked Questions about LFPA
What is the minimum and maximum award?
Applicants can apply for awards from $150,000 to $2.5 million.
How many awards will be given out? How will awards be distributed?
For award distribution, Illinois is divided into seven regions. Each region can receive a pre-determined number of awards based on population density for those needing food.
Do growers or producers have to be a specific size or produce a certain number of pounds to participate in LFPA?
Regardless of how much they produce, growers and producers of all sizes are encouraged to participate. We encourage you to partner with lead agencies and community partners with similar capacities or capacities that can handle cold storage and distribution for your amount of product.
Can I participate if I don’t qualify as socially disadvantaged?
Currently, we are focused on sourcing from socially disadvantaged growers and producers. We encourage you to consider participating in the Local Foods for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program or the Farm to Food Bank Program.
Do I have to be in Illinois?
All food products purchased with Illinois LFPA funds must be grown and produced in Illinois. Participating lead agencies and community partners must distribute that food to underserved communities in Illinois.
What are my options for transporting food?
How food is transported depends on the capacity of the partners within your region. We encourage you to collaborate with your lead agency and community partners to leverage resources. Some funding is available to rent the infrastructure needed to transport or store products and to cover the cost of associated services/personnel.
What quality of food is acceptable?
Food purchased with LFPA funds is intended to be fresh, high-quality products produced following minimum food safety standards. It is not meant to be food rescue quality or seconds.
Do I need liability insurance?
Some lead agencies may have umbrella coverage for the products they distribute. This is on a case-by-case basis and is not guaranteed. We encourage each grower and producer to purchase liability insurance that fits their needs.
Partners
This information is provided on behalf of the Illinois Department of Agriculture and Illinois Department of Human Services. Please complete the interest form to receive updates.
