SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) announces $6.4 million in competitive grant funds will be available for projects designed to help strengthen the state’s food supply chain. The program, Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program (RFSI), is a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Applications will be accepted beginning Jan. 22, 2024, from food and farm businesses and other eligible entities including nonprofits, local government entities, universities, schools and hospitals.

“The Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program provides federal funds to build upon Illinois’ investments in local food,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “When we help small and mid-sized producers grow, we expand access to fresh, local food products, fortify local economies and strengthen the food supply chain.”

“The Resilient Food System Infrastructure program uplifts our state’s number one industry and puts us on a path to ending food insecurity. Every community in Illinois deserves access to fresh, nutrient-dense food, and these grants will bring historically disinvested areas closer to that reality,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “This program proves that Ag Connects Us All, and I strongly encourage our local BIPOC, women-owned, and veteran farmers to apply.”

The purpose of the program is to assist in building resilience in the middle of the food supply chain, supporting those activities that happen after harvest and prior to retail sale. Examples include processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, and distributing locally and regionally produced food. RFSI funds support food system crops and products meant for human consumption, excluding meat and poultry products which are funded through other USDA programs.

Read the rest of the story and learn about Extension's involvement here.