Through IL-EATS, Illinois farmers and food access partners came together to strengthen local food systems while feeding their communities. This video shares their experiences and highlights how the program expanded markets, increased access to fresh, local food, and built a more resilient supply...
Local Foods And Small Farms Videos
On an abandoned parking lot in Chicago, Urban Canopy is transforming concrete into community. With support from the IL-EATS program, the fresh food they grow stays right where it’s needed most – in their own neighborhood. For more information about Urban Canopy, visit:...
The Joseph Center is a transitional living facility that empowers veterans to achieve self-sufficiency. With support from the IL-EATS program, chefs at The Joseph Center turn local ingredients into hearty, home-cooked meals that nourish veterans and support their journey toward independence....
At the Collinsville food pantry, Director Stacy Jones makes sure every client is treated with dignity. With help from IL-EATS, they’re able to provide high-quality, locally sourced food that aligns with their mission. One client loved the applesauce—and received a heartwarming surprise when she...
Andy Hazzard of Hazzard Free Grains grows heirloom corn, oats, and wheat to nourish her community. Through IL-EATS, she gained a reliable sales outlet and opportunities to invest in her farm – and received a phone call she never expected.
In 2019, Mei Shao left her career as an architect to become a mushroom farmer, a leap few would dare to take. With support from IL-EATS, it became a game-changing opportunity to grow her farm and give back to her community.
When Marty and his wife launched Kakadoodle Farm five years ago, they knew profit and scale wouldn’t come easily. But through IL-EATS, their egg business found the market it needed to grow and thrive.