Illinois Announces $3.6M in Grants for Local Food Infrastructure

Funds will support processing, aggregation, and distribution to boost local farmers and communities

Jan. 31, 2026 at 8:47am

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The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) announced plans to distribute $3.6 million in fiscal year 2026 to support local food processing, aggregation, and distribution. Grants ranging from $1,000 to $250,000 will be available for collaborative projects and $1,000 to $75,000 for individual projects. The funding aims to strengthen the state's agricultural infrastructure and ensure Illinois-grown food can reach consumers.

Why it matters

This investment in local food infrastructure is seen as essential to supporting Illinois farmers, shortening supply chains, and improving access to affordable, locally grown food, especially in areas that have historically been food deserts.

The details

The grants will be available to a range of eligible applicants, including Illinois farms, cooperatives, slaughter/processing facilities, food businesses, food hubs, nonprofits, and local governments with fewer than 50 employees. The funding must be used for purchasing, leasing, renting, building, or installing infrastructure related to processing, storage, aggregation, or distribution of value-added agricultural products.

  • The grant application will be available on February 18, 2026.
  • The funding was appropriated in the FY26 state budget.

The players

Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA)

The state agency responsible for overseeing and supporting Illinois' agricultural industry.

Jerry Costello II

The director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture.

Doris Turner

State Senator and Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee.

David Koehler

State Senator and member of the Senate Agriculture Committee.

Sonya Harper

State Representative and Chair of the House Agriculture and Conservation Committee.

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What they’re saying

“Strong agriculture depends on strong infrastructure. The Local Food Infrastructure Grant program gives Illinois farmers the processing, aggregation, and distribution capacity they need to ensure Illinois-grown food can reach consumers.”

— Jerry Costello II, Director, Illinois Department of Agriculture

“Everyone benefits when we empower our local farmers. By fortifying the food system, we are supporting our local farmers and mitigating food insecurity. This funding will expand access to fresh, local foods, strengthen the local economy and grow the food supply chain.”

— Doris Turner, State Senator, Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee

“When we say farm-to-home food, we forget about the critical infrastructure in between. This investment ensures that our food makes it from farm to local food processor and distribution safely and cleanly to your plates at home.”

— David Koehler, State Senator, Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee

“With food prices rising across Illinois, investing in local food infrastructure is no longer optional, it's essential. We created this program to strengthen our farmers, shorten the supply chain and ensure Illinois families can access affordable, locally grown food. I've spent my career fighting to move our state from food deserts and fragile systems toward real, durable solutions, and this investment helps put that vision into action.”

— Sonya Harper, State Representative, Chair of the House Agriculture and Conservation Committee

What’s next

Those interested can prepare for the upcoming application by pre-registering with SAM.gov and the GATA Grantee Portal.

The takeaway

This investment in local food infrastructure demonstrates Illinois' commitment to supporting its agricultural sector, strengthening local economies, and improving access to affordable, fresh, and locally grown food for all residents, especially in underserved communities.