Publisher: Capitol News Illinois
Published: September 9, 2026
Source: Read at Capitol News Illinois (https://capitolnewsillinois.com/news/these-61-organizations-will-receive-3-5m-in-illinois-local-food-grants/)
Category: Food Access
Illinois Department of Agriculture grants went to 61 local food organizations, with total awards of over $3.5 million. The awards cover fiscal years 2025 and 2026, including 16 organizations in Cook County and 45 organizations across 34 other counties. Projects range from a $1,424 air conditioning upgrade to a $205,000 partnership supporting six community-based farms in Chicago. Triple S Farms plans to build a mobile poultry processing unit with capacity for 300 to 400 chickens per day.
Why this matters: The grants could give independent grocers and food-access groups more local suppliers, processing capacity, and distribution options. Projects that address cold storage and poultry processing may be especially relevant to communities with limited local food infrastructure.
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