Applicants urged to act quickly as Local Food Infrastructure Grant enrollment continues

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois farmers, food businesses, cooperatives, and community organizations interested in strengthening the state’s local food supply chain are being urged to begin the application process immediately for the Fiscal Year 2026 Local Food Infrastructure Grant (LFIG) program.

The enrollment period for the program opened Feb. 18 and runs through March 27. However, advocates say prospective applicants should start preparing materials now because several required state registration steps must be completed before an application can be submitted — a process that can take time if not started early.

The grant program provides support for infrastructure projects such as cold storage, food processing equipment, aggregation hubs, transportation capacity, and distribution systems — investments advocates say are critical to helping Illinois-grown food reach consumers, schools, grocers, and community institutions across the state.

The Illinois Stewardship Alliance is encouraging eligible applicants to begin the process as soon as possible to ensure they have time to complete the administrative requirements and submit strong applications before the deadline.

“Local food doesn’t move itself,” said Liz Moran Stelk, executive director of the Illinois Stewardship Alliance. “Farmers across Illinois are ready to meet growing demand for locally produced food, but they need the infrastructure to do it. Programs like LFIG help close that gap while supporting jobs, improving food access, and strengthening local economies.”

Stelk said the application process includes state registration requirements that must be completed before applying, making early preparation important for farms and food businesses hoping to participate this year.

Since its launch, the grant program has drawn strong interest from farmers and food businesses looking to expand operations and reach new markets. Advocates say infrastructure gaps remain one of the biggest barriers to scaling local food systems in Illinois.

Previous recipients highlight the potential impact of these investments. Sola Gratia Farm in Urbana expanded refrigerated transportation and distribution capacity with grant support, allowing more produce to reach schools, food pantries, and neighborhood markets while reducing food waste.

In McLean County, Funks Grove Heritage Fruits & Grains invested in grain processing improvements that reduced transportation needs and improved product quality, helping retain more economic value within the regional food economy.

“These investments create ripple effects,” Stelk said. “When infrastructure improves, farms grow stronger, communities gain access to fresh food, and more food dollars stay within Illinois.”

The Alliance says strong participation in this year’s application cycle will also demonstrate continued demand for the program as lawmakers prepare to debate the next state budget this spring.

Advocates argue that sustained investment in local food infrastructure can strengthen supply chain resilience, expand economic opportunities for farmers, and improve access to fresh food in both rural and urban communities. Infrastructure investments can also reduce food waste while supporting small and mid-sized agricultural businesses.

Eligible applicants generally include Illinois farms, food businesses, cooperatives, nonprofits, food hubs, and local governments involved in processing, storing, packaging, or distributing agricultural products.

The application period for Fiscal Year 2026 funding runs through March 27 and interested applicants are encouraged to begin the registration and application process now to ensure they meet the deadline.

More information about eligibility and application details is available at:
https://agr.illinois.gov/assistance/illinoisfarmprograms/lfig.html