Applications are now open for Illinois’ new $1.5 million Farm to Food Bank Capacity-Building Grant Program, aimed at strengthening local food systems and expanding access to fresh, Illinois-grown protein and produce.
Eligible applicants include farmers, ag producers, food banks, food pantries, and community partners seeking assistance with infrastructure needs. Grants range from $1,000 to $100,000 and are designed to help recipients harvest, store, process, or transport agricultural products to fight food insecurity—especially in underserved communities.
The program is funded by the State of Illinois through the Illinois Department of Human Services and builds on the success of the Illinois Farm to Food Bank Program, which has already helped move 3 million pounds of surplus food from farms to food banks since 2020.
Applications and detailed guidelines are available at feedingillinois.org/capacitygrant. Feeding Illinois will host virtual office hour sessions on its social media from 11 am to 12 pm on February 11th, 18th, and 25th for application assistance. Questions can also be sent to grants@feedingillinois.org.
Applications are open through March 6th, with grant awards to be announced April 10th. Grantees will pay project costs upfront and be reimbursed afterward.