Illinois Food System Roadmap - Blue Sky Vineyard

Supported by grant funding from the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), Experimental Station has convened a Task Force with an initial six-month goal of information gathering — what would an Illinois Food System Roadmap look like; what are the initiatives already underway in the state to improve the food system; who’s working with whom; what are the needs and gaps? This initial phase will not develop a complete Roadmap but will instead lay the groundwork for future development.

A roadmap would bring Illinois in line with many other states. 18 state plans have already been developed to grow their local food systems, and 11 more are in the process of developing (as of 2021 survey).

We know Illinois imports most of the food we eat. An Illinois Roadmap can change that. An Illinois Roadmap would better inform funders and policy makers in their efforts to feed more Illinoisans more food grown here. It would also inform growers and entrepreneurs in their business planning.

In this phase, we’ll be asking:

• What would an Illinois Food System Roadmap look like;
• What are the initiatives already underway to improve the food system;
• Who’s working with whom;
• What are the needs and gaps?

Get involved by attending our upcoming in-person event.

Who should attend? Anyone who’s actively working in the Illinois local food system. Anyone who has a strong interest in seeing the food system improve and being a part of making it happen. Whether you’re a farmer, food producer, distributor, food hub operator, grocery store or co-op, butcher, baker, chef, institutional food buyer, funder, policy maker, farmers market manager—we want you at the table.

Host or Publisher Task Force - Illinois Food System Roadmap