Food News

A grant program, supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, extending across the state, seeks to combat food insecurity and aid historically under-represented farmers, with the Midwest Food Bank participating in this initiative.

Governor J.B. Pritzker is giving $28.8 Million in funds to the Midwest Food Bank’s facility in Morton. Not only this, the Governor also called it a big step to provide nutrition to vulnerable communities.

Pritzker said, “Here’s the problem that we’re working to solve: Nearly 3.3 million Illinoisans live in a food desert, leaving families with few options when it comes to putting food on the table. We can and must do better in our state, especially for our rural communities, because food access is fundamental to healthy and prosperous communities and families.”

Peoria and Normal divisions of the Midwest Food Bank are about to receive around $5 Million via the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement.

Hodel said, “We are encouraged and grateful for the innovative funding approach because it will bolster the agricultural community and help battle food insecurity in our communities throughout the state”.

Out of all the providers, Midwest Food Bank is the one sharing 20 grants awarded in partnership with the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) and Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS).

IDOA Director Jerry Costello believes that the program is an innovative way to lift both ends of the supply chain, farmers and struggling families.

Schools, churches, and numerous nonprofit organizations will be participating in the food distribution along with food banks.

Executive director of the Midwest Food Bank Aimee Beam, “The funds from the Illinois Eats program will allow us to purchase a great deal more fresh, healthy produce in grains and meats from qualifying farmers, ranchers, and growers to supply nutritious life-sustaining food to our diverse clientele”.