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Push continues to shore up Illinois food system funding

The deputy director of the Illinois Stewardship Alliance says several groups are working to ensure a state program aimed at strengthening local food systems continues.

Liz Rupel says the Local Food Infrastructure Grant (LFIG) has helped farmers expand and brought more economic resilience to communities.  

“Nineteen projects across the state.”  She says, “All the way from down in southern Illinois to up to Chicago, so it’s making an impact, and we hope to see that continue.”

She tells Brownfield the state’s ongoing budget issues means a third year of the $2 million program could be in jeopardy.

“Like all appropriations bills, it may not go anywhere, but really, it’s just keeping the noise loud for that infrastructure funding.”  She says, “We are hearing good things about it, but like with any funding request right now, it’s just a little uncertain.”

Rupel says applications for the second year of LFIG funding should be released by the Illinois Department of Agriculture later this year.

The Illinois General Assembly is required to have its new budget passed by the end of the month.

AUDIO: Liz Rupel – Illinois Stewardship Alliance