In a forward-thinking initiative, Illinois has joined hands in a collaborative effort to fortify the resilience of its food supply chain. The newly launched Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program, developed in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is set to offer state grants for projects aimed at enhancing the robustness of Illinois’ food supply network.
Beginning January 22, the program will be open to applications from a diverse range of entities, including food and farm businesses, nonprofits, local government entities, universities, schools, and hospitals. The initiative aims to support activities crucial to the mid-section of the food supply chain, focusing on processes occurring post-harvest and preceding retail sales.
The program envisions fostering resilience in various aspects of the supply chain, with a particular emphasis on activities such as processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, and distributing locally and regionally produced food. This strategic move not only aims to strengthen Illinois’ food supply chain but also to contribute to the broader effort of ensuring a resilient and sustainable food system.
As the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program kicks off, it signifies Illinois’ commitment to proactive measures that address challenges in the food supply chain, positioning the state at the forefront of promoting transparency and sustainability in this crucial sector.
