Journal Standard
Illinois Farm Bureau, Feeding Illinois and the University of Illinois Prairie Research Institute have begun a farm to food bank feasibility study.
During COVID-19, farmers witnessed the importance of the USDA Farms to Families Food Box Program, which purchased food products from farmers, worked with distributors to package the food into family-size boxes and transported the food to food banks for those in need. This program showed that food banks purchasing directly from farms helps increase food access and farm profitability.
We have a unique opportunity to identify and build a long-term market and infrastructure where Illinois farmers can grow and supply food directly for Illinois food banks. However, to build a viable system, we need to hear from our farmers, specifically: livestock, dairy, grain and specialty crop farmers.
Feb 18, 2021 8:16 AM
(SPRINGFIELD) Farmers are encouraged to go online and complete a brief survey by March 15, three weeks from next Monday. With about ten minutes needed to complete the survey, the information gathered will be used to assess the potential for a “farm-to-food-bank” program. The survey is the first part of a feasibility study that could expand programs and opportunities for farmers to move surplus food commodities to hunger relief agencies throughout the state. The surveyed is being sponsored by the Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois Specialty Growers, the University of Illinois Prairie Research Institute, and the Feeding Illinois Food Bank Program. The four partners hope to develop incentives and more to overcome existing barriers to efficient flows of fresh, state-produced food to residents with as little waste as possible.