Program Name: Illinois Local Food Infrastructure Grant
Organization: Illinois Department of Agriculture
Address: 801 E Sangamon Ave

PO Box 19281-9281

Springfield, IL 62794

Phone: (217) 782-2172
Fax:
TDD:
Email: agr.lfig@illinois.gov
Website: Illinois Local Food Infrastructure Grant

ADMINISTRATIVE CODE

Briefly Describe the Purpose of the Program
The Local Food Infrastructure Grant Act created the Local Food Infrastructure Grant Program for the development of local food processing, aggregation and distribution. Starting in Illinois Fiscal Year 2025, the Illinois Department of Agriculture will administer the grant.

The LFIG is intended to assist Illinois applicants with purchasing, leasing to own, renting, building, or installation of infrastructure that will increase market access of Illinois agricultural products to Illinois communities. Funding can support value-added processing, livestock processing, milling, dairy, refrigerated vehicles, food hubs, community kitchens and other critical pieces of the local food supply chain.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture will have 1.8 million of available funds for this grant. Eligible applicants will need to be in Illinois and store, process, package, aggregate or distribute value added products. This includes, but may not be limited to, IL farms, cooperatives, processing facilities, food businesses, food hubs with 50 employees or less. Nonprofits and local governments are also eligible.

Grant awards will be available for collaborative and individual projects. For a collaborative project, an applicant will be able to apply for a grant of up to $250,000 and for an individual project $75,000 may be awarded. There will be a required match unless the applicant can prove high need condition.

Currently the Illinois Department of Agriculture is creating the administrative rules for this grant program. More information on eligibility, application processes, match requirements and timelines will be announced at a later date.

Year Program Established: 2024
Eligibility Requirements or Restrictions
State law requires entities to register and pre-qualify online with GATA before applying for a state grant. Please verify that your organization/entity is in good standing with GATA and has an account on the GATA Grantee Portal.

Grant Submission Requirements

Application Deadline: Every Spring
Application Guidelines:
Please see https://agr.illinois.gov/assistance/illinoisfarmprograms/specialty-crop-grants/ilscbg-application-submission-details.html
Funding Cap Per Application or Fiscal Year Program Funding: $75,000.00 – $250,000
How Must Funds Be Used: