The Illinois Deer Donation Program returns for its third donation season with an exciting new name: Hunters Feeding Illinois. This rebranding reflects an expanded partnership among Feeding Illinois, the Southern Illinois Food Pantry Network, and the University of Illinois Extension, bringing together hunters, meat processors, and food pantries to provide lean protein to Illinois families in need. Hunters can donate …
Feeding Illinois is proud to introduce its latest initiative, the “Grain for Good” (G4G) pilot program, a collaborative effort designed to combat food insecurity in Illinois. This innovative program encourages local farmers to donate a portion of their grain harvests, the proceeds of which will be used to purchase pork from Illinois hog farmers. The pork will then be distributed …
On August 3, 2023, Governor JB Pritzker signed the Illinois Farm to Food Bank Act into law, marking a significant step forward in addressing food insecurity across the state. With $2.5 million in funding allocated for 2024, the program aims to connect Illinois farmers with those in need, ensuring that high-quality produce, dairy, and meat can directly benefit residents struggling …
The Farm to Food Bank Initiative will work with more farms after a successful 2021 pilot project with Rendleman Orchards, according to Stephen “Steve” Ericson, executive director of Feeding Illinois. During the recent Live Local Conference, Ericson; Janie Maxwell, executive director of the Illinois Farmers Market Association (ILFMA); and Zach Samaras, technical assistance engineer with the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center, …
