Illinois Local Food Infrastructure Grant
Illinois Local Food Infrastructure Grant supports farmers, food businesses, and community organizations with food supply-chain infrastructure to expand access to Illinois agricultural products.
This grant was recently updated
New guidance requires Illinois Office of Comptroller certification before a grant agreement can be issued or payments processed, with a correct IRS Form W-9 and, for LLCs, an IRS Letter of Determination showing tax entity type. The funder also notes that additional information or budget changes may be requested.
Funder: Illinois Department of Agriculture
Due Dates: December 28, 2026 (Program questions) | January 5, 2027 (Technical questions) | January 6, 2027 (Application) | June 30, 2027 (Project end and costs incurred) | August 1, 2027 (Recommended reimbursement submission)
Funding Amounts: $1.8 million available for FY2027; $1,000–$75,000 for individual projects or $1,000–$250,000 for collaborative projects
Summary: Supports Illinois food processing, storage, aggregation, and distribution infrastructure that expands access to Illinois agricultural products.
Key Information: Reimbursement funding requires recipients to pay approved expenses first; applicants must pre-register and maintain qualified status.
Description
The Illinois Department of Agriculture administers the Local Food Infrastructure Grant to develop local food processing, aggregation, and distribution capacity. Created through the Local Food Infrastructure Grant Act, the program supports infrastructure purchases, lease-to-own arrangements, rentals, building, and installation that increase market access for Illinois agricultural products within Illinois communities.
Funding supports individual and collaborative projects involving value-added processing, livestock processing, milling, dairy, refrigerated vehicles, food hubs, community kitchens, and other critical supply-chain infrastructure. Value-added products include agricultural products or by-products whose value is enhanced through processing, packaging, or another activity in Illinois. The program aims to support local farmers, feed Illinois communities, strengthen local food economies, and generate economic growth.
