West-Central Illinois Farmers Encouraged to Start LFIG Grant Applications Now Ahead of March 27 Deadline

PEORIA -- Farmers, food businesses, cooperatives, and community organizations across Peoria and west-central Illinois are being encouraged to begin the application process immediately for the Fiscal Year 2026 Local Food Infrastructure Grant (LFIG) program, with the deadline to apply set for March 27.

Advocates say applicants should start preparing this week because several state registration requirements must be completed before an application can be submitted — a process that can take time and could delay late applicants.

The Illinois Stewardship Alliance is urging farmers and food system partners across west-central Illinois to begin gathering materials now to ensure they can complete the process and submit a strong proposal before the deadline.

Applications for the FY2026 program opened Feb. 18 and support projects that strengthen the infrastructure needed to move Illinois-grown food from farms to markets, schools, grocery stores, restaurants, and families.

“Local food doesn’t move itself,” said Liz Moran Stelk, executive director of the Illinois Stewardship Alliance. “Farmers across Illinois are seeing strong demand for locally produced food, but the infrastructure needed to store, process, and distribute that food is often the missing link. The LFIG program helps fill that gap while strengthening farms and communities.”

The Local Food Infrastructure Grant program supports investments such as cold storage, food processing equipment, aggregation hubs, transportation capacity, and distribution systems. Those improvements help small and mid-sized farms expand market access, improve efficiency, and reduce food waste.

For farmers and food entrepreneurs across west-central Illinois, these investments can help strengthen connections between farms and local buyers, including schools, grocery stores, restaurants, and food pantries.

Across Illinois, the program has generated strong interest from farmers and food businesses looking to expand operations and reach new markets.

Previous grant recipients illustrate how infrastructure investments can strengthen local food systems.

In McLean County, Funks Grove Heritage Fruits & Grains used LFIG funding to upgrade grain handling and on-site processing capacity. The improvements reduced transportation burdens, improved product quality, and allowed the farm to capture more value locally while expanding regional market opportunities.

Advocates say projects like these demonstrate how infrastructure investments can create ripple effects across the agricultural economy.

“When you invest in infrastructure, you’re not just helping one farm,” Stelk said. “You’re strengthening supply chains, supporting jobs, and helping keep food dollars circulating in Illinois communities.”

With the March 27 deadline approaching, farmers and organizations across Peoria and west-central Illinois are encouraged to begin the state registration process now to ensure they have time to complete their applications.

More information about eligibility and application requirements is available at:
https://agr.illinois.gov/assistance/illinoisfarmprograms/lfig.html