Illinois Farmers Urged to Begin LFIG Grant Application Process Now Ahead of March 27 Deadline

SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois farmers, food businesses, cooperatives, and community organizations interested in strengthening the state’s local food supply chain are being encouraged to begin the application process immediately for the Fiscal Year 2026 Local Food Infrastructure Grant (LFIG) program.

The Illinois Stewardship Alliance says prospective applicants should start preparing this week because state registration requirements must be completed before an application can be submitted. The enrollment period for the program is open through March 27.

Applications officially opened Feb. 18, creating an opportunity for producers and food system partners to secure funding for projects that improve the infrastructure needed to move Illinois-grown food from farms to markets, schools, grocery stores, and families.

“Local food doesn’t move itself,” said Liz Moran Stelk, executive director of the Illinois Stewardship Alliance. “Farmers across Illinois are ready to meet growing demand for locally produced food, but they need the infrastructure to do it. The LFIG program helps close that gap, strengthening farms, communities, and our state’s economy at the same time.”

The grant program supports investments such as cold storage, food processing equipment, aggregation facilities, transportation capacity, and distribution systems. These types of projects help farmers expand market access while improving efficiency and reducing waste in the local food supply chain.

Alliance leaders say the application process includes state registration steps that can take time to complete, making early preparation essential for applicants hoping to meet the March 27 deadline.

Previous rounds of funding have demonstrated strong demand from farmers and food businesses looking to scale their operations and strengthen local food networks.

Grant recipients illustrate how infrastructure investments can create lasting impacts. In Urbana, Sola Gratia Farm used LFIG funding to expand refrigerated transportation and food distribution capacity, allowing the nonprofit farm to deliver more fresh produce to schools, food pantries, and neighborhood markets while reducing spoilage.

Meanwhile in McLean County, Funks Grove Heritage Fruits & Grains used funding to improve grain handling and on-site processing. The upgrades reduced transportation burdens and improved product quality while allowing more value to remain within the regional food economy.

“These are exactly the kinds of ripple effects we envisioned,” Stelk said. “When you invest in infrastructure, you’re not just helping one farm. You’re supporting jobs, improving food access, strengthening supply chains, and keeping food dollars circulating in Illinois communities.”

The Alliance says strong participation in this year’s enrollment cycle will also help demonstrate to lawmakers the continued demand for the program as state budget discussions begin this spring.

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