Millions of dollars in grants are going to be available to bolster the state’s food systems. 

The grants from the Illinois Department of Agriculture are designed to fill needs in the middle of supply chains - after the food has been grown and before it gets to the consumer. Kristi Jones, Deputy Director of Agriculture, says many farmers can grow plenty of food but they struggle to store it or get it to market.

Grants could even be awarded to institutions like schools, who need storage and equipment to begin cooking and preparing more locally grown food for students.