ILLINOIS FOOD SYSTEM COLLABORATIVE - ILLINOIS

LEADING DIVERSE STAKEHOLDERS TO ENHANCE THE ILLINOIS FOOD SYSTEM

FACILITATION AND LEADERSHIP, FUNDRAISING AND RESOURCE IDENTIFICATION | 2021 - 2023

The Illinois Food System Collaborative is a network of organizations and stakeholders committed to working together to expand opportunities for local and regional farmers, grow the Illinois food economy, and to provide equitable access to good food. Food Works Group provided leadership and facilitation to this diverse collaborative of 30 plus stakeholders who hold a shared vision for the food system yet represent different but complementary missions. Stakeholders include nonprofit organizations, local, state, and federal government entities, private businesses, farmers and producers, university and academic leadership, and others. In 2022, FWG helped to secure a USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant to conduct a landscape analysis and to develop an asset map of physical infrastructure and resources, as well as challenges and opportunities in the Illinois food system. This work focused heavily on stakeholder engagement, community listening, and thinking strategically and creatively about bringing more value to the Illinois food economy.