In The News

In The News

MacArthur Foundation

"MacArthur today announced $1.5 million in rapid-response funding to address heightened food insecurity across Chicago following the lapse of federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits during the government shutdown earlier this month.

Although federal SNAP benefits were restored on November 14 [2025], the lapse left lasting harm for the 1.9 million Illinoisans who rely on the program for access to nutritious food—particularly children, seniors, and people with disabilities."

USDA NRCS

"It Takes a Village (ITAV) community farm is a nearly three-acre urban agriculture operation in Sauk Village, IL, a suburb of Chicago...Some residents were limited to accessing food from gas stations and convenience stores without fresh options available within walking or driving distance.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) not only helps large row crop farmers but also can provide assistance to small urban agriculture operations and community farms. When ITAV needed to expand with a second high tunnel, they called on their local urban conservationists at NRCS."

Capitol News

"Countering that food insecurity is core to the mission of many of the LFIG recipients interviewed, with multiple farms donating large shares of their produce to local food pantries.

Just Roots, a half-acre urban farm nestled beside the Green Line on Chicago’s South Side, donates up to 50% of its fruits, vegetables and herbs to local food pantries and mutual aid organizations. The rest they sell at an affordable price on a sliding scale to local residents. The community farm received an LFIG grant to purchase a refrigerated van and expand on-site refrigeration capacity."