Illinois-EATS Partnership Brings Local Bounty to People in Need
Driving through rural Illinois during the growing season, the picturesque landscapes paint a scene of abundance. But beyond these fields lies a harsh reality: in these very communities, some people face daily challenges accessing nutritious, affordable food.
Operation Food Search is now working to bridge the gap between local agriculture and the food insecurity faced by up to 25% of the population in the areas we serve. Through a new partnership with Illinois-EATS, a USDA-funded Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) program, OFS is offering the farm-to-table experience to people in Madison and St. Clair counties. Illinois received $28 million for this program and has allocated $1.5 million to OFS over two years. All of the food purchased will be from socially disadvantaged growers and producers including new farmers, women, minorities, LGBTQ+, and low-income people.
“This program allows us to put fresh, high-quality food in the hands of those who need it most, giving people a taste of what’s grown around them while also supporting farmers and the local economy,” says Brian Desmet, Program Operations Manager for OFS.
Since April, OFS has collaborated with more than a dozen farms. purchasing roughly $100,000 in fresh food every month for distribution across 23 partner food agencies. These pantries and shelters serve up to 600 or more families each and are excited to now offer more fresh eggs, milk, and meats along with produce.
OFS distributed more than $500,000 worth of locally sourced food as part of Illinois-EATS between April and October. And in November, Thanksgiving was extra special when families received turkeys that were raised by Abundant Pastures in Southern Illinois and processed by Bland Family Farm in Jacksonville. The turkeys were packed alongside sweet potatoes and more from Three Rivers Community Farm in Elsah and distributed by the Soup-N-Share pantry. For many, it was their first Thanksgiving meal made with ingredients grown just miles away.
For those receiving these “first foods”-items at the beginning of their shelf life-the program offers more than just sustenance. Fresh tomatoes, bell peppers, and collard greens, along with locally raised proteins like chicken and beef, help fill nutritional gaps that often affect people who experience food insecurity. Unlike processed or near-expiration items, farm-fresh foods are packed with essential vitamins and minerals that are key to health and growth.
“OFS is known for meeting the immediate food needs of 200,000 people each month throughout the bi-state region. We also work to ensure that the food they receive is healthful and nutritious,” says Kristen Wild, CEO of OFS.
Another benefit of the LFPA partnership is how it strengthens equity within Illinois’ food system. Farmers earn fair market value for their produce (a wholesale amount similar to pricing at farmer’s markets), allowing them to sustain and grow their operations.
“The Illinois-EATS program benefits the entire local food chain. Farmers have a reliable buyer, food pantries gain diverse, high-quality options, and individuals have access to nutritious foods. It’s a win-win-win,” says Wild.
OFS’ Illinois-EATS Featured Partners
Three Rivers Community Farm
Owners: Amy Cloud, Jose Lara 22935 Chautauqua Rd,
Elsah, Illinois 62028
www.threeriverscommunityfarm.com
Harvest: Approximately 130,000 pounds of organically grown fruits and vegetables a year
OFS Partnership: Gleaned fruit and purchased vegetables through Illinois-EATS
Soup-N-Share Outreach Program
Executive Director: Sherrie Hare
1 Caine Drive Madison, IL 62060 www.soupnshare.org
People Served: 609 families, 1,198 individuals in October 2024 (food and diaper pantry, hot food, computer classes, clothing)
OFS Partnership: Weekly food pantry support and Illinois-EATS meat, eggs, and vegetables
Abundant Pastures
7751 E Dayton Lane Claremont, IL 62421
www.abundantpastures.farm
Bland Family Farm
102 Leland Lake Dr. Jacksonville, IL 62650 www.blandfamilyfarm.com
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- Soup-N-Share Outreach Program
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- Three Rivers Community Farm
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- Bland Family Farm
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- Abundant Pastures
