URBANA, Ill. — In an effort to boost local agriculture, Illinois is addressing the staggering statistic that over 90% of the food consumed in the state is imported. To counter this, the Illinois Department of Agriculture is offering a financial lifeline to local food producers through the Illinois Local Food Infrastructure Grant, a fund exceeding $3 million.
Among the beneficiaries of this initiative is Sola Gratia, a nonprofit farm based in Urbana. Having received the grant back in 2014, Sola Gratia utilized the funds to construct a new wash pack facility. This improvement has significantly enhanced their efficiency in cleaning produce and delivering it to customers, thereby supporting their mission of serving the community.