The Illinois Food System Roadmap is a community-informed, statewide initiative working to build a diverse, equity-centered, sustainable, and resilient food system across Illinois. Supported by grant funding from the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), Experimental Station manages the Roadmap initiative. 

Despite being one of the nation’s agricultural powerhouses, Illinois produces very little of the food its residents actually eat. Less than 5% of the food consumed in the state is grown here, with most food imported from California and other states and countries—leaving Illinois highly vulnerable to food insecurity. After years of raising concerns about this gap and the need for a comprehensive statewide food system plan, Experimental Station launched the Illinois Food System Roadmap initiative in 2024.

From December 2024 through June 2025, Experimental Station convened a statewide Task Force of food system leaders and engaged more than 300 stakeholders through in-person and virtual workshops. Together, participants identified what is already working within Illinois’ food system, where gaps remain, and what is needed to strengthen local food production, distribution, and access. These insights are documented in the Illinois Food System Roadmap Phase I Report.

Building on this momentum, Phase II will focus on developing a strategic framework for deeper collaboration across regions and sectors.

Learn more, read the Phase I Report, sign up for the Newsletter, and get involved at the Roadmap website.