Advocating for Farm to School

The Illinois Farm to School Network advocates for farm to school policy and legislation that support schools, farms and local communities. We partner with the National Farm to School Network and state-level policy organizations to advocate for policy changes that will foster and support farm to school activities.

By joining the Network, we will periodically send out information about current advocacy campaigns or ways for you to get involved in educating your local representatives and advocating for changes at the federal level, too.

Resources from our policy partners:

State Farm to School Legislative Survey, 2002-2014, National Farm to School Network

The State Farm to School Legislative Survey provides state-by-state summaries of every enacted, defeated or pending farm to school-related bill from 2002-2017. It also includes analysis and infographics on state farm to school legislative trends; case studies on successful farm to school advocacy efforts; and additional resources to help advocates learn about and replicate the wide variety of existing state farm to school laws, policies and programs. Check out where Illinois stands on statewide farm to school policy compared to other states!

Farm to School Advocacy, National Farm to School Network

Check out this page for opportunities to take action on federal-level farm to school policies!

Illinois Stewardship Alliance

Our partners at the Illinois Stewardship Alliance cultivate a local food and farm system that is economically viable, socially just and environmentally sustainable. ISA provides opportunities for Illinoisans to advocate at both the local and federal level to support a healthy local food system.

Illinois Environmental Council

The Illinois Environmental Council Education Fund engages in education and outreach and provides a forum for environmentalists. The Illinois Environmental Council serves as the environmental community’s eyes, ears and voice in Springfield. The two organizations – collectively known as IEC – work together to ensure a more healthful environment for Illinois residents. Seven Generations Ahead, the non-profit that manages the Illinois Farm to School Network, is a member organization of IEC.

Illinois Alliance to Prevent Obesity

The Illinois Alliance to Prevent Obesity (IAPO) is a multi-sector coalition that works for equitable and just opportunities for Illinoisans to eat healthy and be physically active to optimize their health and well-being. IAPO is an active supporter of local food systems and farm to school initiatives as a strategy to create a healthier state.

Healthy Schools Campaign

HSC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that all students have access to healthy school environments where they can learn and thrive. Check out their website to see how you can get involved!