The Illinois Farm to School Network (IFSN) is a member organization. We share information and tools for farm to school topics such as indoor and outdoor gardens, wellness policies, local food procurement and integration, food education and more. Members are encouraged to network and share farm to school best practices, or simply to learn more.
The IFSN is based out of the non-profit Seven Generations Ahead. SGA does advocacy work for farm to school legislation through the IFSN. Any policy or legislative advocacy is done to increase the goals of the farm to school program and is not a reflection of the members of the IFSN.
As of April 2022, 2580 individuals have joined the IFSN. Here are some of the organizations, businesses, and institutions that they represent! We periodically update this list. If you’re not on the list, feel free to let us know and we can add you.
Want to add your business or agency to the list? Join the network here.
Illinois Stewardship Alliance, Springfield IL
Illinois Stewardship Alliance is an organization that promotes environmentally sustainable, economically viable, socially just, local food systems through policy development, advocacy, and education. ISA envisions soil being treated as a precious resource, local food producers earn a fair living wage, local food education is integrated into all levels of education, infrastructure is rebuilt to accommodate local food systems and good food is available to all. ISA works to increase the availability of fresh local foods through local food promotion, policy work, and conservation work.
University of Illinois Extension Champaign-Urbana IL
The U of I Extension Program is an outreach effort from U of I at Urbana-Champaign but is based in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES). The Extension program offers educational programs to the 102 counties in Illinois in addition to making life better, healthier, safer, and more profitable for individuals and communities. U of I extension offers five broad areas of educational programs in a healthy society, food security and safety, environmental stewardship, sustainable and profitable food production and marketing systems, and enhancing youth, family, and community well-being. University of Illinois Extension does not endorse any specific product, company, or service, but rather offers information based on scientific research.
USDA Farm to School, Chicago IL
Farm to School is a program that is operated by the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service agency. This program works to provide information and support to help schools procure locally grown food. The program also promotes greater use of locally procured foods to be used and served in schools.
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale IL
SIU’s College of Agricultural Sciences has a long history of working with small, local producers. Many professors are partnered with the Illinois Farmers Market Association, University of Illinois Extension, and the Illinois State Board of Education. SIU also holds networking conferences between farmers and school food service managers.
IL. Dept. of Public Health, Springfield IL
The Illinois Department of Public Health works to prevent and control of disease, promote safe and healthy communities, protect food, air, water and the environment, advocate for improved health policies, and collaborate and partner with other organizations to achieve a coordinated response to community health issues through the division of six offices focused on different areas of public health.
Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Services, Mattoon IL
Sarah Bush Lincoln health center is a not-for-profit regional hospital, located in Coles County, Illinois. Sarah Bush Lincoln has a mission to provide excellent care for all and to create healthy communities with a strong emphasis on the following values: integrity, respect, compassion, excellence, leadership, stewardship, innovation, and partnership.
Chicago Public Schools, Chicago IL
Chicago Public Schools provides quality education to Chicago children. CPS works with the core beliefs that every student is capable of success, every student must receive equal access to high-quality education and children come first especially with academic achievement and well-being. The Office of Health and Student Wellness has a farm to school team that works on school gardens and increasing local food in the cafeteria. CPS serves two local food items per week and participates in the School Food FOCUS Upper Midwest Regional Learning Lab.
DuPage Health Dept. DuPage FORWARD, Wheaton IL
The DuPage Health Department’s FORWARD Coalition (Fighting Obesity Reaching healthy Weight Among Residents of DuPage) aims to reduce the prevalence of obesity in the county of DuPage through educating children and families on the importance of eating healthy and exercising with an ultimate goal of making resident live healthy happy lives.
Fresh Taste, Chicago IL
Fresh Taste is a staffed funder initiative founded by a group of Chicago based foundations and city officials interested in changing how food is produced, processed and consumed in Chicago. Fresh Taste works to support the Chicago food system by funding a professional staff to advance their work, create and disperse grants through each of their foundations, and makes grants with the Good Food Fund which is outside of the Chicagoland region.
Seven Generations Ahead, Oak Park IL
SGA is a non-profit organization that promotes the development of ecologically sustainable and healthy communities and is partnered with the National Farm to School Network. SGA also works very closely with the local government, community, and private sector leaders to make a more sustainable future. SGA has created a farm to school curriculum to schools across the Midwest for the past ten years.
Angelic Organics Learning Center, Caledonia IL
Angelic Organics Learning Center is an educational nonprofit organization and is a partner to Angelic Organics farm. This organization works directly with urban and rural residents to help build local food systems. AOLC conducts many initiatives such as farm training, Urban Partnerships, and On-Farm initiatives along with advocating for food and farms.
Lincoln Land Community College, Springfield IL
LLCC in Springfield Illinois works in partnership with the U of I Extension, and has held workshops on putting small acres to work, which helps promote and education people on ways to increase local food production. In addition, LLCC has a Value Added local Food Program, which is a set of course that targets food Industry workers and farmers educating them on food issues, culinary skills, and business skills.
FarmLogix, Evanston IL
FarmLogix is a virtual hub that aggregates and connects local farms with schools in an online community. It also serves as a FTS solution to over 120 school districts in the Midwest. FarmLogix also offers the unique services of online ordering, FTS plan creation and menu consultation, distribution logistics management, marketing and reporting local purchases by farm, product, pound, and dollars spent.
Family Farmed, Oak Park IL
Family Farmed is a nonprofit organization that works directly with family farmers and national organizations that serve farmers and to work to increase local food systems. The organization also educates the public about consuming locally grown foods, supporting farm families, and how to become a local CSA program member.
The Kitchen Community, Chicago IL
The Kitchen Community is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that’s educates children on food, growing food, and healthier choices. The organization has built Learning Gardens in 200 schools. The Kitchen Community has created a curriculum called STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) and offers free online courses in each of the categories.
Gardeneers, Chicago IL
Gardeneers is a group of dedicated leaders who support school gardens and empower students to learn more about nutrition and their local community. Their goal is to strengthen the current school curriculum through garden education for grade school students. This curriculum includes lesson plans and activities such as hands-on gardening, discussions, arts, crafts, and games focused on nutrition, community, and environmental stewardship.
Pilot Light, Chicago IL
Pilot Light is an organization that educates Chicago children with food through a curriculum which will help children make healthier decisions throughout their lives. Pilot light focuses on teaching grade school students about food culture, food origins, cooking techniques and healthy food choices.
DuPage County Farm Bureau, Dupage IL
The DuPage County Farm Bureau is a 501(c)(5), not-for-profit, individual membership association which was established in 1913, making it the oldest agricultural association in the U.S. It works to allow farmers to connect with other people to cooperatively strengthen and improve the role of agriculture in a prosperous economy in free America. The DuPage County Farm Bureau participates in Ag in the Classroom, which offers teacher resources, and programs.
Liberty Prairie Foundation, Grayslake IL
The Liberty Prairie Foundation is a 501(c)(3) private operating foundation. The foundation works to build and strengthen the local food system, while supporting healthy ecosystems and vibrant communities. Prairie Crossing Farm is the Headquarters for the foundation. The foundation offers many programs such as farm and youth development, leadership and financial support for sustainable local food system development, conservation and environmental education, and social entrepreneurship.
Greater Chicago Food Depository, Chicago IL
The Greater Chicago Food Depository is a 501 (c) (3) organization that was established in 1978. The organization works in conjunction with manufacturers, distributors, farms, food retailers, food drives, government commodities, summing up to over 350 partners plus local community members. Over 68 million pounds of food is collected each year, which the food depository inspects, sorts, repacks, and distributes.
Get Fresh Produce, Bartlett IL
Get Fresh Produce Inc. is a privately held fresh produce distribution company owned by Gino Alimondi, since 1982. The mission and goal of the company is to continuously think of new ways of increasing the access, value and business of fresh produce. The company provides services to corporate clients and chefs, offers food safety training, and publishes produce recalls.
Compass USA, Chicago IL
British based Compass Group PLC established Compass USA in 1995 after acquiring Canteen Corporation. It provides food and vending to businesses and companies as a leading foodservice management and support services company. The company is Headquartered in North Carolina, but has associates in all 50 U.S. States.
Will County Health Dept, Joliet IL
The Will County Health Department has been serving the needs of a growing population since 1946. They provide comprehensive public health programs, behavioral health resources, and primary health care and dental services at facilities located in Joliet, Bolingbrook, and Monee. Their mission is to prevent disease and promote a healthier environment for all.
Triton College, River Grove IL
Triton College is a model of teaching excellence and student success. They are a community college that embraces the educational, training, and personal development needs of the diverse communities they serve through innovation in programs and approach to learning. Triton College is committed to student success through institutional and academic excellence, and providing a student-centered, lifelong learning environment for their diverse community.
St. Louis Dairy Council, St. Louis MO
St. Louis District Dairy Council (SLDDC) is a nonprofit nutrition education organization whose mission is to communicate the role and necessity of dairy foods as part of a healthful diet. Since 1932, SLDDC has worked with key leaders in the areas of education, health professions, consumer groups and media. Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, SLDDC has satellite offices located in Bloomington, Illinois and Springfield, Illinois and serves a 131-county area. The staff of SLDDC is comprised of professionals with experience in education, food service management, nutrition, and communications. As “The Nutrition Education People,” St. Louis District Dairy Council prides itself on personal delivery of nutrition programming in the varied communities it serves.
Chef’s for a Day, Inc, Burr Ridge IL
Chefs For A Day, INC. offers a variety of cooking/nutrition education programs for children and adults.
Jackson County Health Department, Murphysboro IL
Jackson County Health Department (JCHD) has been providing a wide array of public health services for residents of Jackson County, Illinois since their doors opened in 1950. JCHD provides both individual services – such as immunizations and case management, and community services – such as disease surveillance/control and recycling drop-off sites. They are dedicated to improving the health of this community through both our direct efforts, and by collaborating with other community partners.
Tri-State Local Foods Network, Pittsfield IL
facebook.com/TriStateLocalFoodsNetwork
Tri-State Local Foods Network (TSLFN) is a research, training and advocacy organization concerned with a specific range of vital social, economic and ecological issues affecting the well-being of the people of Illinois, Missouri, and Iowa. To accomplish this mission, TSLFN promotes agricultural systems that are economically feasible, agronomically sound, and environmentally safe through a support network for farmers and consumers, educational programs for farmers and the general public, farmer-driven research and working relationships with other organizations.
C.H.I.L.D. Charitable Counseling, Breese IL
Counseling healthy interventions and life decisions for at-risk children-youth in Clinton County, IL.
Saint Louis University, St. Louis MO
Founded in 1818, Saint Louis University is one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious Catholic universities. SLU, which also has a campus in Madrid, Spain, is recognized for world-class academics, life-changing research, compassionate health care, and a strong commitment to faith and service.
Regional Office of Education #35, Ottowa IL
As an intermediate agency between the Illinois State Board of Education and local school districts, the office of the Regional Superintendent performs regulatory functions as directed by the Illinois School Code. In addition to coordinating and delivering state and local services, the Regional Superintendent acts as an advocate for education by providing positive leadership and disseminating information for educators, school districts and the public. Specific duties of the Regional Superintendent are stated in the School Code and can be summarized in two major areas, service and assurance to the public.
Hand Cut Foods, Chicago IL
HandCut Foods is passionate about food. Fresh food. Healthy food. Delicious food. Having worked and trained in culinary fine dining they know how to prepare exceptional food and deliver unparalleled service. Their company was born from the idea that someone should deliver that same exceptional food and service to cafeteria and catering foodservice. At HandCut Foods, their philosophy is to have a healthy balance in our lives and on our plates.
Columbia College, Chicago IL
Columbia College Chicago is an undergraduate and graduate institution whose principal commitment is to provide a comprehensive educational opportunity in the arts, communications, and public information within a context of enlightened liberal education. Columbia’s intent is to educate students who will communicate creatively and shape the public’s perceptions of issues and events and who will author the culture of their times. Columbia is an urban institution whose students reflect the economic, racial, cultural, and educational diversity of contemporary America. Columbia conducts education in close relationship to a vital urban reality and serves an important civic purpose by active engagement in the life and culture of the city of Chicago.
Kane County Development & Community Services, Geneva IL
The Development and Community Services Department oversees County Land Use Planning, Building Permits and Inspections for the unincorporated areas and the Villages of Virgil, Kaneville and Big Rock, the Kane County Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Maps, Agriculture and Farmland Programs, Historic Preservation, and Cable Television Administration for the unincorporated areas.
Kane County Juvenile Justice Center, St. Charles IL
courtservices.countyofkane.org
The Kane County Juvenile Justice Center (JJC) is a detention facility for juveniles between the ages of ten and up to twenty-one. The mission of the Kane County JJC is to provide an educationally conducive environment, which is secure, based on legal standards and community values.
City of Evanston, Evanston IL
Stretching north from Howard Street and west from Lake Michigan, Evanston is a vibrant community comprising many strong neighborhoods, races, religions and levels of income. Home to Northwestern University, Evanston has a variety of excellent higher educational opportunities, as well as a successful public school system.
Nichols Farm and Orchard, Marengo IL
The Nichols Farm & Orchard story began in 1978 with Lloyd and Doreen Nichols’ backyard garden. Lloyd had always loved to garden, and with visions of becoming self sustained the family moved from Lombard and the backyard garden, to their first 10 acre parcel in Marengo, IL. They purchased animals, made butter and cheese, cultivated 4 of the acres, and planted a small orchard. The yield was much more than Lloyd and the family needed, so he began selling the vegetables out of the back of his truck and became a vendor at the Evanston Farmers Market. Over 30 years later, Lloyd still considers himself a market gardener and attributes the vast variety of fruits and vegetables the farm cultivates to that gardener’s spirit and love for variety.
4 Lees Farm, Virginia IL
foodmarketmaker.com/business/4916525
4 Lees Farm raises chemical-free pork, produce, and farm fresh chicken eggs. Pork is sold by the half or whole hog three times per year. Farm fresh chicken eggs are available by the dozen. Produce is grown using organic methods. Visit them on FaceBook!
Sola Gratia Farm, Urbana IL
Sola Gratia Farm is a community-based farm dedicated to producing locally-grown, high-quality, natural produce. Started by St. Matthew Lutheran Church and Faith in Place in 2012, this four-acre community farm is committed to helping those who lack access to fresh produce. Members can join the CSA (community supported agriculture) program and receive 24 weeks of local and naturally grown vegetables while helping to contribute to community hunger assistance. Shares may also be purchased for direct donation to the Eastern Illinois Foodbank. The farm promotes healthy lifestyles and community building through volunteering and service, special events and outreach and education programs.
Piato Cafe, Catering and Organic Food Nanny, Urbana IL
Independent thinker and businesswoman, Kelly Jo Lamb, has been playing in the kitchen since age 16. After studying at Le Cordon Bleu in Orlando, she came home to work for Milo’s restaurant. She then transformed their cafe into what is now Piato. What started out as a tiny café has now become a family of companies. Kelly is happy to bring together her passion for cooking and giving back to the community through Piato’s honest business.
Dominican University, River Forest IL
Founded in 1901 at St. Clara College in Sinsinawa, Wisconsin, home of the Sinsinawa Dominicans, the university began as a women’s college under the fundamental values that continue to guide the university today—rigorous education, encouraging diversity of thought, a commitment to social justice, and close mentoring of students to enable them to make a positive difference in the world. Dominican is now viewed as a premier Catholic university and repeatedly is named among the top masters-level universities in the Midwest for academic excellence and its continuing commitment to social justice.
Dunning Neighborhood Organization, Chicago IL
DunningNeighbors Facebook page
Dunning Neighborhood Organization enhances the quality of life in their community by encouraging communication, collaboration, and community pride among neighbors. They work together to support excellence in our schools, beautify our neighborhood, celebrate our diversity, and create a safe and welcoming community, while making friends with neighbors and having fun! The Dunning Neighborhood Organization is a non-political, non-sectarian, non-religious organization, operated and managed by its members.
LETS GO Chicago, Chicago IL
Leading the Energy Transition, Sprouting Green Opportunities (LET’S GO Chicago) developed out of a synergy between a youth garden program and the founding of a community house in Chicago in the summer of 2010. In its initial year, the program taught twenty neighborhood children how to grow food in the front yard of a house owned by United Church of Rogers Park while developing sustainability solutions for the property as a whole. Four years later our Children’s garden is still a staple within our organization, but the playground of our programming has expanded and evolved with exciting new initiatives.
University of Illinois Springfield, Springfield IL
The University of Illinois at Springfield provides an intellectually rich, collaborative, and intimate learning environment for students, faculty, and staff, while serving local, regional, state, national, and international communities.
365 Urban Foods, Elgin IL
365 Urban Foods believes in whole value. This starts with fully attentive farmers who love what they do, continues with responsible plant raising and pest control, and finishes with vegetables, fruits, lettuces and herbs picked at their peak ripeness for full flavor, beautiful color, and all of their natural vitamins and anti-oxidants. It does NOT include harsh chemicals, excess waste or large industrial systems. Visit them at local area farmer’s markets.
Illinois State Board of Education, Springfield IL
Illinois is a state of whole, healthy children nested in whole, healthy systems supporting communities wherein all citizens are socially and economically secure.
The Nutrition and Wellness Programs Division supports and promotes the overall wellbeing of children. Healthy meals and healthy habits are essential for readiness to learn and succeed in the classroom and beyond. Programs administered by the division include the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, Summer Food Service Program, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, and the Special Milk Program.
Children’s Home Association of Illinois, Peoria IL
Children’s Home has been caring for the children in our community for 150 years. Operating from six locations in the Peoria area, their staff of 400+ professionals are committed to community-based, family-focused programs that provide counseling, education, and support to more than 1,700 children and families each month. Programs for children and youth include: residential care, group homes, foster care and adoption, supervised independent living, private school, crisis intervention, mental health assessment, homeless services, in-home counseling and family preservation.
Healing Acres Farm, Chesterfield IL
At Healing Acres Farm, humane and sustainable practices, preserving heritage breeds, education and local attention are the primary focus. They offer a large variety of sustainably grown, chemical-free produce, micro-greens and raise 100% grass-fed premium beef, lamb, goat, pastured pork, poultry, and eggs. Animals are not treated with hormones or antibiotics and chemicals are not used on the land. Healing Acres has approximately two and a half acres of garden area and 700 square feet under high tunnels. Farm vegetables are organically grown although not certified organic.
The University of Illinois at Urbana, Urbana IL
Since its founding in 1867, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has earned a reputation as a world-class leader in research, teaching, and public engagement. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign community of students, scholars, and alumni is changing the world. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is charged by our state to enhance the lives of citizens in Illinois, across the nation, and around the world through our leadership in learning, discovery, engagement and economic development.
The Toolbox for Education and Social Action (TESA), Northhampton MA
TESA has collaborated on projects ranging from building year long and nationwide programs to documentaries, conferences, interactive webinars, board games, handbooks, cooperative academies, community-based initiatives, and much more. TESA works with organizations to build educational tools, resources, and programs that are participatory and based on social justice principles. They create tools and programs for your cause.
Tower Garden by Juice Plus, Collierville Tennessee
Founded in 1970 by school teacher-turned-entrepreneur, Jay Martin, The Juice Plus+ Company has been driven by the same goal since day one: to inspire healthy living around the world. Tower Garden, a vertical, aeroponic growing system, allows you to grow up to 20 vegetables, herbs, fruits and flowers in less than three square feet—indoors or out. It is the perfect solution for urban schools with no outdoor growing space.
Illinois Food Market Maker
IL Food market Maker is part of a national an online marketing resource to give farmers greater access to regional markets by linking them with processors, retailers, consumers and other food supply chain participants. It is a resource for schools to source locally grown food and to identify farms that offer on farm educational experiences to school groups. It is currently one of the most extensive collections of searchable food industry related data in the country. It is a a multi-state partnership of land grant institutions, agricultural and food focused organizations and institutions committed to building this national data base of searchable localized consumer and food industry data.
Oswegoland Park District, Oswego IL
The Oswegoland Park District is a governmental agency responsible for acquiring, developing, and maintaining natural areas, parks, and leisure time facilities for area residents. The District also plans, develops and implements a wide range of recreational programs and activities that reflect the interests of all age groups in the Oswegoland community.
University of Illinois Extension Unit 11, Peoria IL
The University of Illinois extension unit 11 serves Fulton-Mason-Peoria-Tazewell Units. The Peoria unit conducts 4H club which is a never-ending adventure of new places and new people. In Community 4-H Clubs, members age 8 – 18 typically have a wide variety of interests and choose projects to explore based on their own interests. In SPIN 4-H Clubs, members share a common interest and select a project to focus on, such as robotics, animals, shooting sports, or karate. 4-H Cloverbud programs are for younger children age 5 to 7. Cloverbuds can be an independent group or they may meet at the same time as a 4-H community club.
Cunningham Children’s Home, Urbana IL
At Cunningham Children’s Home, a community converges to give hope to those who need it most—youth who suffer from serious emotional and behavioral challenges that have been caused by abuse, neglect, mental illness, and more.Through comprehensive programs and services, Cunningham provides expert care to help our kids learn positive coping and behavioral skills, to achieve realistic academic goals, and to develop the life skills necessary to be successful in our community.Cunningham Children’s Home’s vision is to see every child thrive by providing a safe place to heal, learn, and grow.
Madison County Government, Edwardsville IL
Madison County, Illinois was established and named for President James Madison in September 1812. Present day you will find 100s of miles of developed biking and hiking trails for your enjoyment. The nationally recognized university, Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville (SIUE) prepares nearly 14,000 students a year for thriving careers in many fields including dentistry (DMD) and pharmacy (PharmD).The county is bordered on the west by the Mississippi River which makes for a scenic backdrop for those living and traveling the area.
Kish Health System, Dekalb IL
Kish Health System’s Community Health Network is an initiative that connects outside organizations and the health system, empowering those organizations to serve a larger role in the health of their community. Members of the Community Health Network include faith-based organizations and service groups.The Community Health Network bridges the goodwill of community organizations with the resources of Kish Health System to find new ways for community members to be healthy. In this combined effort, Kish Health System strives to inspire the community to be more wellness-minded.
Terry Guen Design Associates, Chicago IL
Terry Guen Design Associates’ (TGDA) Design for Life approach transforms underused public spaces into cultural, ecological, and socially vibrant places. Through their company ethics, TGDA designs for the environmental, economic, and social health and well-being of communities. TGDA’s built work creates natural beauty and activity, engages people in all seasons, and connects neighborhoods with the ecological processes of nature. These thoughtfully designed, visually distinct, multipurpose places function for individuals, small groups, and large crowds. TGDA designs are inspired by nature to create places that are comfortable and engaging.
Zanjabil Gardens, Pembroke IL
Zanjabil Gardens is a small (5 acre) startup farm transitioning to organic. They are using ultra-modern methods, (old methods rediscovered such as biochar) and mixed species cover cropping, 10-year crop rotation and Albrecht(Base Saturation) mineral balancing to maintain perpetual fertility. Modern methods such as computerized farm management, crop planning, and record keeping systems, and computerized accounting methods and SPIN (a production/marketing method) are used at Zanjabil to guarantee good decision making that generates profitability. Zanjabil Gardens is a real production farm capable of feeding hundreds of families and can be used as a model that can be replicated by millions of people to help them move into small farming to solve our national health crises and mitigate climate change through carbon sequestration and reduction in the use of fossil fuels.
Starpie Health, Addison IL
Karen Quirk is the founder of Starpie Health. Their mission is no child left without tomorrows. Karen is a certified plant-based nutritionist. Her passion is to help people improve their health by improving diet and lifestyle choices.
Peotone Farmer’s Market, Peotone IL
The Peotone Farmer’s Market opened its inaugural run with enthusiastic veggie seekers amidst a very busy morning in the Downtown Historic District. The Farmer’s Market is the initiative of Peotone sisters Nicole Bunte Green and Ashley Bunte Wehrmann, who have an extensive background in nutrition and holistic health.The idea for the market is rooted in the sisters’ lifelong love of fresh fruits and veggies. In addition to the vendors participating (Gorman Farm of Monee and Harden Family Farm of Eau Claire, Michigan), the Farmer’s Market also featured a bouncy house for the kids and free bottles of water, courtesy of April and Pastor Jason Workman of Green Garden Baptist Church.
Allendale Association, Lake Villa IL
The Allendale Association is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to excellence and innovation in the care, education, treatment and advocacy for troubled children, youth and their families. These youth and their families receive care and treatment through Allendale’s residential treatment programs, day treatment special education schools or from our community based clinical programs and services. Allendale’s community-based programs include an outpatient counseling center, foster care licensing, training and support, independent living/transition support and mentoring services. The institution has proudly served troubled adolescents since its founding in 1897 by Edward “Cap” Bradley, a young Princeton graduate interested in the plight of urban youth and the poor conditions under which they lived.
Southern Illinois University (CWD), Springfield IL
The Center for Workforce Development (CWD) is committed to serving people in education, business, industry, government, and the community who are involved in planning, developing, delivering, and participating in education and training.
CWD believes in fostering a proactive approach to the future by maintaining a Futuristic Vision, Collaboration, and Innovation.
Illinois Farmers Union, Altamont IL
ILFU advocates for the economic and social well-being, and quality of life of Illinois family farmers, ranchers, fishermen and consumers, and their communities through education, cooperation, and legislation. The Illinois Farmers Union (ILFU) strives to enhance the quality of life for the state’s family farmers and their customers through educational opportunities, cooperative endeavors, and civic engagement. Founded in 1942, the ILFU’s members are the drivers of its policy positions.
Junior Welfare Association, Decatur IL
Junior Welfare Association was established after eleven women listened to a luncheon speaker discuss social conditions in Decatur in August 1938. The twenty-seven charter members pledged to improve the economic, educational, and social conditions of the community through financial assistance and volunteer service. Junior Welfare Association (JWA) gave out over $6,000 in grants in 2016 to community organizations in Macon County that aligns to their vision to improve the economic, educational, and social conditions in the Decatur area. These grants are open to any organization in Macon County that provides service and assistance to the community.
Project Southtown, Springfield IL
Documenting the past and securing the future of Southtown which in the past 25+ years has become a hub for skating, music, and art. Their primary destination in regards to the tapes is to make the raw footage available to the countless skaters, musicians, and members of our community: past, present, and future! There are so many different potential cross sections that can be taken from this collection of tapes; The history of the underground music scene, Pro Skaters, Local Skaters, The Turf, Shut Up & Skate, Mike McGill’s Sk8park, Rob Dyrdek and Tony Hawk with his entire team. Southtown has become a hub of creativity where everyone can be a part of a unique and thriving community.
South Suburban College, South Holland IL
South Suburban College is a welcoming, attractive, efficient, safe, transparent, and financially secure institution that fosters creative communication and synergy within the campus community and between that community and its partners. Through innovative teaching, integration of technology, modeling sustainable practices that value the environment, cultivation of external partnerships and a culture of assessment, SSC will play a pivotal role in transforming the lives of its diverse student population.
Eastern Illinois University, Charleston IL
Eastern Illinois University has a rich tradition of preparing students to accomplish their life goals through a great combination of quality academics and personal relationships. Consistently ranked in the top third of Midwest universities in its class by U.S. News and World Report, Eastern has earned its reputation by offering a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs taught by an experienced and caring faculty. The University community is committed to diversity and inclusion and fosters opportunities for student-faculty scholarship and applied learning experiences within a student-centered campus culture. Throughout their education, students refine their abilities to reason and to communicate clearly so as to become responsible citizens and leaders.
BTM Center for Excellence, Chicago IL
BTM Center for Excellence is a ministry of servant-hood that is dedicated to closing the achievement gap in America’s public schools by assisting children to reach their fullest potential academically and ensuring no child is left behind or falls through the cracks in the education process. BTM builds and facilitates a working relationship between home, school and the community. BTM exists to provide comprehensive education-based initiatives that will assist children and families in public schools to achieve academic excellence. Services range from assisting parents in meeting the basic needs of their children such as food, shelter, and clothing to assisting them in advocating for necessary services in the school and community.
SWANCC, Desplaines IL
SWANCC provides programs, resources, presentations and workshops to educate about solid waste technologies and the benefits of waste reduction practices such as reduce, reuse, recycle and buy recycled. Resources about solid waste, transportation, energy and supply chains enlighten residents about reducing their carbon footprint, becoming a smart consumer and choosing a lifestyle which is healthier for people and planet.
University of Illinois, Chicago IL
UIC is among the top five most diverse campuses in the nation and a national leader among urban, public higher education institutions in providing access to underrepresented students. UIC is focused on eliminating disparities in health, education and economic opportunity. Community engagement is a centerpiece of UIC’s urban mission. Faculty, students, and staff in every college work with the neighborhood, foundation and government partners on a wide range of projects to improve the quality of life in metropolitan areas around the world
Chicago Partnership for Health Promotion, Chicago IL
Founded in 2002, Chicago Partnership for Health Promotion (CPHP) is a unit of the Office of Community Engagement And Neighborhood Health Partnerships (OCEANHP) representing a network of community-based interventions designed to improve nutrition and reduce disparities in outcomes associated with nutritional diseases including obesity. CPHP provides high quality, age, gender and culturally tailored nutrition education in a variety of venues across the city.
CPHP’s Health Education Specialists and specially trained Community Nutrition Peer Educators (NPE) provide services through a dynamic network of partnerships including internal university partners and external partners, selected because of their unique capabilities, location and access to eligible participants in a variety of settings.
Hopedale Medical Complex, Hopedale IL
The non-profit Hopedale Medical Foundation, which owns and operates HMC proudly serves 20,000 patients a year in southern Tazewell, Mason, McLean, and Logan counties. Located a short distance from Peoria and Bloomington, HMC offers a wide variety of quality healthcare services from skilled physicians who practice both primary care and surgery.Many individuals are unaware that Hopedale Medical Complex offers virtually the same services as many larger, city hospitals, including: a 24-hour emergency room, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), general and vascular surgery departments, orthopedic surgery, physical therapy and rehabilitation services, sports medicine, mammography, open magnetic imaging resonance (MRI), computed tomography scanning (CT), and many of the new innovative technologies needed for modern medicine.
Liberty Apple Orchard, Edwardsville IL
Liberty Apple Orchard is a recently opened, family-owned, U-Pick orchard serving communities in the Edwardsville area. The orchard is owned and cared for by Lugene and Steve Miller. Liberty Apple Orchard is conveniently located near Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, Troy, and Highland, yet still situated in a rural setting. The orchard is well mowed, easily accessible from our drive and ideal for photos of your family. Opened only four years ago, the trees are small so even the littlest of hands can reach the fruit.
School Climate Consulting Services LLC, Vermont, IL
School Climate Consulting offers school climate improvement opportunities to school communities throughout the United States. They include several workshops like bullying, cyberbullying, teen dating violence, school policy and building a positive school atmosphere. The team focuses on developing positive collaborative opportunities between federal, state and local agencies and work together to build often elusive bridges between best practice theory and best-practice practice.
Gary Comer Youth Center, Chicago IL
Gary Comer Youth Center was established in Chicago’s Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood in May 2006. The mission is to ensure students graduate from high school prepared for college and careers. GCYC is located on the Comer Education Campus, which is comprised of Gary Comer Youth Center, Gary Comer College Prep, and Gary Comer Middle School, and is open to students from across the South Side of Chicago. Working with best-in-class partners, we currently serve over 1,700 youth annually. The White House Council for Community Solutions recognized GCYC as a model of innovation. GCYC offer programming in three primary categories: academics, enrichment and college success.
Illinois CATCH onto Health Consortium, Gallatin IL
EHD is very excited to bring the CATCH program to our service region of Hamilton, White, Saline, Gallatin, Pope and Hardin County schools! CATCH, when used as part of a school’s wellness policy, has demonstrated positive outcomes regarding the improvement of students academic performance as well as providing them with healthy living skills that will last a lifetime. It just makes sense, healthy children make better learners! The ultimate goal is to recruit all our area schools into the CATCH program, so if anyone wants to learn more about this exciting program, we encourage them to contact EHD.
MVP Plants, Perry IL
Provider of Garden Plants, Flowers, Seeds, Supplies, and Produce. Greenhouse grower of flowers and vegetable starts.
Dekalb County Community Gardens, Dekalb IL
DeKalb County Community Gardens (DCCG) is an innovative approach to end hunger and food insecurity in DeKalb County, by providing access to fresh, local, sustainably-grown organic vegetables for all who may be in need. DCCG manages over 15 acres of growing space. In two short years, DCCG has produced nearly ten tons of food donated to local food pantries, day care centers, schools, community meal locations, senior citizen centers, and housing units, as well as to the meals on wheels program. DCCG has set up seed libraries with local public libraries. Local Flavors dinners are also sponsored by DCCG; dinners that connect local chefs with local growers, to promote healthy local eating.Their mission is to strengthen access to fresh, local, and sustainably-grown organic food for people in need.
Alpha And Omega Learning Center Child Care, Melrose Park IL
We provide a safe, clean, and calm faith-based environment for your child. Our staff is highly qualified with a special concentration on infants and toddlers. Each day our children will be with nutritious meals &snacks. We also provide a research-based curriculum which emphasizes learning through play and discovery that fosters their growth and development.
Evanston Food Exchange, Evanston IL
Our current food system is not sustainable and does not promote healthy humans. By inspiring our community through engagement, EFE hopes to promote a truly sustainable food system within Evanston which drives food choices and food production that protect the environment and lead to a healthier community.
The EFE’s mission is to end hunger, reduce poverty and build healthier communities. Evanston is a vibrant community with a growing urban farming movement as well as food innovators and entrepreneurs. Our many restaurants draw people from our surrounding communities. The food system includes food producers and consumers as well as distributors of food.
Stuckmeyers Plants and Produce, Waterloo IL
Garry Stuckmeyer is the fifth generation in the Stuckmeyer family to raise vegetables for a living. Annuals, perennials, hanging baskets, and planters are available along with a wide selection of bedding plants. With the exception of tropical plants, ALL of the plants at the shop have been raised at the farm location. The family also has a stand at the Monroe County Farmers Market on Thursdays and Saturdays. Summertime brings the heart of the produce season specializing in sweet corn and tomatoes. The only season that the Farm is open to the public is the month of October on Saturday’s and Sunday’s.
Human Kinetics, Champaign IL
At Human Kinetics, our mission is to produce innovative, informative products in all areas of physical activity that help people worldwide lead healthier, more active lives. Human Kinetics is committed to providing quality informational and educational products in the physical activity and health fields that meet the needs of our diverse customers. Within the physical activity field, recreational and organized sports are a major focus. Human Kinetics is committed to providing not only information but also solutions that help our customers practice their professions better and live healthier, more enjoyable lives. Also providing accurate, useful information and education, packaged and delivered at affordable prices with technology being a key driving force in improving our products and their accessibility.
Illinois Public Health Institute, Chicago IL
The Illinois Public Health Institute (IPHI) mobilizes stakeholders, catalyzes partnerships, and leads action to promote prevention and improve public health systems in order to maximize health, health equity and quality of life for the people of Illinois. Optimal physical, mental and social well-being for all people in Illinois through a high-functioning public health system comprised of active public, private and voluntary partners.
Foxtrot Organic Farm, Wayne IL
Foxtrot Farm is an attempt to continue the tradition that American family farms have established: to support the local community environmentally, ethically, and economically by providing honestly nutritious, sustainably grown produce with incredible flavor.
Through the industrialization of commercial agriculture, we’ve seen a serious degradation of the environment, systemic exploitation of farm workers, and the loss of diversity & flavor in our food- all for an oftentimes poor quality end product that lacks the nutrients we need. When food isn’t produced locally, there can be a disconnect between consumer and producer that allows these issues to grow out of hand. By purchasing from Foxtrot, one can be confident those votes go towards sustainable practices that benefit your local community and its environment, without harming other folks “down the river”.
Good Worx Inc., Darien IL
Good Worx Inc., started the nonprofit organization in 2014, as a way to further engage our community in issues impacting so many of us. They wanted to expand beyond immediate school district and tackle some more grown-up topics – Food Justice, Homelessness, Mental Health to name a few.With their Kids4Good After School Model; they spent the past decade introducing younger students (Grades 3 through 8) and their families to impact service projects. While the majority of our K4G work focused on local needs – food pantries, seniors, at-risk youth, etc., it’s our global initiatives, especially our successes with our Hope4Haiti initiative, that may have the greatest impact.They’re choosing to showcase their various initiatives here in hopes of possibly moving others to get involved.
Experimental Station, Chicago IL
The Experimental Station is working to build independent cultural infrastructure on the South Side of Chicago. They do this by fostering a dynamic ecology of innovative educational and cultural programs, small business enterprises and community initiatives. In May 2008, the Experimental Station launched the 61st Street Farmers Market to bring fresh, organic, and sustainably raised foods from regional producers to the Woodlawn neighborhood and to provide educational opportunities to learn about food preparation, healthy eating, and sustainable agricultural practices.
Wolfpack Development Group; Aquaponics, Westmont IL
The Wolf Pack, as part of its effort to implement new and creative sustainable solutions in our area, has dedicated itself to becoming a local leader in Aquaponic technology. We are not growers, but we are Engineers, and we are utilizing our background and design experience to improve upon the proven technologies and science behind Aquaponic food production. From small basement or backyard systems capable of being installed in any home to commercial size food production units producing enough produce and fish to feed entire communities, the Wolf Pack can custom design a personalized system to suit your individual needs.
Dekalb County Health Department, Dekalb IL
The DeKalb County Health Department, a department of county government, was founded in 1966. The Health Department offers a full array of public health programs and is certified by the Illinois Department of Public Health. The Health Department has three divisions. The Health Department is the County Registrar of the Vital Records Program for the issuance of birth and death certificates. The Health Promotion Program provides services to the public to promote good health, improve the level of health knowledge within the community, and inform the residents of available health resources.
Boy Scouts of America, La Grange IL
The Boy Scouts of America is one of the nation’s largest and most prominent values-based youth development organizations. The BSA provides a program for young people that builds character, trains them in the responsibilities of participating citizenship and develops personal fitness. For more than a century, the BSA has helped build the future leaders of this country by combining educational activities and lifelong values with fun. The Boy Scouts of America believes — and, through over a century of experience, knows — that helping youth is a key to building a more conscientious, responsible, and productive society.
SproutScouts, Chicago IL
It is a non-profit organization dedicated to catering farm-to-school meals to early care centers and to teaching children to eat, cook, and grow nutritious food. They help to develop a healthy relationship with food, their bodies, and the environment. They offer a three-part farm-to-school program: nutritious breakfast, lunch and snacks, healthy eating and wellness curriculum, and gardening. They’re focused primarily on daycare and pre-K when kids form eating habits and relationships to food. Exposing infants, toddlers, and young children to fresh local fruits and vegetables is crucial for developing food preferences and consumption patterns—the foundation for lifelong good health.
Boone County Health Department, Belvidere IL
The mission of the Boone County Health Department is to protect and promote health in Boone County. The BCHD will be recognized throughout the State of Illinois as A catalyst to inspire and guide the community towards optimal health; a creative and innovative leader in quality public health program delivery; a model in public health program performance measurements and a team of public health professionals who exemplify common core values and goals. The Boone County Health Department also has a new grant program in place for Boone County residents that help identify and correct lead paint hazards in homes.
Consortium to Lower Obesity in Chicago Children (CLOCC), Chicago IL
CLOCC is a nationally recognized leader in community-based obesity prevention. We support, coordinate, and unite partners to promote healthy and active lifestyles for children and families. Our multi-sector approach emerged in Chicago and can be adapted for use anywhere. Our mission is to confront the childhood obesity epidemic by promoting healthy and active lifestyles for children throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. Our work will foster and facilitate connections between childhood obesity prevention researchers, public health advocates and practitioners, and the children, families, and communities of Chicagoland.
BIOS Farm, Blue Island IL
BIOS Farm is a Blue Island-based community farm in its third year of production of organic vegetables, greens and herbs for local consumption. The farm is led by Joe O’Meara and Larry O’Toole, who have more than a quarter century of farming experience. BIOS Farm has been recognized as a model local food enterprise, made possible by the support of multiple business and organizational partnerships.
KIDDOS Catering, Chicago IL
Kiddos mission is to provide a community approach, (Local and Sustainable) to delicious, high quality, wholesome lunches prepared fresh every day using fresh ingredients, from quality restaurants in and around your area. Our programs are designed to benefit all of those the program serves. Everybody Wins-Kids, Parents, Schools, Local Businesses, and Communities.
Healthy Schools Campaign, Chicago IL
Since beginning as a local project in Chicago in 2002, HSC has grown into a vibrant national organization with diverse strategic partnerships and effective outreach to schools, communities, and policy-makers. As we work for policy change and market transformation on a national level, we continue to pioneer new strategies through our Chicago programs, particularly projects focused on healthy food and physical activity in schools.
Well Child Center, Elgin IL
The Well Child Center is dedicated to improving the lives of children and families through education, counseling, and services in the areas of childhood nutrition and pediatric dental health. By creating and maintaining broad-based community partnerships with other organizations that provide health and social services, the Well Child Center strives to be a medical home for children in need, empowering families and enabling all children to reach their maximum potential.
Shorewood Elite Healthcare, Shorewood IL
The Shorewood Chiropractors team at Shorewood Elite Healthcare offers you a variety of services for your health and wellness. The mission of our Shorewood Chiropractors is to stop your pain and let you start living your life again. You can find their newsletter and blog on their website.
Illinois State University, Bloomington IL
Illinois State University is one of 12 public universities in Illinois. Its academic departments offer more than 160 major/minor options in the Colleges of Applied Science and Technology, Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, Fine Arts, and Mennonite College of Nursing. The Graduate School coordinates 41 master’s, specialist, and doctoral programs. The University’s academic programs are supported by the services and collections of Milner Library, which contains more than three million holdings and special collections.
University of Illinois Extension, Bloomington IL
extension.illinois.edu/bloomington
University of Illinois Extension, Livingston-McLean-Woodford Unit provides the practical education you can trust to help people, businesses and communities solve problems, develop skills and build a better future. Our Unit is the link between the U of I and our neighbors in all three counties.
DePaul University Urban Farming Organization, Chicago IL
Guided by the university’s 2018 strategic plan and its mission statement, the Office of Mission and Values collaborates with university departments and constituencies in ways that measurably enhance their understanding and support of DePaul University’s distinctive Catholic, Vincentian, and urban identity. DePaul has more than 350 student organizations dedicated to community service, student government, professional development, recreational sports and more.
The Farmers Fridge, Chicago IL
We have a hunch—let’s call it a gut feeling—that happiness starts in your stomach. That’s why we’ve set out to remove the roadblocks to eating wholesome, delicious food. Our revolutionary self-service fridges put chef-curated meals and snacks in your hands, in seconds. We work around the clock to fill our jars with fresh every day, get them settled in our Fridges every morning, and donate any un-purchased food to community members in need every night. Not to mention, they’re always available where you find yourself wishing there was real food that was really, really good. Our jars may be little, but we hope the goodness we put in ‘em gives you a big smile.
The Resiliency Institute, Naperville IL
The Resiliency Institute is a nonprofit organization using permaculture education and design to foster nature and human connection, grow food security, and build resilient communities. Permaculture is an ecological and ethics based philosophy for designing resilient lifestyles, landscapes, and communities that care for people, care for the earth and care for the future.
UIS Cox Children’s Center, Springfield IL
The Cox Children’s Center was established in 1970. The center is a resource for university students, faculty, staff, alumni and community clients. The University of Illinois Springfield Cox Children’s Center has received the Gold Circle of Quality designation, the highest rating possible, from ExceleRate Illinois, the state’s new quality rating and improvement system for early learning and development providers.
KinderCare, Elk Grove Village IL
Our approach to learning makes all the difference, and the research shows it! Little minds are wide open and ready to learn, and we have a unique way of encouraging children to become life-long learners. A recent study of 5000 KinderCare children using the nationally-recognized BRIGANCE® Early Childhood Screens III found that our students are exceeding expectations on their assessments.
Pioneer Valley Farm, Morris/Ottawa IL
Illinois is a very tough State to run any business in. As a family farm, we face many challenges in such a tough economic climate. We receive no taxpayer income of any kind. We are in fact the job creators. To succeed in our niche farm market we need good people like you to help us. We are very appreciative of the support we receive and the fact that we keep growing. We have always wanted to give far more than we make. Example: Our Christmas wreath brings our farm about 7 dollars, after all, is done. Most of our sponsor’s get 50% or more profit on our products. We create jobs for people in need during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season.
The Noble Network of Charter Schools, Chicago IL
Noble was founded on many of the same entrepreneurial principles that have built successful businesses—strong leadership, meaningful use of data, and a high degree of accountability. With longer class periods, a longer school day, and a longer school year, Noble provides students with substantially more instructional time than the traditional Chicago public high school. This extra time, combined with a disciplined, consistent school culture, high expectations, and a team of dedicated teachers, results in dramatically improved academic performance.
Ceres Food Group, Chicago IL
Sharing meals brings people together as part of a community. Since 1996, Ceres has developed partnerships with a spectrum of educational, residential, and healthcare organizations throughout Illinois, Indiana, and Missouri. Our primary focus is serving nutritious, appetizing meals with a helping of hospitality. Good food supports young minds and bodies. Ceres offers affordable breakfasts, lunches, à la carte options, and afterschool snacks to elementary through secondary schools. We are experts in a variety of food service delivery systems to accommodate schools’ needs.
Ceres provides dining, operational, and clinical services to acute care, developmentally disabled, independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and continuing care retirement communities. We believe food enhances the quality of life.
Big Green, Chicago IL
Big Green was founded in 2011 by Kimbal Musk and Hugo Matheson. Kimbal and Hugo co-founded The Kitchen Restaurant Group together in 2004 and were supporting local school garden initiatives through their restaurants. They were inspired by the way school gardens can help kids increase their preference for nutritious foods, develop healthier responses to stress, and improve their academic performance. They wanted to find a way to achieve that same kind of local impact at scale so that children all over the country could reap the benefits of a thriving school garden.
Quest Food Management Services, Lombard IL
Quest Food Management Services was founded in 1985 in Lombard, Illinois, with the goal of providing fresh, made from scratch food and intensely personal service. Today, we have grown to over $50M in annual revenue through our partnerships with over 75 accounts in the Midwest. We serve business & industry, higher education, conference centers and the K-12 segment. We have a depth of experience in facility and equipment design and construction, offer a wealth of expertise in nutrition, marketing, food safety and sanitation, staff management and community building.
J.R. Albert Foundation, Naperville IL
The J.R. Albert Foundation strives to further food equity, fight poverty,
and foster sustainable agriculture. J.R. Albert saw many people who did not have access to either nutrition information or healthy foods and wanted his estate to fund programs that would provide help and education for all segments of society.
“If we can just help a few of those people, I’ll be satisfied,” J.R. said.
Chicago Food Policy Action Council, Chicago IL
chicagofoodpolicy.com
The Chicago Food Policy Action Council (CFPAC) facilitates and informs the development of responsible policies that improve access for Chicago residents to culturally appropriate, nutritionally sound and affordable food that is grown using environmentally sustainable practices. CFPAC’s leadership and operating structure is comprised of a Board of Directors, Steering Committee, Working Groups, Neighborhood Councils and an open general membership body of people involved in food security in the Chicago Region. CFPAC is an all-volunteer organization composed of individuals, groups and organizations committed to improving access to healthy food in Chicago.
TCA Health Inc., Chicago IL
TCA Health was established in 1970 as a privately-owned clinic, known then as The Clinic in Altgeld. The facility was developed to address the health needs of the public housing residents and provided a range of primary health care services, preventive health screenings, health education, and social services. In 1991, TCA Health began to receive federal funding and converted to a non-profit primary health care center. Receiving federal funding allowed the clinic to significantly increase its capacity to address the health care needs of Chicago’s underserved.
For five generations, since 1887, our family has taken great pride in farming the rich prairie soils overlooked by Pilot Knob, a local high point near Oneida, Illinois. Our prized crop – premium, hull-less popcorn – is grown with special care and passion for a more natural taste and better texture. Most importantly, because of the thin, soft hulls, you can make new memories in complete comfort… no toothpicks required!
Greentail Acres Hobby Farm, Charleston IL
Greentail Hobby Farm is a historical and landmark family farm in Charleston Illinois.
BTM Network, Chicago Il
Black Tech Mecca’s (BTM) mission is to inspire the development of thriving Black Tech Ecosystems to ensure Black people are full participants in the global technology sector. Currently, the footprint of Black practitioners in the tech sector is not as great as it has the potential to be, and is also poorly defined. Black Tech Mecca uses data to paint a clearer picture of Black participation in local tech ecosystems. We then identify impediments to their full engagement and mobility, and work with local stakeholders to craft strategies for removing barriers and creating opportunities. Our goal is to democratize the tech sector, ecosystem by ecosystem.
College of Lake County, Grayslake IL
Do you want a school where you’ll feel a sense of belonging while also being respected as an individual? Students from many different backgrounds experience CLC as a place that nurtures community and individual accomplishment.
CLC is a comprehensive community college offering a wide range of academic program choices that can enhance your career or personal life. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.
Pilot Knob Comforts, Oneida IL
For five generations, since 1887, our family has taken great pride in farming the rich prairie soils overlooked by Pilot Knob, a local high point near Oneida, Illinois. Our prized crop – premium, hull-less popcorn – is grown with special care and passion for a more natural taste and better texture. Most importantly, because of the thin, soft hulls, you can make new memories in complete comfort… no toothpicks required!
Illinois Public Health Institute, Chicago IL
The Illinois Public Health Institute mobilizes stakeholders, catalyzes partnerships and leads action to promote prevention and improve public health systems in order to maximize health, health equity and quality of life for the people of Illinois.
Produce with a Purpose Farm, Fondy WI
Our farm consists of around two acres on the farm homestead with other acreage rented within six miles of the farm. We love diversity, and we believe that not all carrots are orange and potatoes brown. We love to educate people on the value of eating healthy and encouraging youth (and adults) to find out more about where there food comes from!
Bronkberry Farms, Plainfield IL
The Bronk Farm has been in the family for 5 generations growing corn and soy beans. In 2012 Jennifer Bronk and husband Kevin Veen established Bronkberry Farms. We wanted our farm to be a “destination” for our neighbors and surrounding communities! We started with a roadside stand with a small greenhouse, a ¼ acre vegetable garden and a pumpkin patch. We have since “grown” into a 70×30’ barn & “state of the art” greenhouse. We are now growing vegetables and fruit including over 600 apple trees on 25+ acres. We plan to be producing apples by the 2019 season for “u pick”. We invite you and your family to come on out to visit our farm, share in the experience, make family memories here and watch us grow!
Grow Well Farms, LLC
Cheryl Besenjak and her business partner Kevin Westing have been growing greens together since 2013. They bring a love of plants, fish, the environment, sustainability, and belief that alternative growing methods are the future of farming food.
In their greenhouse location at Lake Forest Country Day School, they grow microgreens for their business Grow Well Farms. And, they use aquaponics systems to demonstrate the symbiotic relationship of raising fish and growing plants with the nutrient water the fish provide. Through their non-profit Growing Healthy People, Cheryl and Kevin have brought alternative systems and education to school greenhouses in the community.
Pasture Grazed Farm, Clare, IL
We’re family farmers committed to raising plants and animals with sustainability and soil health top-of-mind. We currently sell quarters and halves of beef each year, but are always exploring new ideas and striving to provide you with the products you ask for.
Garlic Breath Farm, Elburn IL
Our love for organic garlic, with it’s sweet and firey flavor, is what inspired us to start growing this very popular veggie. Although we started our journey in 2015, we see our farm as being one of the first that people think of when they think organically grown garlic. We are a new family micro farm made of big dreams and big hearts. Inspired by local farmers, we look forward to joining the farming community, and all that this beautiful land has to offer. We are very big supporters of local and small business.
School members of the Illinois Farm to School Network can be found below.
- Fox Prairie Elementary School
- Fabyan Elementary School
- Emerson Elementary
- Valley View School District
- Lorenzo R Smith Sustainable Tech Academy
- Westmont High School DuPage County
- Dwight Elementary
- Field Elementary
- Suder Montessori Magnet Elementary
- Beethoven Elementary
- Rauner College Prep
- Tonti Elementary
- Nathan Davis Elementary
- Langston Hughes
- Kilmer Elementary
- Blessed Sacrament Elementary
- St. Giles Elementary Oak Park
- Trinity High School
- Oak Park-River Forest District 200
- Oak Park District 97
- Goethe Elementary
- New Berlin School District
- Butler Elementary
- McLean County Unit District No. 5
- Diamond Lake School District #76
- River Trails School District
- Athens Community Unit School District #213
- St.Anne Community Consolidated School District #256
- Thornton Fractional South High School
- British School of Chicago
- deLacey Family Education Center
- Rotolo Middle School
- Banner Academy Chicago
- Kaneland Elementary
- Hermes Elementary East Aurora PSD 131
- John C. Dunham STEM Partnership School
- West Aurora High School
- Edison Middle School
- Roslyn Road Elementary
- Robeson Elementary
- Waverly Community Unit School District #6
- Ball Charter School
- Springfield Southeast High School
- Community Consolidated School District 15
- Community Consolidated School District 46
- Whittier Elementary
- Norton Creek Elementary
- The Goddard School
- Highlands Elementary
- O.W. Huth Middle School
- Grant Community High School, District 124
- Dirksen Elementary
- Fox Ridge Elementary School
- Helen C. Peirce School of International Studies
- Sycamore North Elementary School
- Dawes Elementary School
- St. Michael’s School
- Camelot Therapeutic Day School
- Churchill Elementary School
- Community Development Institute
- St. John Lutheran School, Champaign
- Sleepy Hollow Elementary School
- St. Albert the Great Catholic School
- Regional Office of Education #9
- St. Malachy School
- Sandoval High School
- Henry Senachwine School District 5
- Harrisburg Community Unit School District 3
- Sparta, WI Lincoln Schools School District 140
- Carbondale Elementary School District 95
- Courtenay Child-Parent Center
- Champaign Community Unit School District # 4
- Troy Community Consolidated School District 30-C
- River Trails School District 26
- Jonesboro School District 43
- Harrisburg High School CUSD 3
- Dakota Jr. Sr. High School
- Oriole Park School
- Willa Cather Elementary School
- Sherman School of Excellence
- Monroe Middle School
- Morrill Elementary Math and Science School
- Mather High School
- Spring Avenue Elementary School
- Schurez High School
- Harper School Wilmette Sd 39
- Dr. Bessie Rhodes Magnet School
- Glencoe School District 35
- Lake Zurich Community Unit School District 95
- Lake Zurich High School
- Stagg School of Excellence
- Springfield Public School District 186
- Germantown Hills Middle School
- Germantown Hills School District #69
- Elgin Academy
- Tri-city High School
- Manteno Community Unit School District 5
- Chatham Academy High School
- Indian Trail Jr High School
- Fox River Grove School District 3
- Triopia Grade School
- Triopia Jr-Sr High School
- Spring Ave Elementary School
- Nicholas A Hermes Elementary School
- Rockford Public Schools District 205
- Richland County High School
- Nature Exploration Academy Elementary School
- Notre Dame College Prep
- Evergreen Park Elementary School District 124
- Glenwood Elementary School
- Glenwood Intermediate School
- West Suburban Montessori School
- Elmhurst Academy of Early Learning
- South Side Elementary School Champaign Unit 4
- Farmington Central CUSD 265
- Fox River Grove Middle School
- Arthur Grade School CUSD 305
- Ball Chatham Community Unit School District 5
- Prairie-Hills Elementary School District 144
- Eswood Elementary School #269
- Romeoville High School
- Milton Pope Elementary School
- Thornton Township High School District 205
- Leyden High School District 212
- Kings Elementary School SD 144
- Kings Consolidated School SD 144
- Lettie Brown Elementary School Morton CUSD 709
- Dekalb High School
- J. Sterling Morton High School District 201
- York Community High School Elmhurst CU 205
- Streator Elem School District 44
- St Mary’s Catholic Grade School Metamora, IL
- Harlem School District 122
- Leland CUSD 1
- Big Hollow SD 38
- East Moline School District #37
- Lincoln School, Sparta WI SD 140
- Jonesboro School District #43
- Carbondale Elementary School District 95
- Unity Point Community Consolidated School District 140
- Unity Middle School CUSD 4
- Harrisburg High School CUSD 3
- Joppa Maple Grove Unit 38
- Grissom Elementary School
- McClellan Elementary School
- Springfield Christ the King School
- Spring Wood Middle School
- Allamakee Community School District, Iowa
- Medgar Evers Fine Arts Academy
- Gale Elementary Community Academy
- Alfred Nobel Elementary School
- Brooks Middle School, Oak Park
- Elgin School District U-46
- St. Mary Catholic School, Elgin
- Dept of Juvenile Justice/IL Youth Center, Chgo
- East Aurora School District 131
- Warrenville IL Youth Center
- Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences
- Hales Franciscan High School
- Prairie Elementary/Prairie Edible Garden
- Al Raby High School
- Amboy High School
- Archdiocese of Chicago
- Morris Grade School
- Round Lake Area Schools CUSD 116
Early Childcare Center - Yorkville CUSD 115
- Kane County Juvenile Justice Center
- Barack Obama School of Leadership and STEM
- The Oak Park Day Nursery
- Mooseheart Child City and School
- George Washington Middle School
- KIPP One Academy
- Creativo! Academy
- St. Catherine/St. Lucy
- Byron High School
- Philip J Rock Center and School
- Rush Day School
- Davenport Schools
- Pecatonica CUSD 321
- Hampshire Park District Preschool/Daycare
- Ridgewood High School
- Laraway CCSD 70c
- Early Childhood Center District 131
- Rolling Meadows High School
We periodically update our membership list. Check back often!