FOCUS AREAS

Food

Food and nutrition are fundamental needs. Our ability to find and afford nourishing food determines our health and the health of our communities.

We can transform the food system to support all of us—from the farmers and food producers, to the schools that serve our kids’ meals, to the millions of people across Illinois who find joy and nourishment around shared plates and purpose.

Why Illinois

The rich soil of the Midwest’s farmland stretches across nearly 75 percent of our state. Our regional agricultural and food economy is diverse and dynamic, with power and potential that’s not yet fully realized. Right now, one in six Illinois children faces food insecurity.

Our Work

IPHI builds coalitions and leads partnerships and initiatives that ensure that people in communities across Illinois have the food they need to nourish their bodies, souls, and communities.

Food is Medicine

Through the Alliance for Health Equity—a collaboration among community-based organizations, justice advocates, and leaders in the healthcare and insurance industries—IPHI works to expand access to nutritious food across Chicago and Cook County. IPHI, through ISPAN, also help community organizations implement fruit and vegetable voucher incentives and produce prescription programs.

IPHI also supports the Department of Healthcare and Family Services’ efforts to implement nutrition services as part of the Medicaid Section 1115 Waiver.

cafeteria scene with dishes in foreground and man serving food in the background

Local Food Systems Development

IPHI leads the Illinois Alliance to Promote Opportunities for Health’s efforts to expand the demand for local, nourishing food. This includes partnering to support the implementation of the Good Food Purchasing Program, which increases support for Illinois farmers, food producers, and businesses by connecting them with food service directors in worksite cafeterias, public hospitals, correctional facilities, and other public places.

Lake Michigan School Food Innovation Hub

A USDA-funded, grant-making initiative convened by IPHI, the Lake Michigan Food System Innovation Hub supports community-driven collaborations that reimagine school meals. We offer funding and resources to collaborations of local food system leaders in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin. To help reach communities that could benefit most from school food system innovation, we engaged consultants from farms, food businesses and school districts to create a distinctive request for applications and other customized support.

Nutrition Policy

IPHI works to establish and strengthen policies that increase every Illinoisian’s access to the nourishing and culturally relevant food they need to thrive. Through coalitions and partnerships, we’re using collective action to move the needle on policies that make a difference in families’ lives. We’re building the capacity of community-based organizations and care providers, helping to ensure that people who receive food and nutrition assistance can make the most of the programs.