BENSON, Ill. – A Feeding Illinois-led pilot program focused on relieving local food insecurity is now available to farmers in the Illinois counties of Woodford, Logan, LaSalle, Marshall and Tazewell.

The Grain for Good (G4G) pilot program encourages local farmers to donate a portion of their grain harvests to their local Grainland elevator.

“There is a simple grain donation process at the elevators for row crop farmers,” said Ali Gibbs, who farms in Woodford County with her husband, Nathan, and serves as Young Leader Chair for her Woodford County Farm Bureau. “A farmer can donate a portion of their grain at any Grainland elevator location, and from there the grain is sold and the money goes toward purchasing fresh ground pork through the Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA) from local pork producers in those communities. The purchased pork then goes to local food banks to serve their communities.”

Specifically, the pork purchased through the program will be distributed to food banks through the Eastern Illinois Food Bank, Peoria Area Food Bank, Central Illinois Food Bank and River Bend Food Bank in Davenport, Iowa. In addition to the IPPA, Grain for Good is sponsored by the Illinois Association of Meat Processors and other Illinois agricultural organizations.

Like the 2024 corn harvest, the Grain for Good program is just getting off the ground. Its first-year goal is to raise $50,000 in grain donations to feed over 23,000 central Illinoisans, including 5,500 children. 

“The goal is to keep everything as local as possible and simplify the process as much as possible for the farmer and the elevator, while providing a much-needed protein source to local food banks and pantries,” Gibbs said.

Community members are also encouraged to participate in the G4G program by contributing financially to the initiative (this is also an option for farmers). According to Feeding Illinois’ Steve Ericson, the program emphasizes the importance of local engagement, reminding everyone that their contributions will make a direct impact on their neighbors.

“This pilot program builds on the success of our Bushels for Hunger initiative and amplifies the generosity of local farmers,” Ericson said. “The partnership between farmers, food processors, and food banks highlights the spirit of community support and collaboration. We’re excited to make a tangible impact on hunger in these counties.”

Jennifer Tirey, IPPA executive director, added, “The Grain for Good program exemplifies the best of Illinois agriculture and local generosity. By partnering with Feeding Illinois, we can provide safe, nutritious protein to families in need while continuing to support our local farmers. This program not only helps alleviate food insecurity but also fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility.”

To learn more about how you can get involved and make a difference in the fight against hunger, visit www.FeedingIllinois.org/GrainforGood or contact Ericson at steve.ericson@feedingillinois.org.