Chicago Advocates Head to Springfield for Food & Farm Advocacy Day

On April 8, the Chicago Food Policy Action Council (CFPAC) joined farmers, food workers, and advocates from across Illinois in Springfield for Food and Farm Advocacy Day 2025—a powerful day of action in support of a more just and equitable food system.

The day kicked off with a rally behind the Capitol, where advocates gathered to lift up community voices and demand policy changes that invest in Illinois farmers, food workers, and local food infrastructure. After a group photo and lunch, the real work began: meeting with lawmakers in the Capitol to share stories, data, and bold visions for food system transformation.

Advocates pushed for several key bills, including;

🌱 SB2386 – Funding for the Local Food Infrastructure Grant Program, which helps farms and communities invest in food hubs, kitchens, and other tools to get local food to local tables.

🍎 SB2187 / HB3701 – The Good Food Purchasing Program, ensuring public food dollars support local farmers, food workers, and nutrition equity.

🌍 HB54 – Establishing Soil Health Week to raise awareness and promote healthy, resilient farming practices.

🛒 HB2531 – Expanding the Illinois Grocery Initiative to include more types of retailers and tech upgrades like SNAP/WIC processing systems.

👩‍🌾 HB3067 – The Small Farmer Restoration Act, preserving farmland and expanding access for new and BIPOC farmers.

🐔HB2196 – Reforming on-farm livestock processing rules to support small-scale meat producers and cultural food access. (Passed out of committee and unanimously passed the House 116-0!)

Midday, CFPAC joined partners in a press conference in the Capitol’s Blue Room, making a strong public case for these food justice priorities. And to close out a powerful day, Executive Director Rodger Cooley testified before the Illinois House Agriculture and Conservation Committee in support of the Good Food Purchasing Act (HB3701) —a policy CFPAC has championed for years.

Following strong advocacy in Springfield and an energetic media push, the bill passed out of committee, marking a major step forward for public food procurement in Illinois. Unfortunately, the GFPP Bill did not make it to a full house vote before the April 11th deadline. Acting swiftly, Rep. Harper, in collaboration with the Illinois Food Justice Alliance, submitted House Joint Resolution 0027 (HJR0027) including the same language that was in the house bill. The resolution is designed to direct the Illinois Good Food Purchasing Tax Force to analyze current food procurement processes and landscapes and make recommendations for an upcoming pilot program.

Stay tuned for how you can help keep the momentum going—because transforming Illinois' food system requires all of us. Together, we can push lawmakers to build a future rooted in food justice, sustainability, and equity for every community across the state.