Growing a Local Food System

Today, we're celebrating the success of one of the Community Foundation's agency funds - JDLF Collective began operations in their new local food hub this week and will open a marketplace for local farmers in the coming weeks! Congratulations!

In 2021, Jo Daviess Local Foods (JDLF) set out to launch an ambitious new effort— JDLF Gives, an initiative focused on getting fresh, healthy food to those who need it most. To bring their vision to life, they needed a trusted partner. The Community Foundation of Jo Daviess County stepped in to provide fiscal agent support and manage a dedicated fund that enabled JDLF to receive both donations and grants.

That partnership helped launch the Farm to Food Pantry program, a win-win for the community. JDLF purchased fresh, locally grown produce from area farmers and delivered it directly to food pantries across Jo Daviess County—ensuring families in need had access to nutritious, local food while also supporting our agricultural economy.

Fast forward to today, and the collaboration is entering an exciting new chapter. With continued support from the Community Foundation, JDLF is launching a new nonprofit—JDLF Collective—along with a local food marketplace on Headquarters Road, just outside of Elizabeth, IL. This hub will not only increase access to local food but also create new opportunities for farmers, generate local jobs, and strengthen our region’s food system and economy.

At the heart of this effort remains the vital Farm to Food Pantry program, which continues to connect families in need with fresh, local produce through our county’s food pantry network.

You can be a part of this powerful local food movement. Make a gift to the JDLF Collective Fund or the Food Insecurity Fund today by visiting www.cfjodaviess.org/give. Together, we can grow a healthier, more resilient Jo Daviess County.