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Illinois Stewardship Alliance Tallies This Year's Legislative Wins, Losses

  • Writer: Bob Benenson
    Bob Benenson
  • Jul 8
  • 2 min read

The Non-Profit is the State's Leading Policy Advocates for Local Farmers and Eaters



Illinois Stewardship Alliance, based in Springfield, is the state's leading public policy advocate for local farmers and consumers. The organization's fingerprints are on every major statutory and budget gain for our community over a number of years.


The state legislature wrapped up its 2026 session in June, and the Alliance has published an analysis of the gains, losses and missed opportunities. These are summarized below, with a link to the full report.


But first, a shoutout — and Happy Birthday wishes — to Liz Stelk, who does such a dynamic job on our community's behalf as the Alliance's executive director.


According to the Alliance, the 2026 wins included:


  • Continued funding at $2 million for the Local Food Infrastructure Grant Program

  • Increase in funding for Healthy School Meals for All from $9 to $26 million 

  • $70 million in new funding to address food insecurity caused by SNAP benefit losses

  • $100,000 in new funding for the Farmland Transition Committee

  • Continued level funding for the Farm-to-Foodbank program, Farmers Market Nutrition Program, Fall Covers for Spring Savings conservation program, and Ag Equity Commission


It wasn't all good news, though, with the following issues virtually certain to be rejoined in the next legislative session.


  • Urban and Socially Disadvantaged Farmer funding cut from $2.5 million to $500,000

  • Soil and Water Conservation Districts Budget remains underfunded at $4.5 million

  • No action on Emerging & Socially Disadvantaged Farmer Grant program legislation 

  • No action on land access legislation

  • No action on pesticide drift legislation to protect children in schools and daycares

  • No action on agrivoltaics to support the co-existence of renewable energy and agriculture

  • No action on compost reform


I agree entirely with the organization's "Path Forward," which concludes its report:


We recognize the difficult fiscal environment facing state leaders. However, farming and food are not peripheral issues.


They are economic development.


They are public health.


They are environmental stewardship.


They are rural revitalization and urban resilience.

Illinois farmers are ready to feed Illinois communities. With thoughtful investment and strong public policy, we can strengthen local economies, protect our natural resources, support the next generation of farmers, and ensure every family has access to good food.


We’re grateful to everyone who raised their voice this session to help make progress possible – but the work is not done – together with your support, farmers and eaters across the state will organize together for change. 


Click the button below to get the details on all of the major issues, with a link to join the Illinois Stewardship Alliance.



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