Local and Sustainable Food
SGA is committed to building a local, sustainable foodshed in Illinois. In order to transition to truly sustainable and climate resilient communities, we need to bolster food production for local consumption and create pathways for local farms to connect with institutions and residents.
Local Food for Sustainable Communities
Reducing the distance from farm to table or cafeteria lowers greenhouse gas emissions, creating a more sustainable foodshed. A holistic approach to building greener communities includes supporting access to fresh, local food, while also reducing food waste.
Through resources, trainings, curriculum and more, SGA is helping build a farm to school movement that keeps both kids and the environment healthy by bringing local food and scratch cooking into the cafeteria.
The future of sustainable food systems requires support, dedication, and resources. Through grant programming, SGA supports small-scale sustainable food organizations working to make a difference in their communities and beyond.
One of the most important ways to support a sustainable food shed is to make sure the farmers growing healthy, local food have a robust market. SGA connects farmers to food buyers, distributors, and other food system stakeholders to facilitate the farm to table and cafeteria movement.
Building a Sustainable Food Future
SGA’s programs focus on collaborative, regional efforts to build a sustainable local food shed and get farm-fresh food into schools.
Programs
Farm to School
SGA’s Farm to School program works with farmers, schools, food directors, food hubs, and other players in the local food system to ensure more fresh, local food finds its way to school kitchens and cafeterias.
Food Waste Reduction and Composting
Part of having a sustainable food system is reducing food waste and the greenhouse gases it emits, which is the aim of our Food Waste Reduction and Composting program.
Sustainability Policy and Planning
SGA’s Sustainability Policy and Planning program can help schools, institutions, and other stakeholders incorporate local food procurement into their sustainability goals.
Collaborations
Cross Community Climate Collaborative
C4 is an award-winning collaboration of Chicago area suburban communities working together to drive large-scale, equitable climate and sustainability projects.
Wasted Food Action Alliance
The Wasted Food Action Alliance connects food waste activists around the Chicago area, supporting composting and food rescue solutions for the communities that need it the most.
Illinois Food Scrap and Composting Coalition
IFSCC helps bolster a sustainable food system by focusing on more sustainable ways to reduce or use food scraps, including composting, which builds healthy soil for growing healthy crops.
Bringing Everyone to the Table
We couldn’t build a more sustainable, local food system without our partners, including farmers, nonprofits, schools, and municipalities.
