A new local food system project that received funds from the Local Food Infrastructure Grant program is ready to open! You're invited to the Grand Opening of the new FarmFED Cooperative opening in Mt. Pulaski on Friday, June 13th! The doors will open at 4pm with public tours of the new produce processing area and retail space. There will be locally sourced food prepared on site and a big ribbon cutting ceremony at 6pm. No RSVP is required. FarmFED was awarded $148,000 in LFIG funds that helped them purchase a building in Mt. Pulaski and begin the necessary build-out for their processing infrastructure as well as the retail space for their partner, @marketonthehill, bringing fresh locally grown food to the Logan County area. We can't wait to see it open! Learn more about FarmFED here: www.farmfedcoop.com @farmfedcoop (fb)

Alliance led legislation, HB2196, just passed 115-0 out of the Illinois House. Having passed both chambers unanimously, it is now headed to the Governor's office for his signature! This member led, negotiated, and advocated legislation will increase the number of poultry a farmer can process on farm and allow those poultry products to be sold at farmers markets. It also eliminates the requirement that a person own an animal (not just poultry) for 30 days prior to processing for their own households use. We're grateful to State Representative Charlie Meier and State Senator Sally Turner for their leadership in helping Illinois farmers meet the demand for local meat and poultry. This would not have been possible without our members who took action and advocated for these needed changes! (fb)