The initiative builds on the Good Food Purchasing Program, an industry-recognized framework that encourages institutions to align food procurement with core values: nutrition, affordability, environmental sustainability, fair labor conditions, and local sourcing. By leveraging the purchasing power of state agencies, Illinois seeks to drive market transformation, ensuring that food supply chains support economic resilience and sustainable agricultural practices.
A key component of the resolution is the Illinois Good Food Purchasing Policy Task Force, established to analyze existing procurement methods, address structural barriers, and identify agencies best suited for pilot programs. The task force will conduct a detailed assessment across correctional facilities, mental health centers, and public universities, ensuring a data-driven approach to policy development.
Illinois' effort mirrors successful procurement reform initiatives in cities such as Los Angeles and Chicago, where large-scale institutional purchasing has improved food system transparency, worker protections, and environmental accountability. The resolution also aligns with broader national trends, reflecting increasing consumer demand for ethical sourcing and sustainability in food production.
The task force will submit its final report to the Governor and General Assembly by December 31, 2026, providing recommendations for embedding sustainable purchasing principles into long-term policy.
