FOOD WORKS

3. Southern Illinois Farming Alliance (SIFA)- Food Works sponsors this farmer-driven network whose focus is to encourage area farmers to learn from each other. The Alliance provides peer-to-peer education and networking opportunities by organizing Field Days and a Regional Conference for delving more deeply into timely topics. In 2024 SIFA held 5 field days and workshop events that attracted 94 participants. Eleven farms participated in the annual Farm Crawl selling 67 passes, and accepted a donation of $3,800 from the local Neighborhood Co-op Grocery.

Southern Illinois Farm Beginnings (SIFB)- Education program in entrepreneurial, regenerative small farm business that takes a holistic approach to farming and helps beginning farmers plan for resilient farms that can be nimble with the challenges of new business. Farm Beginnings(R), is an intensive training program for beginning and transitional farmers, which aims to create financially solvent and flourishing local farms through education and mentorship. Nine farms completed the program in 2024. They attended 27 sessions, and attended 8 field visits. Each received full scholarships to attend the program, plus stipends for evaluations, farm hosting, mentoring, speakers, and travel expenses.

Mobile Farmers Market (MFM)- This program improves healthy food access in rural towns and counties in southern Illinois, especially for low income households. The MFM accepts SNAP and Link Match, and in 2024 has begun a Healthy Food Prescription Rx program in conjunction with local healthcare providers and LEAF. Twenty-seven participants were given a weekly stipend to hop on LEAF the for the duration of the pilot program. The MFM benefits local producers by providing access to additional markets while allowing them to remain focused on production on the farm. Food Works Mobile Farmers Market is a farmers market on wheels that connects food insecure communities with fresh, healthy foods produced by local farmers. In total $13,000 worth of food moved through the RX program, increasing the amount of fresh fruits and veggies consumed weekly by 40%. The Mobile Food Van provided free home delivery so transportation was not a barrier to the program.

Food Works with a staff of 10 people, including an Executive Director, and a six person board see that five major programs are funded and operating as efficiently as possible and within the mission of the organization.