County Program Spurs Statewide Farm-to-School Push

Building on a successful initiative launched by the Sangamon County Board, State Senator Doris Turner is leading the charge to expand a homegrown program that brings fresh, healthy meals into school cafeterias across Illinois.

Senate Bill 1522, sponsored by Turner (D-Springfield), would appropriate $2 million to the Illinois State Board of Education to fund grants, contracts, and administrative costs tied to the federal Farm to School State Formula Grant. The bill aims to help schools transition from highly processed foods to nutritious, scratch-cooked meals using ingredients grown by Illinois farmers.

“Students need access to healthy food in schools to increase focus and brain development, setting them on a path to success in the classroom,” said Turner. “We should utilize our state’s strong agriculture industry by bringing those products into schools.”

The initiative began in 2023, when the Sangamon County Board partnered with Beyond Green Sustainable Food Partners to pilot a Farm to School program in Pawnee. Just four months into the pilot, the school made significant strides in scratch cooking, local food procurement, and student engagement around healthy eating.

“This started right here in Sangamon County, and it’s been an incredible success,” said Sangamon County Board Chairman Andy Van Meter. “We’re proud to see Pawnee leading the way—not just serving better food to students, but showing what’s possible when local governments invest in something meaningful.”

County Board Member Jeff Thomas, who represents Pawnee, said the progress is especially meaningful for him. “It’s so rewarding to see this kind of innovation happening in my hometown and the school I graduated from,” said Thomas. “To serve kids healthy, delicious meals while supporting local farmers—that’s the kind of win-win we want to replicate across the state.”

The three-year pilot includes training, hands-on coaching, and local sourcing support from Beyond Green.Pawnee Schools purchased more than 41% of its food from local vendors—including milk from Prairie Farms, eggs and meat from Bland Family Farms, produce from Suttill’s Gardens, and grains from Janie’s Mill. The school has introduced popular from-scratch menu items like scrambled eggs, pancakes, chicken quesadillas, broccoli cheddar soup, and more.

The Farm to School model also helps schools remain budget-neutral while improving food quality and reducing waste. Ultimately, the goal is to leave each cafeteria team trained and self-sufficient by the end of the three-year partnership.

“We’ve worked with schools across the country, and the enthusiasm and support we’ve seen in Sangamon County is among the best,” said Greg Christian, founder of Beyond Green Partners. “Pawnee is already setting the standard for what a successful Farm to School program can look like.”

Senator Turner’s bill would open the door for more schools to follow Pawnee’s lead. Beyond Green currently supports 15 schools in districts like Cobden, Murphysboro, Porta, New Berlin, and northwestern Macoupin County. SB1522 would allow for broader expansion across Illinois.

Enhancing rural-urban food systems was also a priority in the 2021 “Next 10” visioning report from the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln—a regional roadmap to improve quality of life in the Greater Springfield Area.

Senate Bill 1522 was heard last week in the Senate Appropriations–Education Committee. If approved, it would scale a Sangamon County-born success story into a statewide movement—bringing fresh food, local partnerships, and healthier futures to more Illinois students.