Food Systems

Examining the Impact of Food Deserts on Public Health in Chicago — by Sagra — last modified May 24, 2007 02:48 PM

Executive Summary -- LaSalle Bank commissioned report exploring the health consequences of food deserts. Report provides evidence that access to healthy food impacts diet-related health outcomes, accounting for other important factors such as race, income, and education.

Food Systems at UIUC — by Dan Anderson — last modified December 14, 2006 04:09 PM

A promotional brochure describing Food Systems activities at UIUC.

Papers of John Ikerd — by Carol Elder — last modified October 24, 2006 02:31 PM

Writings of John Ikerd, Professor Emeritus of Agricultural Economics at the University of Missouri Columbia, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.

Selling to Institutions: An Iowa Farmers Guide — by Dan Anderson — last modified October 24, 2006 01:42 PM

By Robert Luedeman and Neil D. Hamilton. Funded in part by a grant from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Drake University Agricultural Law Center January, 2003

Farm Direct — by Dan Anderson — last modified February 19, 2008 09:42 PM

A searchable, on-line directory of Illinois farmers marketing food directly to consumers.

Organic Harvest: An Action Plan to Support Local, Organic and Family Farmed Food in Illinois — by Dan Anderson — last modified March 13, 2006 02:05 PM

This report incorporates some of the work of a feasibility study reflecting three years of focus groups, surveys and one-on-one discussions with farmers, food buyers, supermarkets, consumers, distributors, food processors, restaurants and other stakeholders concerned about developing adequate production, distribution, and marketing of local organic food. Using the data gathered, this document describes the needs and opportunities in the regional organic and local food industry. The goal of this report is to educate consumers, policymakers, business leaders, funders and the media about opportunities to use regional organic food production as a tool to promote job creation and economic development in an environmentally sound manner. A PDF version of the report can be viewed or downloaded from the URL below.

Greener Pastures — by Dan Anderson — last modified May 24, 2007 02:54 PM

This report from the Union of Concerned Scientists confirms what many believe about the health and environmental benefits of grass-fed meat and dairy production. The report was released March 2006.

Initiative for the Development of Entrepreneurs in Agriculture — by Andrea Parri — last modified March 01, 2006 01:08 PM

Initiative for the Development of Entrepreneurs in Agriculture (IDEA) was created by University of Illinois as a statewide initiative. IDEA conducts research, develops educational products, and provides services that encourage farmers to incorporate entrepreneurial strategies which direct their marketing efforts to meeting consumer demand.

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Development — by Andrea Parri — last modified May 24, 2007 10:46 PM

Sustainable ag farmers strive to be economically sustainable. For assistance on honing the business end of the alternative farming operation visit DCEO's Entrepreneurship and Small Business website (URL below). Experts, networks, tools and other opportunities transform your business into an appealing investment for lenders. That's where success begins. We partner with well-respected business development organizations and educational institutions that work with clients who have the vision and potential to become a high-growth enterprise. Whether your company employs two people or 102, IEN can help you Connect Outside The Box - it's a new way of thinking that extends beyond your own knowledge and experience to activate the possibilities!