Grant supports DeKalb County Community Gardens in the fight against food shortages

DEKALB, Ill. (WIFR) – 13% of DeKalb residents are food insecure and the DeKalb County Community Gardens are hoping a donation will help keep food on the table.

“The fact that we, as such a small garden, have the opportunity to be successful with this grant and to meet all the requirements is something I am really proud of and, as I said, just grateful for,” says Edwards.

This grant benefits farmers who may face ethnic or racial bias in the region. The agreement ensures that these farmers receive a steady income from the DCCG based on the market price of their produce. Mai Shao's passion almost died when a large fire destroyed her warehouse and equipment. But she says the Illinois Eats Program kept her alive.

“It has brought us to a slightly higher level, which can further help us grow our business because it is more difficult to survive as a small farm,” says Shao.

The food DCCG purchases goes to the community at no cost, including food banks, agricultural cooperatives and other nonprofits. That's a huge success for pantries like Salem Lutheran Church's. Director Liz Ezell says they now serve eight times more perishable food than they did before the program.

“That means their shopping carts are a lot fuller when they leave our pantry. That means they have more bags of food. That means they have more bags of food that lasts longer,” Ezell says. “It's fresh, the dates are great. And it's a lot healthier food, too.”

Jeff Ikemire, director of the Store at Harvest Chapel, describes what it was like when the pantry was getting very little fruit and vegetables and half the food was being thrown away. Now they can feed a family of five with fresh, locally grown food for an entire week. He says unless you've experienced food insecurity yourself, you can't know what these families are going through.

“We all need each other to get through life. There are many food distribution centers in this area and I know for a fact that some of them need volunteers,” Ikemire said.

Edwards says the Illinois Eats Program will end in June 2025. However, she hopes amendments to the Farm Bill will extend it.

On September 6, Dekalb County Community Gardens will host its annual Dinner for Good. Proceeds will benefit the nonprofit organization that aims to end the nationwide food shortage.

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