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Illinois Lieutenant Governor launches #AgConnectsUsAll initiative
Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton is launching an ag equity and food insecurity initiative this month called #AgConnectsUsAll.
The project begins with listening sessions to create a long-term strategy to address the two issues.
“I have already been traveling across the state listening to people at the center of agriculture and food access including community advocates, farmers, businesses and educators to understand what works and what can be better.”
In a video posted on Twitter, Stratton says she chose to launch the initiative during Black History Month to honor her ancestors who thrived in agriculture after emancipation from slavery.
“My ancestors recognized, as we do today, that in uplifting others and ensuring access to food and other basic needs we can create a legacy of opportunity for generations to come.”
For the month of February, the initiative will focus on finding funding opportunities for marginalized farmers and improve access to ag education and career pipelines.
During March, the emphasis will be on improving food insecurity which has doubled among the general Illinois population, tripled in households with children, and increased 60% among seniors since the start of the pandemic.
