The Growing for Kane Program
The Growing for Kane Program (Ordinance No. 1 3-240) was approved by the County Board in 2013 to provide new policy tools and guidance for increasing community access to fresh, healthy, and locally grown foods. The Growing for Kane Program and Ordinance were recommendations of Kane County's 2013 Health Impact Assessment (HIA). The report outlines several strategies for increasing the supply of locally grown foods, benefiting farmers and urban growers, as well as supporting networks that make fresh grown foods more accessible for the community.
The Growing for Kane Program was launched to support food growers in all areas of the county operating at any scale of production. Since the program's inception, the Kane County Agriculture Committee and County Board have directed numerous projects to support growers including grant programs, technical trainings, and food system studies. The County also plays a role in connecting local producers with buyers, distributors, and other value chain contributors to help expand their economic opportunities.
About This Page
This resource page includes links to information about active and completed Growing for Kane projects and opportunities. A section of this page also includes a list of resources available to farmers offered by partners and other aligned organizations. Kane County farmers that are interested in protecting their land with an agricultural conservation easement can visit the Farmland Protection Program webpage to learn more.
You can subscribe to the Growing for Kane e-newsletter for the latest updates on Growing for Kane projects and other resources available to growers and food system stakeholders. This publication includes announcements of funding opportunities, training and technical assistance programs, and new market / sales opportunities. Click here or the “Sign up Now" link to start receiving the e-newsletter.
Questions about the Growing for Kane Program can be directed to TansleyMatthew@KaneCountyIL.gov or 630-232-3493.
Active Growing for Kane Initiatives
Kane County Food and Farm Resiliency Grant Program (Application period closed)
Master Urban Farmer Training Program (Registration closed)
Equitable Local Food Access Program
Food and Farm Resiliency Grant Program
- Kane County Farmer Resiliency Grant Program - April 2024
Kane County Juvenile Justice Center Farm to School Program
Farmer Resources
Financial Assistance Programs
Health, Safety, & Disaster Planning
Market Tools
General Info
Completed Growing for Kane Initiatives
Farmer Needs Assessment
- Kane County Farmer Needs Assessment 2019
Food Hub Feasibility Study
- Food Hub Feasibility Study Summary Report 2016
Fresh & Local Rx (Prescription Produce) Program
- Fresh & Local Rx Case Study 2019
Livestock Market Assessment
