Hernandez-backed Budget Invests in Local Food Infrastructure

RIVERSIDE, Ill. – Thanks to the most recent budget worked on by state Rep. Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez, D-Cicero, Riverside Foods will receive $52,466 to upgrade their food refrigeration and stability infrastructure, allowing them to continue to provide healthy, high-quality food to the community. 

“Affordable, high-quality food doesn’t just help kids build strong bones, it builds stronger communities,” Hernandez said. “Riverside Foods has been a cornerstone for our community, helping to keep our kids growing strong and providing families with affordable, healthy foods they can depend on. Supporting local businesses and organizations such as this that work to address statewide food insecurity challenges is a critical tool to prevent kids and the most vulnerable from going hungry. This grant funding is much-deserved, and much-needed as we continue to combat food insecurity throughout our state.” 

“Refrigeration has become the highest overhead cost and risk to our operations,” said Peter Boutsikakis of Riverside Foods. “Opportunities like this have become essential, and allow us to effectively continue what we do best: serving our community and customers.”

The Illinois Department of Agriculture facilitates the Local Food Infrastructure Grant, a program that supports local food processing, aggregation and distribution. Additionally, it assists qualifying applicants in acquiring infrastructure that increases access to food and products grown in Illinois. 

Riverside Foods received $52,466 from this program to support its Energy Efficient Food Storage Refrigeration Project. This funding will help protect and enhance fresh, Illinois-grown foods by upgrading refrigeration technology and improving energy efficiency at the same time. 

For more information, visit agr.illinois.gov/assistance/illinoisfarmprograms/lfig.

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