HB2879 - Illinois Farm to Food Bank Program Act

• Establishes the Illinois Farm to Food Bank Program within the Department of Human Services to acquire and distribute locally-grown agricultural products to emergency food systems and food banks.

• Requires at least 75% of program funds to be dedicated to food acquisition and distribution, with funds used to purchase surplus, seconds, or market-grade fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, dairy, and eggs produced in Illinois.

• Designates a not-for-profit entity from Illinois' emergency food system to administer the program, with duties including annual planning, reporting, identifying food needs, and building relationships with agricultural entities including socially disadvantaged farmers.

• Creates the Farm to Food Bank Advisory Council with representatives from the Departments of Human Services and Agriculture, food banks, agricultural industry, and academic institutions to facilitate partnerships and provide oversight.

• Authorizes capacity-building grants for facility upgrades, equipment, and infrastructure to improve the emergency food system's ability to transport, store, and distribute agricultural products to underserved areas and populations.