Urban Farm secures federal support as fundraising tops $15M

What began as a vision for a reimagined local food and food systems workforce system in Waukegan is quickly becoming reality. The Urban Farm Center at College of Lake County (CLC) has reached a major milestone, earning a $1.25 million U.S. Department of Agriculture grant through the Illinois Department of Agriculture’s Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program while surpassing $15 million in philanthropic support, two significant achievements accelerating construction at the Lakeshore Campus.

Starting in June 2025, construction is anticipated to be completed in fall 2026. The Urban Farm Center is a community-driven project that combines hands-on learning, food production and entrepreneurial support. It will serve as a hub for community wellness, workforce development and innovative programming to grow fresh food year-round, create jobs and expand opportunities for students and the broader community.

State investment strengthens local impact

The Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure grant, funded by the USDA, supports CLC’s vision to build a hub for sustainable agriculture that addresses critical community needs while expanding economic opportunity.

Located in Waukegan, the 24,000-square-foot facility will strengthen the local food system in a region where food insecurity and diet-related health challenges remain persistent. It will create career pathways in agriculture and food-related fields, support small business growth, expand access to fresh, local food, strengthen regional supply chains and contribute to the economic revitalization of downtown Waukegan where CLC had a presence for 54 years.

Building infrastructure for food and business

Plans also include a commercial kitchen and training space to support small food businesses, creating pathways to entrepreneurship and career growth. The grant will support the creation of a powerhouse of middle-of-the-supply chain infrastructure. with processing, storage, aggregation options for local growers and producers, a commercial kitchen for the creation of value-added products using locally sourced produce, and a centralized hub were producers, businesses and consumers can connect to build a strong local food system.

The Urban Farm will also increase access to fresh, locally grown food while offering workforce training opportunities for youth and community members interested in careers in sustainable agriculture and food production.

“As we build the Urban Farm Center, we’re creating more than a facility,” Urban Farm Center Director Eliza Fournier. “We’re building a connected food system that supports farmers, entrepreneurs and families across Lake County. This investment allows us to expand access to fresh food, strengthen local businesses and create real pathways to economic mobility.”

Community investment brings vision to life

The completion of the CLC Foundation’s capital campaign marks a significant investment in the development of the downtown Waukegan facility.

Adeline “Addie” Morrison, a leading supporter of the project, described the initiative as creating “joyful impact” for Lake County and, “at its very core, the Urban Farm is a powerful expression of community.” Through the Urban Farm Center, that vision will come to life—connecting students, growers, entrepreneurs and partners to expand access to fresh food, strengthen the local food system and create new educational and economic opportunities.

While the $15 million fundraising goal has been reached, the CLC Foundation invites continued philanthropic support to sustain the programs, partnerships and educational opportunities and ensure its long-term impact.

Learn how to support the Urban Farm Center on the CLC Foundation web page. Or contact Leigh Ann Jacobson, CFRE Executive Director of the College of Lake County Foundation, at ljacobson3@clcillinois.edu.