URBAN-RURAL FOOD PARTNERSHIPS

States that the shared challenges and shared interests of disproportionately impacted urban communities and rural communities need to be addressed to develop and strengthen urban-rural partnerships and education to advance food systems, agriculture, and equitable economic development across Illinois. Urges State agencies, local governments, educational institutions, community-based organizations, farmers, workers, and small businesses to pursue new and expanded urban-rural partnerships that connect disproportionately impacted urban communities and rural communities through equitable food systems, workforce development, and local economic investment. Encourages education, outreach, and technical-assistance initiatives that promote agricultural literacy, food-system careers, entrepreneurship, and cross-regional understanding, with particular attention to disproportionately impacted urban communities and historically underserved rural areas. Supports policy frameworks that strengthen local and regional food infrastructure, protect farmland, expand urban agriculture in disproportionately impacted urban communities, improve market access, and address food-access gaps in both urban and rural communities. Urges policymakers at all levels to reject false divisions between urban and rural Illinois and instead pursue inclusive, data-driven, and community-informed solutions that recognize collaboration and partnership as essential to the State's food security, economic resilience, and shared prosperity.