JACKSONVILLE, Ill. — What began as a personal quest for self-sustainability has evolved into a cornerstone of local food production for central and southern Illinois.

Bland Family Farm, a 91-acre, first-generation operation established in 2016, has grown into a vital resource for fresh, locally sourced food. Recently, its partnership with Central Illinois Foodbank through the IL-EATS  program has expanded its impact, bringing fresh produce, eggs, chicken, beef and milk to families across central and southern Illinois.

“The inspiration for the farm was really just my own fascination with self-sustainability,” said Owner and Founder of Bland Family Farm, Clint Bland, who started the farm after years working in logistics and supply chain management. “I wanted to grow as much of my own food as I could, high-quality, nutrient-dense stuff where I knew exactly where it was coming from.”

Initially, Bland Family Farm started as a personal venture – an escape from spreadsheets and office life. But soon, Bland began selling produce at farmers markets, where demand grew rapidly. From there, the farm expanded into wholesale, picking up accounts with restaurants and retailers.

“I loved what I was doing here more than I liked being in an office anymore,” Bland said. “So three years ago, I decided to leave my job and focus on the farm full-time.”

As the farm grew, so did its mission. In addition to producing nutrient-rich, locally sourced food, Bland realized the importance of making these goods accessible to everyone – especially underserved communities. 

“Funded by the USDA’s Local Food Purchase Assistance program, IL-EATS is transforming Illinois’ food system by sourcing fresh, local foods from socially disadvantaged farmers in Illinois and delivering them to underserved communities across the state,” according to the Illinois Extension website.

Nine cows graze on hay at the snow-covered Bland Family Farm. The Farm is committed to producing 100% grass-fed and finished beef to its community. (Angelina Padilla – Tompkins | Central Illinois Foodbank)

In 2023, Bland Family Farm partnered with Central Illinois Foodbank through IL-EATS, an initiative designed to connect local farmers with food banks to provide fresh, nutritious products to neighbors facing food insecurity.

“The IL-EATS program put local farming in the spotlight,” Karleen Wagoner, food acquisition manager for Central Illinois Foodbank, said. 

The program helped Bland Family Farm expand its business and purchase a delivery van which helped its products reach more communities efficiently. 

“It’s helped prop up farms like ours and helped us expand,” Bland said. “We were finally able to buy a refrigerated delivery van.”

The partnership has not only supported the farm’s growth but also created lasting connections between Bland Family Farm and the neighbors it serves.

One product, in particular, has made a mark: milk from Buckhorn Dairy, a local partner of the farm. 

“We’ve had people call food banks to track down my number and tell me how much they love the milk,” Bland said. “It’s non-homogenized, and people really appreciate the quality.”

While the farm has grown its reach, it has also expanded physically. Recently, the farm purchased a long-vacant building at 1203 W. Walnut St. in Jacksonville, located just two miles from the farm. The new space, which will serve as a distribution center and storefront, is expected to become the farm’s hub.

The building was in disrepair when Bland Family Farm took it over, but the team has invested in renovations and upgrades, breathing new life into the structure. Once complete, it will house a small grocery store to serve the community. The grocery store will provide much-needed access to fresh, local food.

A group of chickens avoid the snow in a dog house. Bland Family Farm aims to keep the journey from pasture to plate as natural as possible. (Angelina Padilla – Tompkins | Central Illinois Foodbank)

“Having this new building is really exciting for us,” Bland said. “It will allow us to grow and support our community more.”

As Bland Family Farm continues to grow, Bland reflects on the challenges and rewards of running a farm. 

“The work is hard, and the cost of producing food is higher than many people realize,” Bland said. “The most rewarding part is knowing that we’re making high-quality food and that we’re contributing to something bigger.”

For Bland, the partnership with Central Illinois Foodbank is a meaningful extension of the farm’s mission to create positive change.

“I want people to understand how important it is to support local farms and food infrastructure,” Bland said. “COVID showed us how vulnerable our food supply chain can be. Supporting local farms helps make our communities more resilient, and partnerships like this one with the Foodbank are key to making that happen.”