The Land Connection

The Land Connection is an organization committed to working to create a food system that is truly sustainable. The Land Connection works to enable farmers to make a living without handouts, and one that allows them to pass their farm on to the next generation. The Land Connection has raised over $150,000 and successfully saved over 30 acres of farmland slated for development. The Land Connection offers information and aid for the transition to organic food production, trains new organic farmers, and provides tours and outreach to the local community.

Fall Internship 2004:

Issue: The Land Connection, the community, and select members of the Illinois Wesleyan University community are interested in bringing locally grown organic food to the dining halls of the Illinois Wesleyan University campus.

Goals: Research other universities where this transition has taken place, write up case studies which investigate the pros and cons, the mistakes and great ideas of other universities who have brought locally grown organic food to their campus.

Results: Research needs to be continued, but the case study paper was completed and submitted to faculty and staff on the Illinois Wesleyan University campus. Conversations are being held with faculty, staff, students, and community members to incorporate locally grown organic food in the future.