Advocating for Values-Based Food Procurement with IFJA
Building Momentum for Transparent, Equitable, and Sustainable Food Systems in Illinois
Krantz Strategies partnered with the Illinois Food Justice Alliance (IFJA) to lead the public campaign for the Good Food Purchasing Law, a bold initiative to reform how public institutions buy food. Acting as campaign architects and an embedded extension of IFJA’s team, we elevated awareness, built legislative support, and mobilized community advocates to call for values-based food procurement that supports local farms, food workers, and public health.
Challenge
Illinois spends millions each year on food for schools, hospitals, prisons, and other public institutions—yet a tiny fraction comes from local sources. Contracts often go to the lowest bidder with little accountability for sustainability, labor practices, or nutrition. IFJA needed a partner to build a campaign that could cut through policy complexity, activate community support, and push for meaningful change.
Goals
Raise awareness for the Good Food Purchasing Program across public and policymaker audiences
Serve as a strategic, embedded partner to drive advocacy efforts
Create a repeatable campaign model to support future policy change
Strategy
Krantz Strategies led a multi-channel campaign combining media relations, advocacy messaging, and community engagement to promote the law and its benefits. We worked closely with IFJA leaders to align communications with policy milestones and mobilize action at key moments.
Tactics
Media Engagement: Developed press releases, a media kit, and targeted reporter outreach. Led both virtual and in-person press conferences, including at the Illinois Capitol. Secured coverage including a letter to the editor in the Chicago Tribune.
Legislative Support: Created tailored talking points for legislative hearings and worked with campaign spokespeople to ensure message alignment.
Community Activation: Produced a promotional video to highlight local economic and public health benefits. Equipped advocates with outreach tools including FAQs and stakeholder templates.
Internal Collaboration: Attended regular strategy meetings and worked closely with IFJA leadership to refine messaging and campaign tactics.
Key Results
Launched the campaign with a virtual press conference and followed with an in-person Capitol press event that drew strong stakeholder and media interest
Secured high-impact media coverage to elevate campaign visibility
Created engagement tools and resources that amplified the core values of the Good Food Purchasing Program among diverse communities
Through strategic storytelling, earned media, and close collaboration with community leaders, Krantz Strategies helped IFJA build lasting momentum for a more equitable and transparent food system in Illinois. The campaign laid a foundation for future wins in values-based food policy and grassroots advocacy.