D21 partnership with The Common Market invests more than $29,000 in local farms

Community Consolidated School District 21’s commitment to serving fresh, nutritious meals while supporting regional agriculture continues to make a meaningful impact.

New data from The Common Market Great Lakes shows that District 21 invested $29,344 in the local food economy during the 2025 calendar year through its ongoing partnership with the nonprofit regional food distributor. Those purchases directly supported 22 local farms across Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana and Michigan.

District 21 launched the partnership with The Common Market in October 2024 alongside its food service management provider, OrganicLife. The collaboration was established to expand access to fresh, locally sourced ingredients beyond those traditionally available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s food distribution programs, helping connect students with nutritious foods grown closer to home.

Since the partnership began, locally sourced fruits and vegetables have become a staple of school menus, allowing students to enjoy seasonal produce while strengthening the regional agricultural economy.

“Our partnership with The Common Market allows us to do more than simply serve healthy meals,” said Allison Brown, senior district manager for OrganicLife. “Every purchase helps strengthen local family farms while bringing fresh, high-quality ingredients into our cafeterias. It’s a win for our students, our communities and the farmers who work so hard to provide nutritious food throughout the Great Lakes region.”

The Common Market Great Lakes connects schools, hospitals and other institutions with sustainably grown food from family farms throughout the Midwest. By shortening the distance between farms and cafeterias, the organization helps schools access fresh ingredients while creating new economic opportunities for regional growers.

In addition to fresh produce, The Common Market offers locally sourced dairy, meat, and other products that help schools diversify their menus with high-quality ingredients.

District 21 remains committed to finding innovative ways to enhance the student dining experience while investing in partnerships that benefit both students and the communities they call home.