A new chapter in rural food access is unfolding in Central Illinois, and its ripple effects may soon reach Delavan. Farm Family Foods, a grower-owned grocery model rooted in regenerative agriculture, has opened its first storefront in Benson, the first grocery in the small community of 400 people in over 30 years. But it’s not just about one store—it’s about reimagining how small towns feed themselves. And in Delavan, where the community lost its only grocery store to fire, that vision is gaining traction through multiple local efforts.

Farm Family Foods: A Collaborative Grocery Model

Founded by sisters Lauren Reedy and Corrie Scott, Farm Family Foods began as a weekly online ordering system, connecting over 25 small farms across the region. Customers select fresh produce, meats, grains, and dairy online, then pick up their orders or receive home delivery. The Benson storefront adds a physical hub to this hybrid model, offering public shopping hours and expanded access for paid members.

The goal? To keep food dollars local, support small farms, and make fresh, nutrient-dense food accessible in rural areas often overlooked by traditional grocery chains.

Delavan’s Response: A Patchwork of Innovation

Delavan, still recovering from the loss of Delavan Finer Foods, is exploring its own food access solutions. One such effort comes from Tommie Chadwick, owner of Ichabod’s Apothecary. Chadwick plans to become a pickup location for Azure Standard, a national distributor of organic and bulk foods that delivers directly to community “drop points.” This move would allow Delavan residents to order high-quality groceries online and retrieve them locally—no long drives required.

Fin and Fruit: Growing Food and Community

Meanwhile, the Fin and Fruit initiative, led by Kelly Powell and Nicholas Georgi under Common Ground of Central Illinois, is cultivating fresh produce right in Delavan. Operating out of Anticipation Acres, the community garden between Dollar General and Prairie Bible Church, Fin and Fruit provides locally grown fruits and vegetables to families, businesses, and the food bank.

Together, these efforts reflect a growing movement toward community-based food systems—where access, education, and sustainability go hand in hand.

Looking Ahead

With Farm Family Foods expanding its reach, Azure Standard establishing new drop points, and Fin and Fruit deepening its roots, Delavan is working on building a resilient food network. These models don’t just replace a lost grocery store—they redefine what a grocery store can be.