State kicks off Illinois produce program

Associated Press

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Agriculture is kicking off a media and retail campaign this week to highlight produce grown in the state.

The department said Tuesday the "Where Fresh Is" campaign will use television ads, billboards and social media to highlight Illinois-grown fruits and vegetables.

More than 300 grocery stores, farmers markets and other locations that sell homegrown food will also display banners with the slogan to let customers know.

This is the second year of the program. The Agriculture Department says a few of last year's participating retailers saw 50 percent increases in sales.

The department this year is adding a challenge to Illinois consumers to use $10 of their current grocery budget to buy produce grown in Illinois.