Makala Bach

Visiting Extension Outreach Associate @University Of Illinois Extension

As the technical assistance lead for the Local Food Purchase Assistance program (IL-EATS), I leverage facilitation, systems thinking, and data to support farmers, food hubs, and food access organizations in building a stronger, more equitable food supply chain across Illinois. I lead outreach and communication efforts through newsletters and website content, facilitate monthly technical assistance calls, and manage storytelling strategy to highlight the program\'s impacts through blogs and videos. I also support the collection and digestion of qualitative and reporting data, turning them into actionable insights that help shape future farm-to-food-assistance and farm-to-wholesale initiatives. Through this work, I collaborate closely with key state partners, including the Illinois Department of Agriculture and the Illinois Department of Human Services, to advocate for strategies that benefit local food producers. Additionally, I organize and participate in stakeholder meetings to unlock market opportunities for Illinois farmers and map critical middle- middle-of-the-food-supply-chain assets. Central to my work is network weaving—building trust and understanding among producers, distributors, and food access organizations to build a cohesive, resilient local food community.Overall, I drive community-centered solutions that empower producers and promote food equity statewide.