On August 4, 2003, second and third graders from Cunningham Elementary in Joliet witnessed the final step of their class project when the governor signed legislation that made popcorn the official snack food of the State of Illinois. 

The designation makes sense. There are more than 300 Illinois farms growing popcorn on 47,000 acres of farmland. This makes the land of Lincoln the third largest grower of popcorn in the world.

Frito-Lay is one of the largest snack food manufacturers in the United States. They make some of the most popular potato chips in the American marketplace, including Lay’s, Fritos, Doritos, Cheetos, Tostitos and many others. And farmers in Illinois play a huge role in the production of these Frito-Lay products. 

With Super Bowl Sunday approaching, millions of American television viewers will be enjoying their favorite Frito-Lay snacks while watching the big game. Many varieties of chips and dips are enjoyed on Super Bowl Sunday.