A few farmers’ markets have opened, including 61st St Farmers’ Market, Federal Plaza, Daley Plaza, Rowan Trees (at Normal and Englewood), and Division St. Check out The Local Beet’s farmers’ market locator to find a farmers' market nearest you.
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is seeking partnerships with Illinois education and training providers organizing Workforce Investment Area-funded summer youth programs related to locally grown foods.
Download the Summer_Youth_Program_Announcement.
First Hand Harvest, LCC, graduates of the CRAFT Farm Beginnings Program, won the Winnebago County Green Business Award. First Hand Harvest is a CSA of four local farms. View the video here.
The Illinois Food Marketing Task Force is calling for an "Illinois Fresh Food Fund." based off the success of The Food Trust’s Fresh Food Financing Initiative in Philadelphia. A final report will be released in June.
The Washington Post features farmers' markets across the country that are starting 2:1 voucher programs at farmers’ markets for WIC and SNAP recipients.
According to a recent Pew Research study, 23% more of adults ages 18-64 are planning to start a vegetable garden, due to the impact of the recession.
