Why Buy Local?

Why Buy Local?

So All of Us Can Grow Up Big And Strong: Studies show the nutrient value of fruits and vegetables is significantly higher when they are picked ripe and nutritional value diminishes substantially after harvest. That’s a problem when most produce in the U.S. is harvested before it is fully ripe and travels an average of 1500 miles to get to your plate, which generally takes between 4 and 7 days. (1,2) In fact, your average fresh vegetable loses up to 45% of its nutritional valu
Seminar To Focus on Licensing for Cottage Food Operations

Seminar To Focus on Licensing for Cottage Food Operations

The University of Illinois Macon County Extension is offering a “From Garden Gates to Dinner Plates” program from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17. To learn more about Illinois' cottage food regulations, register online or call (217) 877-6042. For more information on creating a Cottage Food business, contact the Macon County Health Department at (217) 423-6988. DECATUR – Snuggled up next to the traditional booths of lush broccoli and bright tomatoes at farmers markets are t
Local Flavors Dinner Menus August 14th

Local Flavors Dinner Menus August 14th

Now you can find farm-fresh meals at your favorite restaurants during Local Flavors 2014! Participating restaurants across Central Illinois will prepare a fresh, seasonal meal with produce sourced from local farmers. Fresh, Healthy, Delicious, Good for you, Good for the Community, and Good for the Environment. The next Local Flavors event will be held on Thursday, August 14, 2014. Location and menus are listed below. The Local Flavors Farm-to-Table Series will take place in S
Common Ground Ice Cream Social Benefit

Common Ground Ice Cream Social Benefit

This year Common Ground challenges you, our community, to help raise 10,000 meals for the Eastern Illinois Foodbank! For a donation of any amount, you can build your own sundae with local ice cream from Kilgus Farmstead Creamery and organic toppings, enjoy local music from The Church Street Ramblers, face painting, kids entertainment from our own Produce Manager Satina, and the opportunity to meet your local food bank staff. This event is open to everyone and a delicious way
Heirloominous Tapas Party August 28th

Heirloominous Tapas Party August 28th

Purchase your tickets here Learn More about Heirloominous farm here Join Heirloominous Farm and Slow Food Champaign Urbana for a tapas-style party at Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery on Thursday, August 28. The meal will feature cherry tomatoes, tomatilloes, melons, okra and basil grown by Heirloominous Farm's Shea Belahi. Live music and a tour of the farm are other features of the night. As with all events at Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery, the evening is BYOB. All proce
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Featured Posts
Let's Talk Turkey! 12 Farms Where You Can Purchase a Thanksgiving Turkey in Central Illinois

Let's Talk Turkey! 12 Farms Where You Can Purchase a Thanksgiving Turkey in Central Illinois

Farmers Market Pizza Inspiration

Farmers Market Pizza Inspiration

Asian Pork, Kohlrabi, and Broccoli Bowl

Asian Pork, Kohlrabi, and Broccoli Bowl

September Seasonal Succotash and BBQ Ribs

September Seasonal Succotash and BBQ Ribs

Why Buy Local

Why Buy Local

Root Veggies and Roast Chicken Meal Prep

Root Veggies and Roast Chicken Meal Prep

7 Grocery Stores Carrying Local Farm Products All Year Round!

7 Grocery Stores Carrying Local Farm Products All Year Round!

14 Farm-to-Table Restaurants in Central Illinois You Should Know

14 Farm-to-Table Restaurants in Central Illinois You Should Know

Where's the Beef? 100% Grass-Fed Beef from Local Farmers

Where's the Beef? 100% Grass-Fed Beef from Local Farmers

NEW 2018 Buy Fresh Buy Local Central Illinois Directory

NEW 2018 Buy Fresh Buy Local Central Illinois Directory

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Meet the Blogger

Molly Gleason

Communications Director, World Wanderer, Vegetable Enthusiast, Aspiring Apple Cider Connossieur

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Recent Posts
Let's Talk Turkey! 12 Farms Where You Can Purchase a Thanksgiving Turkey in Central Illinois

Let's Talk Turkey! 12 Farms Where You Can Purchase a Thanksgiving Turkey in Central Illinois

19 Pumpkin Patches Across Central Illinois

19 Pumpkin Patches Across Central Illinois

Farmers Market Pizza Inspiration

Farmers Market Pizza Inspiration

Asian Pork, Kohlrabi, and Broccoli Bowl

Asian Pork, Kohlrabi, and Broccoli Bowl

September Seasonal Succotash and BBQ Ribs

September Seasonal Succotash and BBQ Ribs

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