A local, edible weed is in its peak season right now. Contributor Michael Gebert talks about foraging for Lamb’s Quarters. read more | 1 Comment |

Previously: The New Marion Street Cheese Market

Not that long ago, I heard Illinois farmer Stan Schutte talk.  He defined local as the distance you needed to go to get the food you wanted.  A pretty apt description for someone who cannot function without a cup of morning joe.  Still, my family and I ascribe to this caveat: if we can get it [...] read more | Comment |

My family and I have had some recent good times in Southern Wisconsin including the New Glarus Brewery tour and the Mt. Horeb Mustard Museum.  Dana Currier at Gaper’s Block gives some more encouragement to sample the local fare by visiting the areas just outside of Madison.  As the story shows, there’s more fun to local than [...] read more | Comment |

The Peoria Journal-Star has a nice article covering a recent farm tour in Bureau County. Participants got a front row view of what area farms have to offer. “There are more than 100 specialty farming operations within a 50-mile radius of Princeton”, said Pam Horwitz, executive director of the American Corn Growers Association.’ Read the full story [...] read more | Comment |

Yesterday, we noted the passing of one of the leaders and true visionaries of the Chicago local food scene.  For those who need some background, the CTrib fronts a nice bio of her today (reg. req.).  As reported yesterday, Ms. Mandel, or Abby Mandel Meyer as the Trib notes, introduced farm fresh foods and local wares to [...] read more | Comment |

Via the Chicago Tribune, I just learned that Ms. Mandel recently passed away.  I know she had been battling cancer.  As anyone involved with the Green City Market can tell you, she was the inspiration and life-force behind this endeavour.  The Green City Market planned on holding a tribute to her and her work on [...] read more | Comment |

Have you gone out and purchased a freezer?  It is easy to eat local now.  Can you eat local two months from now?  Four months from now?  All the way until the first asparagus sprout next May?  Forever?  We can eat local forever in the Chicago area through two vehicles.  We can shop for local even [...] read more | Comment |

The Local Family is over-flowing with local food. We have a surfeit of local food. Our eat local challenge stands, not finding local food, but in eating all of our local food. It’s not all my fault, really! read more | 1 Comment |