I recently discovered an outstanding source for local beef, chicken, and lamb.  In response to growing demand in the Muslim community for sustainably raised and humanely slaughtered animals, this cooperative set out to visit a host of local farms with the goal of choosing those that best reflected the ideals of its members.  The great news for the Chicago locavore is that ordering is a snap through the terrific website (http://www.taqwaecofood.org/), and you can either have the products delivered to your door for a fee, or choose one of the convenient and free twice-a-week pickup locations in Oak Park or downtown Chicago.  Through my conversations with folks involved in this outstanding organization, I learned that they are thrilled to serve Muslim and non-Muslim communities alike.  You do have to pay $25 to be a member.

an update: I emailed to ask how to send my $25 membership fee, and learned that they no longer charge that.  Membership is free.