.png)
Plus, our regional farmers market schedule for the week ahead, and a webinar signup
They’re Listening
Illinois Stewardship Alliance, the state’s leading policy advocate for local farmers and eaters, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
First…
Now back to the news. From May through August, the Alliance is already envisioning its next 50 years and is hosting a series of more than a dozen events across Illinois — titled Set the Table for a Better Food and Farm Future — to gather input on the most pressing challenges in the food system and the solutions needed to tackle them.
The first of these will take place in Woodstock, located in McHenry County in north-central Illinois. The event will take place a week from Monday (May 13), beginning at 5 p.m. at Duke’s Inferno, 11617 Catalpa Lane in Woodstock. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required.
From the organizers:
The Center for Agrarian Learning at McHenry County College is happy to host the Illinois Stewardship Alliance (and you!) for an evening of collaborative discussion, complimentary pizza and salad by Chef Zak Dolezal's new restaurant, Duke’s Inferno, and fellowship amongst farmers and changemakers in the food and farm system.
And for our many Chicagoland readers, there will be another Alliance listening session on Thursday, June 6, beginning at 5 p.m., at Plant Chicago, 4459 S. Marshfield Ave. in Chicago.
Here is how Illinois Stewardship Alliance describes this program: For 50 years since our founding in 1974, Illinois Stewardship Alliance has united farmers and eaters like you to use their choices and their voices together for a more just and regenerative food system.Now it’s time to dream big!From May through August, we’re hosting a series of over a dozen events across the state to gather input on the most pressing challenges in the food system and the solutions needed to tackle them. Join us at an upcoming event near you!At this gathering, you’ll have an opportunity to:Network and build relationships with farmers, eaters, and food system leaders who live and work in your community.
Share your thoughts on the biggest challenges facing the farm and food system and solutions you’d like to see.Enjoy great local food, fellowship, and fun!Your input will help inform the Alliance’s first ever Policy Platform, which will serve as a roadmap to a just and regenerative food system in Illinois and guide our policy work in years to come. With your help, we'll create a pathway forward so that farmers and eaters can work together to bring our shared vision to life.The events are free to attend, though pre-registration is required, and refreshments will be provided.
I’ll be signing up for the June 6 session. All listening session locations are listed in the graphic at the top of the page.
Click the link below for all info about our May 13 food education and school food webinar, including our amazing lineup of guest experts.
Regional Outdoor Farmers Market Schedule
Let the outdoor farmers market surge begin! As you can see from the asterisks marking the season openers, there are 14 markets opening in the region this week. Let’s get out there and support our local farmers!
By the way… this schedule, created with the assistance of Barb Benenson, is the result of our scouring the web to make this list as comprehensive as possible. But… some markets are easier to find than others. If you look at the list and notice that a favorite market (or a market that you manage is missing), please contact us so we make sure it’s added.
I’m looking forward to visiting my friends at The Lincoln Park Farmers Market in Chicago tomorrow (May 4). See you there?
* denotes that it is the market’s season opening day.
Comments