COMMUNITY-SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE l CSA is a practice under which consumers subscribe directly to purchase food from individual farms. After years of writing about them, I've finally joined two

FOOD POLICY l Illinois Stewardship Alliance, the state's leading policy advocate for the local food and farm community, held its Lobby Day in Springfield April 8

FARMS AND FARMERS l Kakadoodle Farm in south suburban Chicago has been hit by avian flu and the federal funding freeze. But their local food e-commerce site keeps on trucking

FARMERS MARKETS l Get a glimpse of opening day for the farmers market in Grayslake, IL - and learn about an upcoming regular feature that will expand our regional farmers market coverage

FARMERS MARKETS l While it is not surprising to find throngs there during peak season, a Saturday (April 12) warmup brought big crowds to Chicago's Green City Market — even though the region's outdoor growing season has just barely begun.

FARM FUNDING CRISIS l Wednesday (April 16) is a national Farmer Day of Action to protest abrupt and unfair federal funding freezes and cut that are putting farmers at severe risk. A webinar on Wednesday will feature Illinois farmers speaking out about how they've been hurt.

FARM FUNDING CRISIS l So many people are adversely affected by actions of the current administration that farmers hit with severe cuts could get lost in the shuffle. Advocates — including Farm Aid — won't let that happen.

FOOD NONPROFITS l Facing unprecedented challenges from federal funding freezes, the Farmers Rising farmer training nonprofit in north-central Illinois is holding a "Barnyard Blues" fundraising concert on May 17.

Spring is a time for hope. And I hope the warmer weather forecast for Saturday — when I'll again be visiting Chicago's Green City Market — is right. The market in exurban Grayslake joins the slim April outdoor market schedule...

FOOD DOCUMENTARIES l Chicago food co-op Wild Onion Market is hosting an Earth Day showing of The Jungle, a film about the meat industry...