FARMERS MARKETS l A couple of warm March days and our thoughts turn to the start of Chicago's outdoor market season... coming up on April 5

LOCAL FOOD l Evanston-based Village Farmstand, closed temporarily due to building repairs, is piloting home delivery as a first step back...

FARM FUNDING CRISIS l A Chicago farm has been hit with twin crises of avian flu and federal funding freeze. But the owners remain optimistic

RURAL FOOD ECONOMICS l Fair Food Network, a local food thought leader since 2009, is holding a webinar on local food economics in rural US..

IN MEMORIAM l Joan Dye Gussow, who died at 96, was a local food advocacy pioneer. She may not be a household name, but she benefited many...

LOCAL FOOD l Village Farmstand, an e-commerce aggregator of local food, is piloting delivery while their building undergoes emergency repair

LOCAL FOOD ECOSYSTEMS l The Illinois Food System Roadmap initiative launched last week in Rockford with its 1st of 8 listening sessions..

FARMERS MARKETS l The indoor farmers market at Chicago's Water Tower Place is a hit. Eggs are still available but supplies are tightening...

LOCAL FOOD EVENTS l If you love locally produced food, then the Illinois Product Expo in Springfield is a chance to meet great producers...

FOOD CO-OPS l At long last, the Chicago Market co-op has its construction permit — but needs to close a budget cap to begin its buildout...