LOCAL FOOD ECOSYSTEM l The Illinois Food System Roadmap Task Force is holding a Zoom event June 18 to share learnings from a three-month series of fact-finding events

FARMERS MARKETS l Woodstock, Illinois is a lovely little city whose farmers market draws from an area with lots of small, sustainable farms. It is also home to one of the state's most famous movie locations

FARMERS MARKETS l Chicago-area market openings are rolling out, and already there are markets open somewhere nearly every day. This week's openings include Logan Square and Uptown

FARMERS MARKETS l Two of Chicago's farmers markets open on Saturdays — Green City Market & The Lincoln Park Farmers Market — are just 3/4 of a mile apart. They coexist because they have very different personalities...

FARMERS MARKETS l Before the popularity surge in ramps — the early-arriving wild onions — the arrival of asparagus at the Mick Klug Farm stand was my high sign that spring had in fact set in. I renewed the tradition at Lincoln Square's season opening market

FOOD CO-OPS l The opening date announcement for Prairie Food Co-op is big news for community grocery fans in general, especially those in Chicago's western suburbs

LOCAL FOOD l To advance a sustainable and resilient Illinois foodshed, the Illinois Food System Roadmap project is seeking additional public input with an online survey

FARMERS MARKETS l Frankfort Country Market was the last of 4 Chicago area markets to open in April. Ed Kugler, aka Farmers Market Reporter, visited and shares his photos

TOMATO GARDENING l Tomato plant starter star Bob Zeni, aka Chicago Tomato Man, threw a Tomatopalooza party April 26 to mark the start of outdoor growing season

FARMERS MARKETS l The Lincoln Park Farmers Market, one of the oldest in Chicago, opened Saturday, continuing its renaissance under Market Manager Elsa Jacobson...