Our Blog
Building, Growing, and Resilience: Shining a Light on Illinois’ BIPOC Farmers
It is well known that farmers of color are under-represented in the United States. But in recent years, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) farmers in Illinois have joined the growing movement of young farmers, and are finding ways to build equitable food...
Grains Galore: From Rice to Spirits, Illinois Artisan Grains are Rising to the Occasion
When we talk about Artisan Grains, many of you may think about whole grain wheat and flours used to make breads and other baked goods. It’s likely you may have had some experience in bread baking during the COVID-19 pandemic when we were stuck at home looking for ways...
Discover Amazing Farm Finds in 2024 with Community Supported Agriculture
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) has surged in popularity since 2020 when the COVID 19 Pandemic started to impact food distribution across the United States. Although not a new concept within the farming industry (early CSA models in the United States date back...
Savor Autumn in Illinois with Agritourism Adventures
It’s always great to visit a farm and get to know the farmers who grow our food. But there’s no better time than September and October, as the heat of summer gives way to the cool comforts of autumn, and a ride in the beautiful Illinois countryside can lead to...
August is THE month to visit a local farm market
This year’s National Farmers Market Week is August 6-12, and Illinois Farmers Market Association (ILFMA) joins markets from across the country in celebrating the positive impacts farmers markets have. Farmers markets provide access to delicious, nutritious locally...
Savor the Seasons with Farm to Table Restaurants
Over the past few decades, chefs and restaurateurs in locations throughout the state have also been serving diners with fresh, delicious, sustainably produced vegetables, fruit and produce from farms close to home. In this article, Buy Fresh Buy Local Illinois...
Flowers and Bees: The Essence of Spring from Local Illinois Farmers
There was a popular song in the 1960s that starts “Let me tell you ‘bout the birds and the bees, and the flowers and the trees…”. Well, it’s finally spring, so Buy Fresh Buy Local Illinois is here to tell you about two great businesses, one that is focused on flowers...
WIC/SFMNP Opportunity for Farmers!
Are you a farmer who is interested in accepting WIC and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program benefits? You can determine your eligibility by checking to make sure that you sell in a county where the program operates. Click here to review a map of the 37...
Amber Waves of Local Grain as More Farmers Offer Healthy, Sustainable, Tasty Options
Don’t you just love the aroma of artisan bread, fresh and warm from the bakery or your home oven. Makes you want to eat it right away, by itself or with some local creamery butter. And increasingly, that artisan bread is made from healthful, sustainably produced grain...