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Margaret Larson
County Extension Director
University of Illinois Extension
Highland Community College, Bldg R
2998 W Pearl City Rd
Freeport, IL 61032
Phone: 815-235-4125
FAX: 815-232-9006
mklarson@illinois.edu

Jackie de Batista
Program Coordinator (Winnebago County)
University of Illinois Extension
1040 North Second Street
Rockford, IL 61107
Phone: 815-986-4357
FAX: 815-986-4329
jbatista@illinois.edu

Winnebago Local Foods Initiative

Winnebago Local Foods Initiative

What's new in local foods?

Openfields Farm Tour - Saturday, June 8 from Noon to 4 p.m.

The newly updated Northern Illinois Local Foods Directory - Current as of May 15, 2013

Local Foods in Winnebago County

University of Illinois Extension-Winnebago County is working closely with local producers, restaurants, farmers markets and other related agencies to address issues related to the local foods system in the county and the surrounding area.

A local food system comprises all aspects of food production, food processing, transportation and distribution of food to the market place, food marketing, food consumption and even the disposal of food wastes(from Beyond the Farmers Market, U of I Extension, 2007). U of I Extension is working to bring resources and experts in this field to Winnebago county to provide educational programs and consultation. Partnering with other related organizations, we will work with community leaders to determine what the needs are, what consumers need to know, and how we can serve the greater population by providing research-based information.

Why Buy Local?

You Get Exceptional Taste

Local food is fresher & tastes better than food shipped long distances. Our farmers offer varieties bred for taste and freshness rather than shipping and long shelf life.

You Strengthen Our Local Economy

Buying local keeps your dollars circulating in our community. Getting to know the farmers who grow your food builds relationships based on understanding- the foundation of strong communities.

You Support Family Farms

With each local food purchase, you ensure that more of your money spent on food goes to the farmer.

You Protect Your Family's Health

Increasing your fruit and vegetable intake is a healthy move and knowing where your food comes from & how it is grown allows you to buy safe food.

You Protect the Environment

Local food doesn't travel far. This reduces carbon dioxide emissions and packing materials. It also helps make farming more profitable & selling farmland for development less attractive.

How Can I get Involved?

Contact the U of I Extension for more information and to learn about upcoming events and programs. We will add a mailing list/email group in order to keep you updated about our activities.