longer days = time to shop and support local agriculture
Happy Spring! Days are longer, flowers are blooming and warmer weather can’t be far off now. It should be no surprise that one of our favorite things about Spring are the openings of the outdoor farmers markets. We feel so lucky to live in a city where you can find a farmers market in just about every neighborhood.
This year, as you might have guessed, shopping the farmers markets will look a whole lot different. The acts of aimlessly wandering the markets shoulder to shoulder with your neighbor, admiring the beautiful produce, eating your perfectly ripened peach seconds after it’s bought - without thinking twice about washing it, and many of the other simple joys the farmers markets bring, will be on hold this year. And although things feel very different, more than ever, the time to shop local and support local agriculture is NOW!
Small farmers have spent decades building a sustainable agricultural system alongside restaurants, schools, corporate dining halls, and a society that has demanded more transparency in their food system. The New York Times estimated that 2019 “had generated 12 billion in income for small-scale producers including cheesemakers and vintners." Now it is up to us to continue supporting these growers and makers as much as we can so that they can continue providing the food we all love and need.
In addition to their nutrient dense, delicious microgreens, grown right here in Chicago, Closed Loop Farms has curated a selection of foods from some of their favorite local farms and artisan producers. Order mushrooms, eggs, cheese, honey, even starter plants for your garden. Place your order online for delivery on Tuesdays and Fridays.
https://www.localline.ca/closedloopfarms
This brewery and restaurant in Logan Square makes some of the best bread in the city! In addition to the naturally fermented breads and artisan brews, they are also selling a variety of locally grown produce, pizza kits, prepared foods, natural wines, heirloom seeds for that balcony garden you've been meaning to start...All available for purchase at their online store. They pack it all up for you and all you have to do is swing by and pick your goodies up.
https://www.middlebrowbeer.com
Green City Market brings the farmers market right to your door!
Delivery offered every Wednesday and Saturday. The GCM marketplace opens for new orders at 8 am on Tuesdays for delivery on the following Saturday and 8 am on Friday for delivery on the following Wednesday. Support local agriculture without leaving the house!
https://www.greencitymarket.org
Working directly with small local farms and vendors ensures quality, freshness, and building a robust community
that encourages the best practices and supports our local food systems. Produce, pasture raised meats, bulk goods, packaged goods and snacks too. Order online for pickup or delivery.
http://localfoods.com
