Conservation Guardians of Northwest Illinois
Catching Up on the Progress of "Simply Local"
Gardens are planted and local farmers' markets are in full swing, so let's catch up on the progress of "Simply Local," our friends who prefer to support local, small-scale growers as sources for healthful, sustainable food.
2010 began with an emphasis on networking to learn what other communities are doing. Several members had taken advantage of the gardening reprieve during January and February to attend conferences in Eau Claire, La Crosse and Milwaukee. At the March meeting we heard reports on local food projects and considered options for an analogous project we might implement in 2010. Some ideas:
- Develop sustainable food camps. Campers would work at local gardens, vineyards and farms, learning about raising chickens, growing produce for CSAs and farmers' markets. They might help with milking or haying on an organic dairy farm or assist in operating an orchard or caring for grape vines.
- Develop a direct-buying cooperative for local and organic foods. If you want someone included on a revised list of local food resources, call Patricia at 591-2365.
- Network with local farmers to support them in niche-market production. We especially would like to increase plant bio-diversity in the area, for the good of both bees and humans.
- Develop a commercial kitchen and offer demonstrations on methods of preserving foods.
Maurie and Patricia Grafton are considering a niche-food option by 2011 that could be operated by and for the community, providing income to individual workers, tax revenues for the country, and local healthy food options.
Many thanks to Bonnie and Joe Garrity for hosting the May meeting, where we heard about the documentary "Fresh," presented in April by a group of CSAs in Dubuque.
If you would like to be added to the "Simply Local" email list, please contact Ray Ruthenberg 858-2173 or peg43ray@jisp.net Our meetings are usually potlucks on the third Sunday of each month between 3 and 6 p.m. The next meeting will be Sunday, June 20 at 3 p.m. in White Park, Hanover. Bring your tableware and a dish to pass, preferably of local food. Bring the family!
— Patricia Grafton
