Farmers Markets

Farmer's Markets will be starting up soon and are great places to shop for local, organic, or naturally grown produce and meats.  It is a great way to meet local farmers as well and learn about their farms and practices.  Here is some information on local markets and questions to ask before you buy.

Carlyle's Farmer's Market, Carlyle, IL
The market is set to run from June 20th - September 20th, on Thursday afternoons from 4:00-7:00pm.  It will be located on 8th Street between Franklin and Fairfax Streets.  For more information check it out at www.stayandplaycarlyle.com under the events tab.

The Land of Goshen Community Market, Edwardsville, IL
The market is set to run from May 11th - October 19th, on Saturday mornings from 8:00am-12:00pm.  It is located next to the courthouse on St. Louis Street.  Many of the farmers we have listed on our Resources page sell there.  For more information go to www.goshenmarket.org. 

Here are some questions to ask the vendors at the market's to make sure you are getting organic or naturally grown or raised food:

• Where was the food grown, or did you grow this?
• Some market's may have vendors selling for someone else or may be bringing food from other places.  Also, check out what is in season before you go.  If someone is selling something not in season, then you should know it wasn't locally grown or natural.

• Is this food certified organic?
• If not, ask if it is "chemical free," "natural," or grown using organic practices.

• How do you control weeds and other pests?

For beef and other meats:

• Are they grass-fed?
• Do you use antibiotics or hormones?
• If grain or corn fed, is it non-gmo and pesticide free?
• You want to get close to 100% grass-fed if possible with no antibiotics or hormones used.

You will soon be able to tell a big difference in the taste of your food, and will never go back to buying the other stuff.