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February/2010
SAVE THE DATE: 2010 Local Foods & Sustainable Agriculture Lobby Day 

 

On April 28th, consumers and farmers from across the state will come together in Springfield to encourage their legislators to support local foods and sustainable agriculture through sound policy changes. Illinois Stewardship Alliance invites you to join us as we celebrate the growth of the "good food movement" in Illinois with this special lobbying event! Mark your calendars for April 28th 2010, Illinois Stewardship Alliance's annual Lobby Day and reception! Details and more information coming soon!
2010 Buy Fresh Buy Local Central Illinois:
Third Season Underway!



The 2010 Buy Fresh Buy Local Central Illinois campaign hit the ground running in recent weeks.  For those interested in applying

for membership in either the Springfield area, Bloomington/Normal area, or both, there is an online application available here.
All membership applications and "Local Flavors" registration forms are due by March 5, 2010. Membership directories, listing places to find locally produced foods for Springfield and Bloomington-Normal, will be available early in the growing season. We are looking forward to a productive 2010 season!
Capitol
Legislative Update
Farmers' Market  Technology Improvement Act Builds Momentum in Illinois
The 2010 Spring Session of the 96th General Assembly is now under way and Illinois Stewardship Alliance staff is excited about HB 4756-The Farmers' Market Technology Improvement Act, sponsored by Representative LaShawn K. Ford.  The Farmers' Market Improvement Act will help to create the necessary infrastructure for Illinois Link Card Program participants to redeem their SNAP benefits at farmers' markets (SNAP=Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as Food Stamps).  The Farmers' Market technology Improvement Act will help improve consumer access to fresh high quality and locally grown fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products; as well as creating and expanding new markets for local small scale farmers across Illinois.

The Farmers' Market Technology Improvement Act passed out of the House Human Services Committee earlier this week by 7-0-0 vote. This is great news! However, this is only one small hurdle in the bill's path to becoming Illinois law. To help make sure HB 4756 becomes law, please take a few minutes to call or email your State Representative and ask them to support HB 4756, the Farmers' Market Technology Improvement Act!

To look up your State Representative's contact information click here.

Illinois Stewardship Alliance Now Offering Organizational Memberships - Join Now!

Is your organization working to address community food security?...Promote locally produced foods?....Educate the public about local food systems?  Is your organization concerned about rules, regulations and policies that affect local food and farms?  Now, your organization can join a growing network of local food and farm advocates across the state working to improve our community food systems in Illinois.  By joining Illinois Stewardship Alliance, your organization will have the opportunity to network with other organizations working on the same issues, participate in conference calls and receive invitations to ISA's lobby day and other workshops. Join us in growing the "good food movement" in Illinois!

 
Learn more about ISA membership benefits here.
 
Ready to join?  Join online by clicking here. 
Composting Symposium: Success!Bag of money 
 

The 7th Annual Composting Symposium: Backyard, Business, and Beyond was a great success. Despite a heavy snow fall, over 60 people showed up to hear University of Illinois Extension-Illinois Stewardship Alliance sponsored program featuring Ken Dunn, founder and director of the Resource Center in Chicago, speak about the connection between composting, local food, urban agriculture, and sustainability. Following Ken's keynote address, symposium participants attended break-out sessions ranging from compost for beginners to new laws in Illinois regarding commercial composting.

For more information you can view coverage of the symposium by The State Journal-Register by clicking here.

 
*Pictured above: Carol Norton shared the success story of her vermi-composting (worm) bin that she made at last year's symposium
In This Issue
SAVE THE DATE: Lobby Day
2010 Buy Fresh Buy Local Applications Sent
Legislative Update
ISA Organizational Memberships: Join Now!
Composting Symposium: Success!

Upcoming Events

 

Film Showing "Big River:

 A King Corn Companion"

February 23rd, 2010

6:30 p.m.

 Lincoln Library Main Branch -
 Carnegie Room North,
Springfield

 Click here for more info.

 

MOSES Organic Farming Conference
February 25-27, 2010
La Crosse, WI
 Click here for more info
 

Familyfarmed.org Expo
 March 11-13, 2010
University of Illinois at Chicago,
 Chicago, IL
 Click here for more info
 
 
 
Join Our Mailing List
Join Illinois Stewardship Alliance!
 
You can support ISA and become part of the good food movement by becoming a member.  We offer individual and organizational memberships.
 

Illinois Stewardship Alliance
401 W. Jackson Parkway
Springfield, IL  62704
217-528-1563
www.ilstewards.org