Local Market Food
Benefits of Local Market Food
Eating locally saves energy - lots of it. In the conventional food system, food travels 1,500 or more miles on average from farm to table.
"Americans put almost as much fossil fuel into our refrigerators as our cars. We're consuming about 400 gallons of oil a year per citizen - about 17% of our nation's energy use - for agriculture, a close second to our vehicular use. If every U.S. citizen ate just 1 meal a week (any meal) composed of locally and organically raised meats and produce, we would reduce our country's oil consumption by over 1.1 million barrels of oil every week. Small changes in buying habits can make a big difference." -Barbara Kingsolver, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life.
By shopping from our neighbors, we keep our money in our community. We reduce the travel distance of our food. We get better quality, more nutritious vegetables. There is no packaging, no marketing and no trans fats.
Batavia Farmers' Markets
The Batavia Farmers' Market runs from June through October on River Street in Batavia. Ride your bike or walk to the Market and enjoy over 30 different regular vendors offering a variety of fresh vegetables, fruit, eggs, meat, cheese, herbs, flowers, music and more, plus weekly pop-up vendors. On 3rd Saturdays – they feature the Artisan Collective where you can enjoy living and shopping local. Shop for handmade items from your favorite artists and designers.
Batavia Farmer's Market – Indoor
The Batavia Indoor Market is located at Gaetano's/Verita Batavia from October through May. The market is hosted by Batavia MainStreet, a community based organization and not-for-profit devoted to enhancing the downtown through volunteer efforts. This market features 8 to 12 unique vendors selling produce, baked goods, artisan products, plants, honey and related farm products.
For more information check out their Facebook Page
Local Food Location & Information
| Name | Location | Operation Dates | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Batavia Farmers' Market | River Street, Downtown Batavia | June - October | Saturday 8 a.m. - 12 |
| Batavia Farmers' Market-Indoor | Gaetano's/Verita', 15 E Wilson Street, Batavia | November - May | Saturday 9 a.m. - 12 |
| Aurora Farmers Market | 65 Water Street, Downtown Aurora | June-mid October | Saturdays 8 a.m.- 12 |
| Aurora Farmers Market | 2131 W. Galena Boulevard, Aurora 60506 (located in the former West Aurora Walmart parking lot) | July - mid September | Wednesday 12 p.m.- 4 p.m. |
| Geneva French Market | Metra parking lot located at Fourth & South Streets in Downtown Geneva | April - November | Sunday 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. |
| Geneva Green Market (Winter Market) | First Congregational Church, 327 Hamilton Street, Geneva | November- April | Saturday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. |
| St. Charles Farmers' Market | Baker Memorial United Methodist Church, 4th Avenue and Main Street | June-October | Friday 8 a.m.- 1 p.m. |
| St. Charles Farmers' Market | Baker Memorial United Methodist Church, 4th Avenue and Main Street | November-May | Friday 9 a.m.- 12 |
Other Options for Local Foods
Green Earth Harvest
Green Earth Harvest uses the community supported agriculture, or CSA, approach as one of the main methods of selling the produce we grow at McDonald Farm in Naperville. Formerly called Green Earth Institute. Subscriptions are available in November. Typically they sell out by spring.
Heritage Prairie Market
Heritage Prairie Farm is a Certified Organic Farm located in Elburn, IL. Along with farming, they are proud to be an all-inclusive Wedding Venue. You can find their raw honey and organic produce in their Farm Store, at local restaurants and grocery stores, and at weekly Farmers Markets. Along with hosting weddings, the farm is also host to private events, monthly farm dinners, and other seasonal farm activities. Also offers CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) shares.
Mighty Greens Farm
They are a family-owned farm in Elburn, IL. They participate in the Winter Markets at Batavia, Geneva and St. Charles. During the summer you can find them at the St. Charles and Geneva Market. They also run a year-round Greens Program, a seasonal CSA program and sell to local restaurants. We grow micro and petite greens year-round in our heated greenhouse and a wide variety of delicious veggies during the growing season. We grow everything to the highest organic standards. We never spray our crops with any pesticides (synthetic or organic). We take great pride in maintaining the integrity of our soil.
Windy Acres
This is a family farm on Fabyan Parkway in Geneva. Their stand is open from April to mid November. They carry flowers, produce, and host a fall festival. They have been serving the community for over 30 years. Also offers CSA Shares.
Rustic Road Farm
Located in Elburn, Rustic Road Farm grows organic produce, heirloom pigs and goats. They also producing organic honey and organic eggs. They also sell produce at the Wheaton and Geneva French Markets. Operates farm market at location and has a CSA program.
Angelic Organics
Angelic Organics, located in Caledonia, Illinois, is one of the oldest Community Supported Agriculture farms in the United States. Angelic Organics has grown produce in accordance with organic and biodynamic principles since 1990. Check website for local drop-off locations.