Buy Fresh, Buy Local

The benefits of buying fresh, local food are many. For starters, you'll find that local produce is often fresher, more flavorful, and even more healthful than food shipped from long distances.

And by purchasing local food rather than items from, say, California, you're supporting your area farmers and contributing to the success of your local economy.

But sometimes, finding sources from which to purchase fresh, local food can be tricky. Fortunately, the Illinois Stewardship Alliance is here to help Springfield and Bloomington-Normal residents with the release of its new Buy Fresh Buy Local Central Illinois directory.

It's loaded with information on farmer's markets, grocery stores that stock fresh produce and other locally produced food items, and restaurants that use local food.

Download the directory from the Illinois Stewardship Council website and, while you're there, don't forget to check out the organization's Local Flavors lunch and dinner series. It's the perfect opportunity to try out the tasty, local fare Springfield-area restaurants offer.