Neighborhood Co-op Grocery to host Farm Crawl Fundraiser Saturday and Sunday, September 14-15

Tuesday, September 3, 2019
 
Contact: Amy Dion, Brand Manager, Neighborhood Co-op Grocery, (618) 529-3533, ext. 201, or [email protected]; Jennifer Paulson, Executive Director, Food Works, (618)-370-3287 or email [email protected]
 

Proceeds to Benefit Regional Non-Profit, Food Works
 
Carbondale, Ill. – Want to meet an alpaca? Feed chickens and goats? See how local food is grown and harvested? Sample local produce and products? Area families and individuals can do all of these things and more by participating in the 2019 Neighborhood Co-op Grocery Farm Crawl, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, September 14-15 from 1pm-6pm both days.
 
Sponsors include AES Solar, Kiki’s Coffee House in Anna, Carbondale Tourism, the Iron Whisk, the Southern Illinoisan, and the Daily Egyptian.
 
Presented by the Neighborhood Co-op and Food Works, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization facilitating the development of a regional food economy in Southern Illinois, this family-friendly, two-day event brings people together to visit and learn about 14 local southern Illinois farms. Participants will meet the farmers, learn the history of each farm, see how high-quality, locally-grown and locally-sourced products make it from farm to market, and learn the importance of supporting a local food economy.
 
The Farm Crawl is a self-guided tour, allowing participants to visit all 14 farms at their own pace for only $20 per car load. Car passes may be purchased in person at the Neighborhood Co-op at 1815 West Main in Carbondale, through September 15. All proceeds will benefit Food Works.
Participating farms include Autumn Ridge Hemp Farm, Bison Bluff Farms, Countrysprout Organics, Dayempur Farm & Dayempur Herbals, Echo Valley, Flora Bay Farm, Flyway Family Farm, La Colina Linda, LCL Farm, Owl Creek Vineyard, River to River Farm, Rolling Oak Alpaca Ranch, Shawnee Hills Lavender, and Southern Illinois University Horticulture Research Center.
 
Activities on the farms include guided tours exploring organic processes, permaculture, hoop houses, greenhouses and high tunnels, crop and grazing rotation, alternative energy, and more. The farms feature alpacas, sheep, goats, cattle, pigs, chickens, fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, and mushrooms. Children’s activities include feeding farm animals, scavenger hunts, coloring and drawing pages, and plenty of opportunities to play. Many farms will have items to sample and/or purchase.
 
About Neighborhood Co-Op Grocery
The mission of the Neighborhood Co-op Grocery is to serve the needs of owners and patrons by providing wholesome foods economically in the cooperative tradition, in ways that best promote the health of the individual, the community, and the earth. Learn more at www.neighborhood.coop.
 
About Food Works
Food Works is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization facilitating the development of a regional food economy in Southern Illinois. This enduring approach emphasizes access to good food for everyone, keeps food dollars circulating in local communities, and balances human needs with the health of the air, water and land resources on which all life depends. Food Works offers educational, on-farm field days for everyone interested in local foods. Learn more at fwsoil.org.
 
 
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Amy Dion
Brand Development Manager
 
Neighborhood Co-op
Murdale Shopping Center
1815 W. Main St.
Carbondale, IL 62901
618.529.3533 x 201
www.neighborhood.coop
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