Rock the Plate 2016 highlights locally grown music AND food! 

With The Swamp Tigers rocking the house and amazing local eateries dishing up delicious farm to table creations - you can count on fun. Plus, you can win prizes and raise money for Food Works' mission - Sustainable Food System Development for Southern Illinois.

We have eight local chefs creating delicious small plates for you this year, and libations from local breweries, vineyards, and distilleries available for purchase. Doors open at 5pm on Sunday August 28th, food will be served starting at 5:30, and music will start at 6:30.  This was a sold out event last year, so reserve your tickets today!

Tickets are $25 for non-members; $20 for members who have the secret password. The secret password has been sent to all paid members of Food Works and the Farming Alliance. There is also an option to make your Rock the Plate ticket purchase count towards a Food Works membership, a great value for those of you looking to renew! More information about our Food Works and Farming Alliance memberships are available on our website. 

As America gears up for National Farmers Market Week, August 7-13, 2016 there are still thousands of people who’ve never shopped at a farmers market. Become a savvy farmers’ market shopper by reviewing these tips.

1. Know what’s in season. Unlike the grocery store, farmers markets carry locally grown produce and the varieties depend on what’s ripe in the season and what grows in your area. To get a sneak preview of the market’s offerings, visit its website or facebook page.
2. Bring a bag or two (or a cart).. Since you won’t have a shopping cart to push around, sturdy reusable totes, bags, or baskets are a must at a farmers market. Bring an assortment of different bags to keep heavy squash and melons separate from delicate peaches or tomatoes. Bonus points for remembering your own plastic bags!
3. Bring a portable cooler in the summer. If you’re buying frozen meats, cheese, or delicate produce, a portable cooler can help you get your purchases home cool and unscathed.
4. Bring cash, preferably small bills as most farmers’ markets are cash only affairs. Increasingly, farmers and markets can accept debit and credit cards. Some markets even accept SNAP/EBT benefits. Check with your market in advance or bring cash.
5. Come early. When you have your heart set on the season’s first strawberries, know that they sell out fast. Seasonal favorites and the most popular varieties often sell out early, especially in small markets.
6. Come in the coolest part of the day in the summer. This is southern Illinois and a few hours outside in the heat takes its toll on everything, including produce. Give your produce a break by buying it as soon as it arrives at market.
7. Walk through the market before you buy. Check out all the vendors at the market before you start buying. This will allow you to compare quality, variety, and prices.
8. Ask questions. You’ll learn what that amazing herb is, how hot that new pepper is, what that strange fruit is, and how to store, prepare and eat it. If it’s important to you, ask your farmers about their growing methods.
9. Try new things. Farmers are notoriously curious people and they’ll appreciate your curiosity too. They often try new varieties of heirloom vegetables and foreign fruits that you won’t find in the grocery store. If you see something you do not recognize, consider it an invitation to try something new.
10. Pack and store your produce properly. Take care transporting your delicious produce home so that it does not get overheated or bruised. When you get your food home, learn the tricks to storing for the best flavor.

 
Below, please find a list of southern Illinois farmers markets. This list does not contain roadside farmstands and on-farm stores which are also great ways to buy directly from farmers.  This list may not contain every market. Please notify Food Works at kathleen@eatsouthernillinois.org with any corrections or additions.