The Weblog
The local foods movement is alive and well in Champaign County! Here are some updates on other projects while we finalize our virtual market:
Local Producers Map:
Our local producers map is ready for publication and you will soon be able to find it on gochampaign.com. Copies will be distributed around the community, in the local telephone book, and other “hangouts”. The guide lists the location and contact information for nearly 50 local producers within our county. The map was a project of the Local Food Council and printed with the help of some local sponsors including the Monument Square District, Champaign Bank, the Community Improvement Corporation, the Chamber of Commerce, the Farm Bureau and others. It is a great start to finding a local source for Champaign County’s finest!
Local Love!
And, a perfect kick off to the week, our month of LOVE, AND our Local Love series, brought to you by each of our vendors…
Today, we get Mandy, from our new addition of, Ella Bella’s Gluten Free mixes!!
To me local is supporting my neighbor, my friend, my community. It is showing that I care and love them through my purchases. It is showing my family that I love them by giving them the best from our community. It is teaching my children that the money we spend buying eggs goes to people we know; people we can see.
I grew up with my mom composting, growing herbs, and a vegetable garden; having fresh milk and eggs delivered, my mom making bread, cookies, and even making mayonnaise. She did all of this in the suburbs as a single mom to two wild girls. I did not like it as a kid, I had the “different stuff,” nothing was pre-packaged in my lunch like all the other kids. I would rejoice when I got to go to Gramma and Grandpa’s and have Little Debbie cakes and Lucky Charms for breakfast. As I got older I realized that I didn’t feel as good when I ate all that processed food, I felt better when I made food. When I started cooking for myself in college it was simple, but lots of whole foods.
When my kids moved to eating solid foods I made all of it, many of the veggies coming from farmer’s markets. Now all of my kids love their veggies and fruits. They are happy when I go to the local market and pick up fresh sweet corn (“heaven corn” as it is known in our house). They can taste the difference that comes with local.
I started Ella Bella in 2011 after we discovered out 2nd child was gluten intolerant. I did not want to make 2 sets of meals and desserts for my family, so I started experimenting with gluten free flours. By the fall of 2011 I knew I had a good product and I wanted to share it with others. Continuing my love for local to my business I buy all ingredients from local vendors. I love Ella Bella and am honored that I can sell something I have made. I think that you can taste a little bit of the local love when you make the mixes, or use the flour.