The second annual CSA Fair is happening Monday, December 14th, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Urbana Civic Center.
Organized by Urbana’s Market at the Square, the Urbana Business Association, and The Land Connection, this event is an opportunity to meet farmers and vendors, and sign up for 2016 community supported agriculture (CSA).
Please join Urbana’s Market at the Square, The Land Connection and the Urbana Business Association for the Second Annual Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Fair on Monday, December 14th 4-7 p.m. at the Urbana Civic Center, located at 108 East Water Street in Urbana.
At the Second Annual CSA Fair, customers will have the opportunity to meet local farmers and businesses that offer CSA programs and buying clubs, learn about their farms or businesses, and select a share or club that best meets their needs! There will also be educational information about local food, free samples and recipes, free activities for children, music, and more.
Agriculture and food CSAs are bridging the gap between customers, farmers and producers. CSAs allow customers committed to the local economy an opportunity to connect on a deeper level than purchasing from a retail store, and even differently than at a farmer’s market. With the CSA method of doing business, farms are the businesses operating CSAs. These farms offer fresh food products through annual subscriptions, or a flat fee, that a customer pays for up front once a year in exchange for a portion of those farmers’ products. The products are then delivered weekly or monthly to a central pick up location or made available for pick up Urbana-Champaign farmers markets.
“The first annual event was a success for the growers and we were encouraged by the turnout of potential customers” noted Natalie Kenny Marquez, Director of Urbana’s Market at the Square. “This time around we’re expanding the event to include more farmers, food producers, and even art. It’s the perfect opportunity to purchase holiday gifts that support the local economy and benefit the local farmers and producers.”
We encourage customers to connect with farmers and producers directly to learn about their specific parameters around sign-up. For a complete listing of vendors participating in this CSA Fair, please visit www.urbanaillinois.us/CSA-Fair. There is still plenty of shopping to be done at the local farmers markets, and you’ll never want to skip a market day! But by participating in a CSA you’ll have the opportunity to help your favorite farmers at a whole new level.
To learn more, please call Natalie Kenny Marquez, Director of Urbana’s Market at the Square at 217/384-2319, or email nmkennymarquez@urbanaillinois.us or visit www.urbanaillinois.us/CSA-Fair. Be sure to follow the Market on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for timely updates and event specific information.
Contact Reference:
Natalie Kenny Marquez nmkennymarquez@urbanaillinois.us (217) 384-2319
