As you pick fresh produce from the grocery store and place it in the cart, do you ever think, where did this come from? In Carbondale, there are multiple sources of fresh produce from local farms in southern Illinois. 

Local produce cuts the distance between the farmer and consumer allowing produce to ripen longer on the plant and grow based on the season, and purchasing local produce supports small business, promoting the overall local economy, according to Ph.D. student in plant biology Taylor Simmons. 

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Residents in southern Illinois can grab their keys and drive to the Murdale shopping center. The Neighborhood Co-op is located in the middle of Murdale Shopping Center and offers fresh, organic and local  produce. 

“Our produce comes from as little as one mile away, but a lot of it comes from about five miles just south of town. So we get it from farms that are either certified organic or exceed the requirements,” Produce Manager Chris Neville said.

Neighborhood Co-op Grocery in Murdale has fresh produce that is available. The store is fully organic and co-owned by thousands of people. Anyone in southern Illinois who is interested can become an owner of the co-op.

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“The co-op is not like most conventional businesses where there’s one owner or a group of owners. It’s anyone. You can be an owner… We have about 5,000 owners here entitled to different sales around the store,” Neville said. “So if you’re shopping for basics, getting milk, getting cheese, there are owner buys around the store. It’s similar to how you’re a member at Kroger and the discounts that are available to families.”

The co-op isn’t the only place in Carbondale where people can go to get local produce. Every Saturday, the Farmers Market is held from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., March through early December. It is located at 200 W. Main St, Carbondale, Illinois. 

Brian Elias, the owner of Pink Tiger Farms, said the Farmer’s Market is a place where people in the community can intersect. 

“To me, it’s a place where people are voting with their dollars,” Elias said. “They’re saying, ‘Yes, this is important for me. I believe in this and that’s something awesome.’” 

Pink Tiger Farms is part of the Carbondale Farmers’ Market community. They are located south of Goreville and just started a couple years ago. They are expanding their business and growing multiple sources of organic produce.

“Our primary thing is spices we grow and grind,” Elias said. “We have eight or 10 kinds of chilies that are you know like heirloom peas, and all kinds of weird stuff; like we have a bunch of Korean chilies, Italian chilies, we grow tons of ginger turmeric, and so a bunch of different varieties of both we grind those, we dry them and we sell those fresh.” 

When buying produce, consumers might not know exactly what is being used to grow the food they are eating. At the farmers market, buyers can speak to the person who is growing it.

“Best part about going to the farmers market, you can just talk to your farmer and ask him. I mean, that’s the best part, you can connect with exactly who you live with,” Elias said.

Purchasing food from local farmers circulates money back into the community.

“So just like, when folks that have an opportunity to support their communities, like, literally every time they eat, right? Like, literally, all they have to do is, is shop locally and buy local food, and like, try to learn and understand seasonality,” Elias said. 

The Farmers Market offers multiple things other than fresh produce. There are many booths and people who sell all kinds of products. It’s an opportunity for people to get to know local farmers, artists and sellers.

“I think the thing about the Farmers’ Market is it’s not just for old ladies. There’s so much great stuff there and I think people think that it’s either, you know, like I’m only gonna find some thing and there’s so much cool stuff I mean, like where I mean, you can find you know all kinds of like homemade syrups, vinegar, spices, produce – I mean it’s all from all locally made, all locally sourced. It’s awesome,”  Elias said. 

Purchasing fresh produce from the farmers market or the co-op can keep money in the community and is a choice for consumers. 

“Purchasing fresh produce is important for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and your overall well-being. Fresh ripe produce is packed with all sorts of essential vitamins and minerals. Plus, it’s delicious,” Simmons said.

Both options allow for consumers to be connected to agriculture and the people who are growing the food they eat. 

“We should all care because we need food to eat and a planet to live. It’s important to educate yourself on where your food comes from and how you can provide for yourself. In doing so you’re likely to make connections with local farmers and tradespeople, expanding your knowledge and community,” Simmons said. 

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