The tri state area will host a Local Foods Summit on Saturday, Feb. 20th, at JWCC in Quincy. The program has educational sessions for both producers as well as consumers, and will provide a plethora of information addressing the importance of local foods. Dr. John Ikerd, who is known throughout the Midwest for his knowledge of local and sustainable economies, will be presenting the opening keynote session.

Breakout sessions during the remainder of the day will be offered for both producers as well as consumers. Consumer sessions will include: The importance of local foods- for reasons of economic health as well as nutritional benefits; Farm to school initiatives- how you can accelerate the use of local foods in your school lunch menu; Where and how to source local foods- you know local foods are fresher and tastier, but how can you find them?

Breakout sessions for producers will include the topics of: Scaling up production-the in's and out's of increasing your acreage to increase the amount of produce available to consumers; Small farm record keeping- record keeping made easy, no one likes to keep records, but these documents help you determine which enterprises are the most valuable; Small farm case studies- learn about the struggles and successes of other growers.

The closing session will feature John Curtis, of Bare Foot Gardens in Macomb. He will address the topic "Local Foods and Why it Matters". Registration is available at: jwcc.edu/grow Cost is $20 for adults (after Feb. 13- $25). Students and children are discounted. The day's activities will start at 9am. A lunch featuring local product will be provided.

At the conclusion of the day, activities available will include: Farmers Market, small group discussions, cooking demonstration and a tour of JWCC facilities.

Friday evening Feb. 19th, we'll offer a Farm to Table dinner (featuring all local fare). The three course meal will be at Bittersweet, 111 Jail Alley in Quincy. Seating is limited so register early using the web address above. Cost will be $40 per person. Proceeds to help promote local foods.

The program is sponsored by JWCC, U of IL Extension, U of MO Extension, IA State Univ. Extension, GREDF, Tri State Local Foods Network, County Market and HyVee.