Illinois Farm to School Network

08/21/2026

Did you know?
An ear or cob of corn is actually part of the flower and an individual kernel is a seed. On average an ear of corn has 800 kernels in 16 rows.
Corn will always have an even number of rows on each cob.

08/21/2026

Corn contains good levels of some of the valuable B-complex group of vitamins such as thiamin, niacin, pantothenic acid, folates, riboflavin, and pyridoxine.
Corn also contains healthy amounts of some important minerals like zinc, magnesium, copper, iron, and manganese.
Some people believe that yellow corn is sweeter than white, but that’s not the case. Yellow corn is, however, slightly better for your health than white corn, as the yellow coloration comes from beta carotene that our bodies convert to vitamin A.

08/14/2026

What do you get when you cross a train engine with a blueberry tart?
Puff pastry!

08/14/2026

What do you get when 1000 blueberries try to go through a door at the same time?
Blueberry jam!

08/14/2026

Seven Generations Ahead is looking for a few volunteers for Microbrew Fest on August 26 in Oak Park. It's our one and only zero-waste fundraiser to support all the great work SGA does. And the beer is FANTASTIC!
JOIN US!

We have had a few spots open up for volunteers including pouring for a few breweries. If you can volunteer, follow the link or QR code. If you are interested in pouring, you can email us at the address below.

OPMBR 2026 is August 22nd — and behind every great beer fest is an even greater volunteer crew. Whether you're greeting guests, managing our zero-waste stations, or helping brewers get set up, volunteering at OPMBR is one of the best ways to be part of the event.

Perks include: free admission, a volunteer t-shirt, and the satisfaction of knowing you helped make Oak Park's best summer tradition happen.

Sign up at the link below — spots fill fast.

2026opmbrvolunteersignup.netlify.app or email [email protected]

08/14/2026

You can help shape solutions to food waste! Take a 10-minute survey about meal planning, grocery shopping, cooking, and what happens in the kitchen at https://go.illinois.edu/FoodWasteSurvey.

Your thoughts on what works well for your household and what is challenging will help guide food waste prevention programs that support cost savings, stronger communities, and a healthier environment.

Questions? Contact Ashley Belle at [email protected].

08/07/2026

Illinois grows pears!
Illinois pears are in season from early August through October. You can locate Illinois U-pick pears here: https://pickyourown.farm/farms/illinois-il/