What I learned from the Good Food Festival

This past Saturday, my son and I attended the Good Food Festival in Chicago.  The event was educational, entertaining and full of delicious food.

The UIC Forum was transformed into a plethora of food purveyors showcasing fresh and local products. My son and I were able to try products from bakeries, cheese makers and even a few meat companies. Some of our favorite companies were Mama's Nuts, Uptown Soda Bread Company,  and Bron's Bee Company. 

We learned a lot from the event. I expanded my knowledge about locally grown produce, meats and dairy items. By knowing your farmer and how he grows your food, you can see and taste a difference in your food. Think about it; the locally grown tomato may taste sweeter than the mass produced variety. Soil, climate, and farm culture effects the foods produced. I've found that my children are more likely to eat something they have seen grow or picked themselves. For example, didn't really like eating tomatoes until they grew their own from seeds they got from a farm. We have a basil plant growing in our window (thanks to the kids corner). We look forward to making some creative dishes with basil in a few months.

What really struck me from the event was how supporting local farmers and companies helps our economy. Keeping my spending money local helps everyone in a community. It is good for our carbon footprint, keeps the economy growing and expands local businesses. A little change can go a long way; we all win in the end.

The Good Food Festival of Chicago had so many exhibitors and information that I'm still digesting all that I and my son learned.  I look forward to exploring the local companies that I met at the festival over the next several weeks. 


Disclosure: I had media passes to attend the Good Festival Festival. For my personal disclosure policy, please visit www.more4momsbuck.com/disclosure.