Just Food Initiative of the Fox Valley will host its inaugural Fresh Start Community Market from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 7, in the parking lot of St. Athanasios Greek Orthodox Church at 1855 E. Fifth Ave. in Aurora.
With an emphasis on clean and green food, as well as diversity, the Fresh Start Community Market will feature vendors from various cultural backgrounds selling organic vegetables, wild-caught fish, fresh juices, grass-fed meats and other items, according to organizers of the event.
Free seminars on growing one’s own food and eating for health will take place at the market, and educational activities for children will be available, organizers said.
“This will be a different type of market,” said Cindy Sansale, deputy executive director of Just Food and a certified farmers market manager, in a press release about the event. “Those living in the southeast area of Aurora have limited options when it comes to buying healthy food at a location close to their home. We hope to bring some options to this population and invite anyone with a passion for healthy food to check out our offerings as well.”
LINK will be accepted at the market. In addition, discount coupons from local restaurants that Just Food supports will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis, according to the release.
Just Food is a nonprofit organization based in Batavia that is committed to building sustainable and just food systems, as well as restoring quality and equality to the food supply, group officials said.
Sponsors for the Fresh Start Community Market are The Growing Place Garden Center in Aurora and Blain’s Farm & Fleet in Montgomery.
For more information about Just Food or the Fresh Start Community Market, email Sansale at admin@justfood-foxvalley.org or call 331-302-8498.
New date for August pantry day in Plano
The Kendall County Community Satellite Food Pantry, normally held on the third Friday of the month at First Lutheran Church of Plano, will be held instead on the first Friday of the month in August.
The pantry at the church, 200 N. Center St., will be open from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 5. Those participating can drive through and pick up fresh fruit, vegetables, canned goods, frozen meat and more, officials said.
The church also sponsors a micro food pantry near the church entrance on Clark Street. The pantry provides 24-hour access to food and necessities for families in need, officials said.
Those who wish to donate non-perishable food items, paper goods or personal products for the food pantries are welcome to drop them off at First Lutheran Church of Plano, according to officials.
Game fish available to stock ponds
The Kane-DuPage Soil and Water Conservation District’s fall fish sale has a variety of game fish to stock local ponds.
Included in the sale are channel catfish, largemouth bass, triploid grass carp, hybrid bluegill, redear sunfish, golden shiner, fathead minnows and bluegill.
The deadline for ordering fish is Sept. 19. Fish pick-up will be from 11 a.m. to noon Oct. 15 at the Kane-DuPage Soil and Water Conservation District office, 2315 Dean St., Suite 100, in St. Charles.
There is a minimum order required for some fish. For more information or to get an order form, go to https://kanedupageswcd.org/kd/fish-sale or call 630-584-7960, Ext. 3.
Blood drive planned on July 29
The city of St. Charles is hosting a blood drive from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. July 29 in the lower level of Fire Station 1, 112 N. Riverside Ave.
The blood drive is being organized by Versiti Blood Center of Illinois. Walk-ins are welcome, but an appointment will ensure a quick donation experience, organizers said.
To make an appointment, go to https://donate.illinois.versiti.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/5601615.
Shakespeare in the Park set in Geneva
Geneva’s Shakespeare in the Park event returns to Island Park Saturday, July 30, with “The Tempest.”
The free performance starts at 6 p.m. The show is suitable for all ages, officials said.
Now in its 16th year, Shakespeare in the Park is presented by the city of Geneva’s Cultural Arts Commission. Seating begins at 4 p.m. at Island Park, at the corner of State Street (Route 38) and Route 25 in Geneva.
The audience is encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs and picnics. Sandwiches, water, soft drinks and ice cream will be available for purchase, organizers said.
For more information on the event, go to www.genevarts.org, call 630-938-4530 or follow Geneva Shakespeare in the Park on Facebook.
