CLINTON – In 2012, Illinois joined with many states across the nation to support the growing local food movement by allowing vendors to sell homemade baked and canned items at farmers markets under the Cottage Food Law. 

The state expanded the law in 2018 and this spring University of Illinois Extension invites vendors to learn about the new rules and regulations before farmer’s market season begins with Cottage Foods Q&A.

Cottage Foods Q&A will be 6 to 8 p.m. April 25 at the DeWitt County Extension Office, 8425 Katie Road in Clinton. Come with questions and learn about updates on selling home-canned drinks, canned salsas, pickled products and more. Cottage Foods Q&A is open to farmer’s market coordinators, current vendors, potential vendors, health departments and others interested in cottage food operations.

Please register by April 23 online at go.illinois.edu/dmp or by calling (217) 935-5764. The course is $8. Extension is also offering Cottage Foods Q&A April 11 at the Piatt County Extension Office in Monticello and April 20 at the Macon County Office in Decatur.

The Illinois Extension Nutrition & Wellness program encourages individuals, families and communities to live healthier through online and in-person skill sharing. Learn about managing diabetes and heart disease, safely preserving foods, being food-safe at home and making healthier choices when shopping, cooking and meal planning. More information is available at go.illinois.edu/dmp or find us on Facebook or Twitter @uie_DMP.

Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please call (217) 935-5764. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting your access needs.