NOW Foods - Organic Meats in the Chicagoland Area

Organic Meats in the Chicagoland Area

In light of recent news about the first cow to be discovered with mad cow disease in the U.S., the Organic Food Network would like to suggest that we all focus on the positive--organic food. We are blessed with many sources for organic and sustainable meat in the Chicago and surrounding area. Here's where to find them.

THE ORGANIC FOOD NETWORK

Click on Organic Guide in the navigation bar to go to The Guide to Eating Organic In And Around Chicago. The guide is divided into sections. Check out both Organic and Sustainably Produced Meat, Eggs and Milk and Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) to find local, organic and sustainable farmers.

EAT WELL GUIDE

National directory of stores, farms, etc. that sell organic and sustainably produced animal products. Just type in your zipcode or click on Illinois (or your state). To view an excellent short animated film on factory farming called The Meatrix (a take off on The Matrix), go to www.themeatrix.com first. You'll be taken to the Eat Well Guide at the end.

EAT WILD

National directory of grass-fed pastured beef producers. Click on your state to find local sources.

Some additional notes . . .

Support our local farmers first.

Phil Huenke of Gateway Natural Meats in Iowa delivers to residences and stores in the Chicago area on a monthly basis. Gateway has an ad at www.organicfoodnetwork.net Click on Living Directory.

Rissman Farm organic beef has been available on the menu and for individual purchase through Campagnola Restaurant in Evanston in the past. The farm is not located too far from Chicago for purchase at the farm.

Merrill and John Clark of Roseland Organic Farm in Michigan are longtime proponents of organic in its strictest sense. Merrill has written an article for the Organic Food Network on organic meat that I'll be sending it out in the next few weeks. It will also be posted on my website for future reference. Their meat is sometimes available at the Green City Market and the Markets at the Chicago Hospitality Institute. Also, by mail order.

There are organic meat producers in Central Illinois that are members of The Land Connection. They may be willing to deliver to the Chicago area, especially if people form co-ops to make it more economical for consumers and farmers.

Restaurants . . .

Campagnola, 815 Chicago Ave., Evanston

Bistro Campagne, 4518 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago

Earth Mothers, 738 N. Wells St., Chicago

Tweet, 5020 N.Sheridan Rd., Chicago

Frontera Grill/Topolobampo, 445 N.Clark St., Chicago

Blackbird, 619 W. Randolph, Chicago

North Pond Cafe, 2610 N. Canon Dr., Chicago

I don't know about continuous availabilty, so be sure to ask questions. I'm sure there are other restaurants that seek out sustainable meat. Be an investigative reporter. If you have a good experience at a restaurant, please write and tell us. Or, encourage your favorite restaurant to buy clean meat from local, organic farmers. Many are listed on our website in The Guide to Eating Organic In And Around Chicago. A newly updated and expanded print version of the Guide is available by sending $6 to: Organic Food Network, P.O. Box 4086, Wheaton, IL 60189.

Other suggestions . . .

Buy meat, eggs and dairy products from natural foods supermarkets: Wild Oats, Fruitful Yield, Whole Foods Market and neighborhood health food stores. If your favorite store does not carry organic meat, tell them how to contact local organic producers. We believe this news of mad cow disease is going to create a demand for clean animal products.

Cut back on your consumption of animal products. While meat, eggs and dairy have a place in the diets of many people, most people eat far too much. Balance your intake of meat with fruits and vegetables, legumes and grains (complex carbohydrates like brown rice and quinoa) and nuts and seeds. Also fermented soy products like tempeh and miso.

Get past the higher cost of organic food. As with most things, you get what you pay for. Buy quality, not quantity. Remember, we vote for what we want with our food dollars.

Express gratitude for clean food. Bless your food and support organic.

Educate others. Don't keep this information to yourself. Teach others about the dangers of mad cow disease, rBGH hormone in milk and the genetic engineering of both plant and animal foods--without sensationalizing or using scare tactics. EMPOWER them with information on organic food. Emphasize the positive!!!

This information has been brought to you by Chicago's Organic Food Network. For information on membership and events, www.organicfoodnetwork.net (New events for 2004 will be up on the website very soon!)

Laura Black, CN Director

Paul Stillman Assistant Director