Southland Local Food System Expo

04/13/2026

Did you visit Just Roots Chicago at the Expo and want to check out the farm? Discover community and lend a hand during their volunteer days.

04/11/2026

WOW! WHAT an event!! Thank you to everyone who came out, the vendors, organizations and volunteers! Amazing turnout, great conversations and SO MANY connections made!! Pics to come soon.
THANK YOU!! 💜💜

04/11/2026

We’ll see you @ the Expo!
349 Main St
Park Forest
11 - 3

04/11/2026

Ever feel a little overwhelmed at these things or maybe you just love exploring?? 🕵🏽

Stop by the Welcome Table to sign in and look for this sign to grab one of our Passport Maps! ✨ 🗺️ ✨

Visit the vendors on your map and get it stamped to grab a little souvenir at the
end! 🎁

Limited quantity so make sure you get there to join the fun! 🏃🏻‍♀️💨

04/10/2026

Looking for community connections and a vast array of resources? Come meet the Park Forest/Richton Park Neighborhood Network, a community driven organization dedicated to supporting and uplifting our community!

With a focus on health, education and economic development, PRNN hosts a wide variety of initiatives based on unity and collaboration to offer opportunities to thrive for everyone in the community. If you’re looking for direction, PRNN are the folks you want to talk to.

The Park Forest Richton Park Neighborhood Network

04/10/2026

The official Talks & Small Group Discussion schedule!! 🗣️

04/09/2026

Fresh. Baked. Sourdough. Bread.

Need we say more?? New to the Expo but already a local favorite, word of Juniper BakeHouse spread wildfire through the village and now she’s bringing her cottage crafted goodness to the Expo!

Armed with artisan breads, scones and other goodies, Jennifer is sure to send you packing with delicious goods that you’ll certainly want more of!
*Limited varieties will be available at the Expo@

04/08/2026

Have a young leader interested in community farming, agriculture or a unique summer experience? Bring them on out to the Expo, meet Just Roots and learn about their Growing Young Leaders summer youth program!

04/08/2026

Confused about recycling? What is and isn’t ok to throw in the bin? Stop by, meet Loop and learn how to Feedthecart!

We could all use a hand learning the ins and outs of recycling as we try to use less and REuse more through recycling!

Check out Feed the Cart and see how your municipality recycles then stop by the Expo to meet Loop!

Little Cart. BIG Appetite. Mm, mm, mm! Hi, I’m Loop, your friendly recycling cart. I love a good treat — […]

04/08/2026

Want to make a big impact but don’t have a lot of time?

Check out The Urban Canopy and find out how composting your food scraps and other compostables is as easy as chucking it into a bucket!

With residential pick up available in Park Forest and some other nearby communities, The Urban Canopy keeps food waste out of the landfills and transforms it back into nutrient dense compost!

Follow The Urban Canopy on FB and check them out before the Expo!

We develop a more sustainable, nutritious and equitable local food cycle through farming, composting, community-supported agriculture, Farmer's markets, food distribution and more

04/07/2026

Returning champions for local food system advocacy is the Illinois Stewardship Alliance!

If you’re interested in the meat and potatoes of policy work and advocating for small farms and access to healthy, local foods, the IL Stewardship Alliance is who you want to to connect with!

Meet with Executive director Liz Stelk and discover how local food system work takes on many forms and how you can get involved as little or as much as you want!

An Alliance of Farmers and Eaters