The 61st Street Farmers Market accepts SNAP / LINK. Photo by Harvey Tillis.

The 61st Street Farmers Market had a very special visitor last weekend: Governor Quinn came out to endorse our LINK Up Illinois program. He also shopped and visited with the Illinois small farmers who vend at the market.

Just a reminder that our summer youth program will be starting soon and so there are some special advisements for our retail customers of the bike shop. If you have your bike in for repairs, or are considering such soon, please note as Blackstone Bicycle Works will be:

Since first launching the 61st Street Farmers Market in 2008, it has appeared to us self-evident that making it possible for ourselves and our neighbors to purchase fresh and healthy, locally grown foods right in our own neighborhood is a good.

Double Value Coupons at the 61st Street Farmers Market. Photo by Axel Peterman

Battery, in-school arrests down, security chief says

by Dawn Turner Trice, Chicago Tribune reporter

Until this school year, Ranice Green never thought she could have a say about how she interacted with the security guards at Hyde Park Academy, where she's a senior.

One good way to inspire children to appreciate healthy foods like fresh fruits and vegetables? Teach them how to garden food crops for themselves!

Planting at the 62Garden - photos by Axel Peterman

Thanks to a Illinois Specialty Crops Block Grant from the Illinois Dept. of Agriculture, we are pursuing a pilot program at Andrew Carnegie Elementary right across the street from us.

Funny. Three springs ago, I stepped out of my door into the front yard in the very early morning to discover, only ten feet away, an adult American Bittern, neck elongated and beak pointed to the sky. What a sight! I had never seen one before.

We encourage you to join us this Wednesday, May 15 at 6:30pm, for Food Patriots, the final film in our 61st Street Farmers Market Movies series.

We are excited to welcome you back to a new season of the 61st Street Farmers Market! As you will see this Saturday (9am-2pm), the Market grows and changes each year, while most good things stay the same. You will find your favorite farmers and food artisans from the past, as well as some new ones—and, with them, new tastes, people, and pleasures to discover!

Residents in some embattled communities say they fear, distrust gangs, criminals and police

By Dawn Turner Trice and Lolly Bowean, Chicago Tribune reporters

Richard Porter, 17, said he's seen Chicago police officers stop and frisk so many people in his neighborhood that when a squad car rolls up, he and his friends automatically "assume the position."

Martrell Harris, 16, said his only encounter with the police included an officer questioning him on the street, blowing cigarette smoke in his face and then letting him go on his way.

The 61st Street Farmers Market's 6th season is nearly upon us! Only a couple of weeks to go before we can reconnect with our farmers, our food and our neighbors every Saturday from 9am-2pm on 61st Street between Dorchester and Blackstone Avenues!