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 Local Food and Nutrition Resources
If St. Clair County is going to realize its vision to be the "Healthiest County in America," we must set our sites on our apetites. Benjamin Franklin once said that mankind eats twice as much as nature requires; but, a healthy diet isn't just about wishful shrinking, it's about fuel for living. How is it then, that we live in a country whose capacity to produce healthy fuel for our minds and bodies is unsurpassed by any other nation in the world, yet we still suffer from the most common form of malnutrition (known as obesity)?
If it is true that our health is a reflection of our diet, then many of us may be digging our graves with our mouth. Rich, fatty foods are like destiny - not only do they end our shape, they shape our ends. Thankfully, for the citizens of St. Clair County, a healthy destiny is taking shape because of the many dedicated organizations that provide a nutritious supply of food through farmers markets, food pantries, cooperative programs, community gardens and assistance programs. These organizations are listed below in the articles developed by student nurses, Lindsay Varner and Tanner Robberstad of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, School of Nursing.
Note: We welcome an opportunity to keep this resource page as up-to-date as possible so please feel free to contact us at
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if you know of other resources that we can share with the communities in and around St. Clair County, Illinois. Thank you.
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Farmer's Markets
A farmer’s market is a locally run business in which neighboring farmers can provide their harvest for local community members to purchase. Some farmers markets are specific in what they provide while others provide a large variety of produce. Some farmers markets are open seasonally while others are all year around. Many farmers markets allow customers to handpick the produce which is a great learning experience for all involved.
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Food Pantries
Food pantries are non-profit organizations aimed in meeting the nutritional demands of the local residents in need. Many food pantries are operated by churches or community groups. The available food and supplies are provided by local community members, local farmers and food processing companies. The resources available are generally non-perishable goods, meat and fresh produce.
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Community Gardens
A community garden is a plot of land cared for by the members of a particular group, community or organization. The garden is a resource for fresh fruits and vegetables. The community gardens not only provides nutritional resources but is a great way to stay active, build social relationships, reduce family food budgets and increase neighborhood unity. Each community garden has its own guidelines and policies to ensure a successful garden.
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Food Cooperatives
Food co-ops are organized by local members of the community whose mission is to provide a large variety of fresh produce at a reduced cost. The food co-op is similar to a grocery store in that the food is purchased. The guidelines to food co-ops vary from food co-op to food co-op. Prior to picking up the produce, an order is placed and paid for in advance. A pick up time is then announced to the food co-op members. Food co-ops provide a large assortment of food including fresh vegetables and fruit which are purchased in mass quantities to ensure an inexpensive cost.
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Food Assistance Programs
Food assistance programs are governmentally ran programs aimed to help decrease hunger, reduce financial burden, and increase nutritional intake of low income individuals and families. The mission of food assistance programs is to enhance and aid in the nutritional status for the wellbeing of the participants.
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Food & Nutrition Resources