Is this your first time to the Eat Local & Organic Expos? Let us help answer some of your questions! We can't wait for you to join us at these big events!
Why should I go to the Expo? 
Because you eat. Whether you are just learning about local food or are a long-time member of the organic movement, the Expos have something just for you. You'll have the chance to buy delicious food directly from the local farmers who work hard to grow food for Kansas City. You will also have access to a wealth of resources and knowledge about local, organic food and sustainable practices.
What is "the Expo?"
The Expos are like giant, indoor farmers markets; one is March 28 and one is April 11.
What can I buy?
Local, organic, free-range fare! Early spring vegetables and herbs, eggs, meat, cheese, bread, honey, a few other goodies like jams and soap - maybe even a handmade wooden spoon!
Who will be there?
Farmers! And they would love to meet you!
Should I go to one expo or both?
Either! You can stock up at the first event but then you'll want to replenish your stock of fresh greens so come on back to the second one!
Can I bring my kids?
Yes! In fact, this year's workshop is geared for kids of all ages. The "Little Sprouts" workshop is a great way to teach kids about nature. From 10-10:45 at both Expos, Dayna McDaniel of SeedSavers-KC will host this introduction to seeds, pollination, fruit production and seed harvest. Kids will plant a pot of seeds to grow at home. This hands-on nature activity will give kids and parents alike the basic lessons in the magic of gardening and will give them the tools they need to get growing!
And meeting farmers is an important way to help both kids and adults learn and appreciate where their food comes from. And if you bring your kids to the KC Food Circle booth, they'll get a free sticker!
Should I bring my neighbor/friend/family member?
Yes! The expos are a great way to spend the day with people you like or love!
Can I sign up for one of those CSA things?
Yep! Talk to farmers directly and in person to get all your CSA questions answered so you can get signed up with confidence!
What's a CSA?
So glad you asked! It's a subscription to a farm that gets you a weekly share of fresh produce and sometimes meat, eggs, and cheese. It's a perfect way to improve your diet, support your local farm, and eat with the seasons.
What if I don't know how to cook the stuff I buy?
We'd love to introduce you to the Seasonal and Simple cookbook, a helpful guide and an important fundraiser for our all-volunteer non-profit organization. And a great resource for when you join that CSA you've had your eye on.
What else is a good source for when I join that CSA?
Farmers! They love to help you get to know where your food came from, how to store it, prepare it, preserve it, and enjoy it!
Should I bring a bag?
Yes. But, we'll sell you one of those too if you need it.
Should I bring cash?
It's a good idea to bring cash but there are many farmers who can accept credit card payments and/or checks.
How much does this amazing event cost?
It's free! Parking and admission are free! So join us! You'll be glad you did.
KCFC Members Only Farm Tour - Where the Redfearn Grows- Sept 13
/in Events /by Brandi SchoenWhere the Redfearn Grows is a small local family farm that focuses on growing for their CSA members. We use sustainable, natural practices to grow fresh vegetables.
Kansas City Food Circle Members will meet at the farm near Indepedence at 3pm. We will take a tour of this great farm and wrap up with a mini happy hour. Pick up your free member tickets today! Bring your a friend or your family and join us on September 13th!
http://www.eventbrite.com/e/kcfc-members-only-farm-tour-where-the-red-fearn-grows-tickets-17782156910?aff=erellivorg
(Psst! Not a member yet? Join here.)
Goat Cheese Class with Borgman’s Dairy- Sept 24
/in Events /by Brandi SchoenBorgman’s Dairy is on a not-so-secret mission to create dairy products that connect you and your family to our local agriculture in a special, delicious way.
During this class we will share the recipes, planning techniques, and resources to make fresh goat cheese. You also get the chance to taste some of the other luscious things we make!
As a "Thanks!" for attending this unique class, the Kansas City Food Circle is giving every ticket holder a jar of Borgman's amazing Cheesecake in a Jar (Yes! Cheesecake! in a Jar!) You an also buy some of Borgman's famous Cajeta, a goat milk caramel. It's just a little addictive, so be prepared! We can't wait to see you!
http://www.eventbrite.com/e/goat-cheese-class-with-borgmans-dairy-tickets-18019048459
Ice Cream Class with H&C Ice Cream - Sunday, August 23rd
/in Events /by Brandi SchoenJoin us from 10:30-12:30p to learn the secret to amazing ice cream!
H&C Ice Cream makes handcrafted, small-batch ice cream from locally sourced ingredients to create a fresh frozen treat for the whole family. Keeping flavors local, natural and enjoyable is key to making the best tasting ice cream. In addition to ice creams made with dairy and egg, they also make sugar free vegan flavors as well as ice cream for dogs.
Ice cream started out as a hobby with a small machine and a big hunger for flavors not found in stores. It has grown into a company in it's second season selling at farmers markets in the Kansas City area with the belief that you can make something great using local and organic ingredients.
Tickets:
$35 for Kansas City Food Circle Members
$45 for non members (not a member yet ? You can join here!)
Purchase Tickets Here
The Sundry is offering a discount to our members after class. Flash your Eat Local & Organic Dining Card and take $5 off your bill.
Celebrate July 4th the Local, Organic Way
/in News, Uncategorized /by Emily AkinsOur list of ALL area Farmers Markets is HERE. And our list of Featured Organic Farmers Markets is HERE. You can shop the Waldo market on Wednesday, 3:00-7:00. There are two markets on Friday: Ivanhoe (3700 Woodland) from 5:00-7:00 and Badseed (19th and McGee) from 4:00-9:00. There are also two markets on Saturday: KC Organics and Natural Market at Minor Park is from 8:00-12:30; Brookside Farmers Market (63rd and Wornall) runs from 8:00-1:00.
There are several grocery stores and shops around town where you can find some local, organic goods. Look for the names of your favorite #KCFCMember farmers at our Featured Retailers as well as other fine grocery stores around town. And don't forget to preorder your baked goods from Heirloom Bakery and Hearth in Brookside - they'll be closing early on Saturday the 4th, but will have lots of delicious local and organic treats for your festivities. Click HERE for their Fourth of July Menu.
Our #KCFCMember Cobinesteinz Farm in Bucyrus, Kansas will be hosting a Fourth of July party on their farm! Come see the farm and enjoy an evening with friends and a spectacular fireworks show. The event starts at 4:00. For more details click HERE.
Last but not least, here are some great summertime recipes, too!
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter and share pictures of your local, organic, and free-range Independence Day feast with the hashtag #eatlocalkc.
Have a safe, happy, and delicious holiday weekend!
This Weekend! Maker Faire and Urban Grown Farms and Gardens Tour
/in Events, News /by Emily AkinsOur fabulous KCFC Member Farmers will be participating in two big events this weekend! Won't you come on out and join the fun? We'd love to see you!
Maker Faire KC - June 27, 28
The 5th Annual Maker Faire is back at Union Station this weekend! Several of our farmers will be on hand - we've got some genuine makers in our midst! There will be a soap demo, info on worm composting, aquaponics, and seed-saving, and a virtual beehive!
Our KC Food Circle tent will feature a couple of our sponsors, markets, and partners - Harvesters, Wood & Salt, Seed Savers KC, Bread of Life, Waldo Farmers Market and Brookside Farmers Market - and a whole bunch of our KCFC Member Farmers, including Buds and Berries (Wisely Farms), Adams Osage Ridge, Antioch Urban Growers, Black Dogs Farm, Homestead Hill, Maries Alpaca Acres, Smoky Hills, Borgmans Dairy, Fruitful Hills, Stony Crest Urban Farm, Small Barn Farm, and Pearly Gates. Old Wood Farm (Antique Woods) will also be in attendance at Maker Faire.
Come make • create • craft • build & play with us! The Faire is 10-6 on Saturday and 10-5 on Sunday. Details at MakerFairekc.com.
Urban Grown Farms and Gardens Tour - June 27, 28
Cultivate KC has prepared another amazing roster of urban farms and gardens to tour for this year's Urban Grown event! We're proud to have 6 of our folks on the list!
As you're planning your Urban Grown self-guided tour, be sure to stop by and see our KCFC Member Farmers!
Like our friends at Cultivate KC say, Urban Grown is much more than a tour. It's a celebration of the good food growing in our city! And it's an amazing and fun way to get to know the folks who grow your food. Come see for yourself! The Tour is 9-4 on Saturday and 12-5 on Sunday. Details at CultivateKC.org.
Note: KCFC Eater Members get discounted tickets! Single tickets are regularly $8 but you can get a $3 KCFC Member Discount. Email to get your discount code.
U-Pick Berries and More
/in News /by Emily AkinsIt's berry season! Did you know that a few of our KCFC Member Farmers offer U-pick options for berries? This is a great way to see precisely where you food comes from and how it was grown. And you can pick with confidence knowing that our farmers grow according to our KCFC pledges so you're getting the healthiest fruits for your family.
CSA POINTERS and IDEAS
/in News /by Emily AkinsThis is an excerpt of an article called "Sharing: How I Found My Way to CSA" by Emily Akins, originally published in Edible KC.
Community Supported Agriculture - or CSA - is a wonderful way to eat with the seasons and to get to know the people who grow your food. And even though we know that eating locally is rewarding, we also know that sometimes it takes a shift in both mindset and methods. Here are a few ideas to make life as a locavore much simpler.
WANT TO JOIN A CSA?
If you are interested in finding a CSA that is right for you, email
Looking for a CSA?
/in News /by Brandi SchoenAre you looking for a connection to how your food is grown and the people who grow it? Or are you a foodie who demands the best ingredients? Or are you short on time and can't make it to the farmer's markets? Then a CSA farm subscription is the perfect way to get your local, organic goodness!
Click the link below for an easy to reference list of local, organic, and free-range farmers who have CSAs. Chance are, at least one has drop off point near you! For more in-depth information on each farm in the list, visit our handy CSA Directory page.
2015 KC Food Circle CSA Farms
We Love Moms!
/in News /by Brandi SchoenSpring is here (at last!) which means, Mother's Day is right around the corner.
You could get a sweet "Mom" tattoo to show her your devotion. OR, consider our Two for $50 KC Food Circle membership deal. Which means you can get yourself a KCFC membership and get your mom her own KCFC membership.* We will even send Mom a beautiful card for you featuring photography of local food and farms in Kansas City! All you have to do is to pick one of the fantastic and sustainable restaurants on our Eat Local and Organic Dining Card and take Mom out for brunch on her big day.
*Already have a KCFC membership for 2015? No problem! You can still buy one for Mom with the discounted rate.
KCFC Membership makes a great gift! Your loved one will get the Eat Local and Organic Dining Card plus invitations to events, farm to table dinners, special members-only events and a special card to celebrate the day.
Now you can celebrate the Moms in your life the local, organic way! And if you still want to get some ink, who are we to judge?
It’s Expo Season!
/in News /by Emily AkinsIs this your first time to the Eat Local & Organic Expos? Let us help answer some of your questions! We can't wait for you to join us at these big events!
Why should I go to the Expo?
Because you eat. Whether you are just learning about local food or are a long-time member of the organic movement, the Expos have something just for you. You'll have the chance to buy delicious food directly from the local farmers who work hard to grow food for Kansas City. You will also have access to a wealth of resources and knowledge about local, organic food and sustainable practices.
What is "the Expo?"
The Expos are like giant, indoor farmers markets; one is March 28 and one is April 11.
What can I buy?
Local, organic, free-range fare! Early spring vegetables and herbs, eggs, meat, cheese, bread, honey, a few other goodies like jams and soap - maybe even a handmade wooden spoon!
Who will be there?
Farmers! And they would love to meet you!
Should I go to one expo or both?
Either! You can stock up at the first event but then you'll want to replenish your stock of fresh greens so come on back to the second one!
Can I bring my kids?
Yes! In fact, this year's workshop is geared for kids of all ages. The "Little Sprouts" workshop is a great way to teach kids about nature. From 10-10:45 at both Expos, Dayna McDaniel of SeedSavers-KC will host this introduction to seeds, pollination, fruit production and seed harvest. Kids will plant a pot of seeds to grow at home. This hands-on nature activity will give kids and parents alike the basic lessons in the magic of gardening and will give them the tools they need to get growing!
And meeting farmers is an important way to help both kids and adults learn and appreciate where their food comes from. And if you bring your kids to the KC Food Circle booth, they'll get a free sticker!
Should I bring my neighbor/friend/family member?
Yes! The expos are a great way to spend the day with people you like or love!
Yep! Talk to farmers directly and in person to get all your CSA questions answered so you can get signed up with confidence!
What's a CSA?
So glad you asked! It's a subscription to a farm that gets you a weekly share of fresh produce and sometimes meat, eggs, and cheese. It's a perfect way to improve your diet, support your local farm, and eat with the seasons.
What if I don't know how to cook the stuff I buy?
We'd love to introduce you to the Seasonal and Simple cookbook, a helpful guide and an important fundraiser for our all-volunteer non-profit organization. And a great resource for when you join that CSA you've had your eye on.
What else is a good source for when I join that CSA?
Farmers! They love to help you get to know where your food came from, how to store it, prepare it, preserve it, and enjoy it!
Should I bring a bag?
Yes. But, we'll sell you one of those too if you need it.
Should I bring cash?
It's a good idea to bring cash but there are many farmers who can accept credit card payments and/or checks.
How much does this amazing event cost?
It's free! Parking and admission are free! So join us! You'll be glad you did.