A one-day workshop foranyone interested in strengthening their community and its economy by creating a vibrant local food system is being offered.

You will have a choice of two dates and two locations to attend "Strategies for Building Locally Based Food Systems in Illinois Communities". The dates of the one-day workshop are February 11, 2008 at Starved Rock Lodge State Park in Utica, Illinois or February 13, 2008 at University of Illinois Springfield in Springfield, llinois.

Participants will learn to: 1) Assess the state of the food system in their region, 2) Access existing knowledge about local food system activities and initiatives in Illinois, 3) Identify activities and projects that can help communities get started in building a locally based food system, and 4) Explore roles for Extension and key stakeholders in the food system.

The cost is $30 per person and covers lunch (featuring local food), snacks and beverages and a copy of the Resource Guide, "Beyond the Farmers' Market: Planning for Local Food Systems."

To register, contact Dee Davis (University of Illinois Laboratory for Community and Economic Development staff) at 217-244-0120 or deedavis@uiuc.edu. Registration is limited so register early to save your spot.

Deadline to register is FRIDAY, JANUARY 25, 2008.