Concerns over a statewide cyclospora outbreak have caused some Chicago shoppers to rethink where they buy their produce.
Enter farmers markets.
Chelsa Moore, an urban planner who works near the Pullman Farmers Market, said the recent outbreak has made her more aware of where her food comes from.
“I was just down a ton of rabbit holes this morning because I do buy a lot of fresh produce,” Moore said. “It’s just made me even more aware of what I’m getting.”
Moore said she has started to lean more towards farmers markets because she values knowing who is growing her food, in addition to having a relationship with the vendors.
“I’m like, all right, well, I got to pivot because I can’t get what I usually get from the stores,” she said.
Illinois has reported 240 confirmed and probable cases of cyclosporiasis this year, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. Of those cases, 111 were domestically acquired, 105 involved travel outside the United States and 24 are still under investigation. The state has reported 21 hospitalizations and no deaths.
The source of the outbreak is still unknown according to the IDPH. However, the virus can be contracted by consuming food or water contaminated with feces and recommends consumers wash their hands before preparing food and thoroughly clean all produce before eating, cutting or cooking.
At the Pullman market, vendors said the outbreak has led to more talk about food safety.
“It’s in the air, it’s in the conversations,” said Elijah-Michelle Mueller, one of the market managers. “People want someone to have a conversation with about it.”
But Mueller said the market’s importance goes beyond this outbreak. Farmers markets provide fresh food options to communities that historically haven’t had them.
“There are a lot of people who think farmers markets are a North Side thing,” Mueller said. “Everyone deserves fresh produce.”
Ramona Baptiste, also known as “Chef Mo,” said her work at the Pullman market is focused on helping residents make healthier choices by showing them how to prepare fresh ingredients in ways that fit their everyday lives. These days that also means demonstrating how to properly prep and clean their groceries.
“I’m here to tell you what to do with it or how you can incorporate it with what you have on hand at home,” Chef Mo said.
James Dotson, a 29-year-old farmer who sells produce at markets throughout Chicago, has not seen a major change in demand because of the outbreak. His family farm attends six markets each week.
“It hasn’t really affected us,” Dotson said at the Pullman market. “We grow it on our farm, so it’s different than stuff from the store.”
Although local farms process produce differently, health officials still urge caution, saying buying local produce doesn’t eliminate the risk of contamination. Food safety issues can occur at farms of any size, those officials say, and they recommend proper washing and handling of all fruits and vegetables.
Christina Gelder of Ellis Family Farms was at Green City Market in Lincoln Park on Wednesday. She said customers have been asking questions about the outbreak, so she tries to reassures them about her farm.
“We are actively in touch with the Michigan State University Extension Office near us and making sure that we stay up to date on the research,” Gelder said.
Felicia Fuller has lived in Chicago for more than 26 years. For her, farmers markets have long been a reliable source of fresh food. She tries to shop at them weekly and believes they are especially valuable for communities with limited options.
“If you can at all get out to a farmers market, that should be your primary and first choice,” Fuller said. “Any fruits and vegetables are better than no fruits and vegetables.”
