QUINCY, ILL. -- Farmers all across the country are dealing with dry conditions -- especially here in the Tri-States. But what does that mean for restaurants?
KHQA's Lindsey Boetsch shows you one restaurant in town that relies heavily on locally grown food.
"I got this thing picked two days ago, I know exactly when it was picked and he gives me the best ones, that he thinks are the best. I rely on them to tell me which ones are the best ones and they know," Thyme Square Executive Chef Cory Shupe said.
That's why Thyme Square Executive Chef Cory Shupe buys his food from local farmers.
"Number one, the foods going to be way better, I think, flavor wise, and freshness is going to be there. Number two, the relationship you build with these farmers is kind of nice. They call you and they tell you what they have and I can get what I want, and they give you the best of what you want," Shupe said.
Another benefit is the money stays in the community.
"Instead of shipping it off to people in California, we're giving it straight to the farmers who are right up the road. And I think there's no reason why we shouldn't be using local produce because we're surrounded by nothing but farm land. It just makes perfect sense to do so," Shupe said.
The drought has been hard on a lot of farmers around the area ... But not necessarily the ones that Shupe gets his produce from.
"Our farmers have been working really hard to stay up on it. I know they're working a little extra harder. But that's why we work extra hard to prepare it and make it the best as possible," Shupe said.
Saturday is the 8th annual Locally Grown Food Fest at Washington Park from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. There are activities for kids all day long including an obstacle course and craft tent.
Then at 10:30 a.m. is the amateur chef contest.
KHQA's own Kristen Aguirre will be emceeing the event. We hope to see you there!
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