A State-wide program is helping chefs skip one of the major obstacles of selling their goods, finding a location. 

Caitlin Mellendorf, Nutrition Educator with the University of Illinois Extension in DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt Counties, explains that the Illinois Cottage Foods Program participants can sell their foods, while skipping the commercial kitchen and licensing that comes with it, by cooking in their home.

Mellendorf indicates that it does require sellers to work with their local health department to ensure foods are being prepared safely. The program encourages things like baked goods, home-canned products, and even allows refrigerated foods. 

One of the best parts of the Illinois Cottage Foods program is its flexibility. Mellendorf notes that there are no minimum or maximum requirements when it comes to sales. 

The Extension will be hosting a series of classes throughout April in partnership with area health departments to help people get started and keep current program members up to date on any changes. 

The first session is on April 14th at 1:30 at the DeWitt County Extension Office in Clinton. You can learn more about the free series and the program as a whole at extension.illinois.edu/dmp.