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Illinois SB 3544

Would allow a cottage food operation to sell from a “mobile farmers market” (similar to a food truck). Would allow oversight for those who live in an area without a health department.

Illinois SB 2617

Would allow oversight for those who live in an area without a health department.

Illinois HB 4121

Would allow interstate sales. Would potentially allow indirect sales in some counties.

Illinois HB 4280

Would allow oversight for those who live in an area without a health department.

Nonnie’s Cookie Co.

Delectable custom sugar cookies for every occasion, serving Joliet and Ottawa, IL and surrounding communities.

Episode 100: Where Are They Now?

In this very special 100th episode, previous guests come back on to share an update of what’s changed since they were last on the show, what’s surprised them, and what they’ve learned along the way

Baking Saved My Life with Christina Marquez

Christina Marquez of Antioch, IL shares how she built a cottage food bakery amidst many life challenges by following her passion, caring deeply about her customers, and focusing on serving others

Illinois

For many years, Illinois had one of the most restrictive cottage food laws in the nation. Their first cottage food law in 2012 (SB 0840) only allowed cottage food operations to sell certain items at farmers markets. Even though an amendment in 2018 (HB 3063) removed the sales limit and greatly expanded the list of… [read more]

2021 Cottage Food Bills

2021 is a fresh start in so many ways, but as always, a new year means a new round of cottage food bills!

And what a big round it is! At least one-third of states are actively working on improving their cottage food law this year.

I actually can’t remember a year when there were this many cottage food amendments on the table. It reminds me of nearly a decade ago, when states were busy creating their initial cottage food laws.

In all likelihood, the pandemic, and the resulting surge of interest in cottage foods, is part of the push to improve the laws in many states.

2021 Recap: A Record Year for the Cottage Food Industry

WOW… what a year it has been for our growing cottage food industry!

As I wrote about last year, the pandemic really highlighted the need for people to be able to sell their homemade food.

And in 2021, states responded in a BIG way! This year, more states improved their laws for selling homemade food than in any other year in history.

Illinois Public Act 102-0633 (SB 2007)

Massive amendment which allows all direct sales venues (including in-state shipping), adds restrictions for riskier food items, and adds a paid registration process

Turning Up The Heat with Nathan & Nicole Parchman

Nathan & Nicole Parchman of O’Fallon, IL share how they produce and sell over 200 jars of salsa and pickles each week, and have grown from farmers market to wholesale to brick-and-mortar storefront.

Baking A Difference with Kathy Cherie

Whether it’s putting a smile on an ill child’s face, or contacting state legislators to change the law, Kathy Cherie from Elk Grove Village, IL is always baking a difference in her community.

Wyoming Sets A New Standard For Food Freedom

It’s July 1st, 2020, and for the first time in over 7 years, I’ve added a new rank to Forrager’s map. I named it “freedom”, and Wyoming has the honor of being the first state to reach this status!

As of today, Wyoming’s new amendment (HB 84) to their food freedom law takes effect, and it’s a big one. Because although their 2015 law has always been the best food freedom law in the country, truthfully, it still lagged behind some of the best cottage food laws in some ways.

I’ve always had a love and passion for being in the kitchen since I was a little girl.  I’ve taken old lessons learned along with new creative designs and ideas to bake up some really fun, delicious goods!  Over the years of baking for family and friends…..I had many requests for cakes, cupcakes & other… [read more]

Mama Cakery

Welcome to Mama Cakery! We are a home cakery, specializing in a variety of sweet treats. From cakes, cookies, and breads too. We bake it all. Feel free to contact us for all your baking needs.

Vesna Djurdjevic

Many of my baked goods are forgotten delicacies from my home country. I call my pastries European because our culture and food presents a mix of different influences from different European countries. Coming from Balkan means coming from the ” Mix of East and West”. This same rule applies to food too and I am… [read more]

11-year-old girl’s cupcake business gets shut down

Another food entrepreneur’s dream (in this case, an 11-year-old girl) gets shut down by the government. Maybe it’s time to get Illinois’ cottage food law amended! Is this girl really hazardous to the public health? As Kathleen mentioned below, coincidentally, a campaign for an improved cottage food law in Illinois just begun. Show your support by… [read more]