My name is Jeff Hake and I have served as board vice-president of FarmFED Co-op for two years. Prior to that, I was the interim co-manager of the co-op along with my wife, and I have been helping to get this project started since March 2020. I have long been passionate about small farms, new farmers, and local food systems, studying those subjects in college and grad school and working on farms and relevant organizations since 2005. I currently own and operate Funks Grove Heritage Fruits & Grains in McLean with my wife and her brother, where we grow specialty food crops and make our own value-added products.

FarmFED Co-op is exactly what is needed right now in our development of robust local food systems, and the Central Illinois region is in a position to lead in this conversation. It’s important to me to serve on the board of the co-op because it means taking theories and ideas and putting them into action. It means building resilience through cooperation and deliberation. It means hope when we may be wanting for some. It’s an honor to be a part of it and to serve on the board.

Hi, everyone. I am Sheri Glowinski and serve on the Board of Directors of the Central Illinois FarmFED Co-op as the Board Secretary. My passion for food justice is what motivates me to serve. Central Illinois is rich with soil and farmland and one would think that the people who live here are similarly rich with healthy produce. It’s ironic, then, that in the midst of this natural wealth, many local residents, businesses, and organizations do not have ready access to the foods that are actually grown here. I am really excited to be a part of this innovative project that aims to address this problem by building a bridge between the producers (our local farmers) and buyers (local hospitals, schools, individuals, etc.) and give people HERE access to the foods that are grown HERE while also meaningfully supporting our hard-working farmers. Feeling inspired to be a part of the solution? Join me in becoming an Owner. See www.farmfedcoop.com for more info.

Denise Perry, Chef/Owner of Copper Pot Cooking Studio, believes

anyone can benefit from learning to cook. Denise received her

education in Seattle, WA, where she embraced the ideas of

sustainability and local food systems, and developed a deep

appreciation for both regional and international foods. She then

moved to Chicago, where she embarked on a culinary teaching

career that has brought her to Springfield. She worked in higher

education for 12 years in Springfield, shared her expertise with

non-profits , clinical rehabilitation programs, and at her own business,

Copper Pot Cooking Studio, which is located in Midtown, for the past

7 years.

James Birge is the Manager of the Sangamon County Farm Bureau. He has held.

the position since June 1999. In this position, Birge is responsible for the

management of all Sangamon County Farm Bureau programs, activities,

operations, facilities, and staff. Prior to joining Sangamon County Farm Bureau, Birge held the position of

Manager of Wayne & White County Farm Bureau’s from 1996 to 1999 and

Massac County Farm Bureau from 1994 to 1996. He additionally held.

employment with Country Financial and Cornbelt FS prior to his Farm Bureau

Career.

Birge was raised on a grain farm near Decatur. He earned his bachelor’s degree

in Agribusiness from Illinois State University in 1991 and earned the designation

of Farm Bureau Certified Manager in April 1998.

Birge has served on the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce Board of

Directors, Mt. Pulaski Economic Development & Planning Board, and Farm

Family Resource Initiative Advisory Board. Additionally, he also chairs the

Logan-Menard-Sangamon Agricultural Education Partnership, as well as,

numerous other supporting roles representing agricultural interests in Sangamon

County.

Birge enjoys outdoor activities including hunting, fishing, and camping. He also

enjoys woodworking and crafts.

Jim and his wife, Dianne, reside in Mt. Pulaski.

I was born and raised on a small farm in Macon County.  Growing up, I have been part of our family Christmas tree farm, nursery, hog operation, sweet corn and produce farm.  I graduated from Illinois State University Cum Laude with a BS in Agriculture Science with an Agronomy concentration and a minor in environmental studies.

My professional experience ranges from retail sales and management with Menards, to logistics planning, inventory management, and production deadlines with Oakland Logistics Inc working at CNH, to procurement, purchasing, truck and rail shipments, contracts, SAP, leadership, and customer service with Primient (Formerly Tate & Lyle).

I am a proud husband and blessed father of three.  I enjoy being outdoors, great food, good music, and about anything with a motor.  I pride myself on drive and passion, as well as my ingenuity and critical thinking abilities.

Time to make your selections! 

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