Local Press Area

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**DuPage County Farm Bureau Unveils Innovative Agricultural Education Initiative: Grow Your Own Food – A Container to Food Project**

*Collaboration with Leading Partners to Impact Thousands of 4th-Grade Students*

DuPage County, IL - The DuPage County Farm Bureau is proud to announce the launch of the Grow Your Own Food – A Container to Food Project, an ambitious agricultural education endeavor in partnership with esteemed collaborators including the College of DuPage, Ball Horticulture, Midwest Groundcover, Country Financial, Compeer Financial, Light of the Soil, LLC, and The DuPage County Fair Association.

This groundbreaking initiative is poised to make a significant impact on approximately four thousand 4th-grade students throughout DuPage County this spring. The program encompasses a multifaceted approach, featuring a 15-minute educational video covering fundamental topics such as food production, transplanting, and plant care. Complementing the video presentation is a concise lesson plan and an engaging hands-on transplanting activity, ensuring an immersive learning experience for all participants.

One of the most noteworthy aspects of the program is its accessibility, made possible through the generous support of our partners. The entire initiative is offered free of charge to schools within the county, underscoring our shared commitment to fostering agricultural literacy and awareness within our community.

From May 6th to 10th, 2024, the Farm Bureau and its partners will distribute project supplies to participating schools, kickstarting the educational journey. Through the accompanying educational video, teachers and students will be guided through the lesson and transplanting activity, culminating in each student receiving their very own starter tomato plant to nurture throughout the summer. To further enhance their experience, students will receive a growth chart, comprehensive plant care instructions, and a simple recipe to savor with their cherry tomatoes. We encourage educators and families to share their experiences and successes on the DuPage County Farm Bureau's social media platforms.

As a fitting conclusion to this enriching program, each student will be granted a complimentary fair pass to proudly showcase their cherished cherry tomato plant at the 2024 DuPage County Fair. A special judging event will be held, complete with ribbons and exciting prizes, further celebrating the students' dedication and newfound agricultural knowledge.

For more information about the Grow Your Own Food – A Container to Food Project and other initiatives by the DuPage County Farm Bureau, contact Kara Norton.

**About DuPage County Farm Bureau:**
The DuPage County Farm Bureau is a leading advocate for agricultural education and community engagement in DuPage County, Illinois. Through innovative programs and strategic partnerships, the organization strives to promote the vital role of agriculture while nurturing future generations of agricultural stewards.

*Media Contact:*
Kara Norton
Executive Director
DuPage County Farm Bureau
(630) 668-8161
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Light of the Soil, LLC & Paw Paw Industries Donating Prized Black Raspberry Shoots to the Johnson Elementary Long-Term Garden Project, via WeFeed, Inc.

We are excited to share some wonderful news that highlights our commitment to both the community and soil health. Light of the Soil, LLC has entered into a Partnership in Purpose with WeFeed Inc., a commendable 501(c)(3) organization founded by Dr. Kristina Campione, to support the Johnson Elementary School Garden.

We will be donating black raspberry shoots, which will not only diversify the garden but also provide learning and harvesting experience for the students for years to come.

Light of the Soil, LLC is dedicated to being there every step of the way, supporting the garden's growth and the educational opportunities it presents. We believe this initiative represents our values of sustainability, education, and community engagement in action.

Further information on the opportunities for you to get involved will be shared in the coming weeks.

Marty Rogers
Founder / CEO
Light of the Soil, LLC
LightoftheSoil.com
630.520.1257 cell
630.439.7966

PRESS RELEASE - Mother's Restaurant Sustainability Audio

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Date: October 18, 2023

Contact:
Marty Rogers
Founder, Light of the Soil, LLC
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone: (630) 557-9315

Jay Kinser
Owner, Paw Paw Industries Warrenville, IL
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone: (630) 442-8682

Mother's Restaurant & Pancake House
2290 W Galena Blvd
Aurora, IL 60506
Phone: (630) 264-2526

Mother's Restaurant & Pancake House Embarks on Sustainable Journey with Light of the Soil, LLC

Aurora, Illinois – In a significant step towards environmental responsibility and community sustainability, Mother's Restaurant & Pancake House in Aurora, Illinois, has proudly announced its partnership with Light of the Soil, LLC. On October 18, 2023, the owner and staff of Mother's Restaurant and Pancake House met with Marty Rogers, founder of Light of the Soil, LLC, and Jay Kinser owner of Paw Paw Industries, Warrenville, to discuss the pressing need for sustainable practices and local soil health rejuvination.

This groundbreaking collaboration signifies a shared commitment to sustainability, soil regeneration, and a greener future for the Aurora community. As part of this partnership, Mother's Restaurant & Pancake House will be actively contributing to a vital initiative: the conversion of local food waste into premium worm castings and compost teas for our local soil.

The Importance of Sustainability:

Sustainability has become an increasingly critical issue in today's world. It transcends the realm of environmentalism and embraces the core values of responsible living, protecting ecosystems, and fostering a better quality of life for current and future generations. It is vital for businesses, communities, and individuals to actively participate in sustainability efforts to combat environmental challenges such as soil degradation, pollution, and waste accumulation.

Marty Rogers, the founder of Light of the Soil, LLC, notes, "Sustainability is not just a buzzword; it's a necessity. Our environment is under immense stress, and soil health is a foundational aspect of this ecosystem. By collaborating with Mother's Restaurant & Pancake House, we are taking a significant step towards protecting our environment and enriching our local soil."

Transforming Food Waste into Valuable Resources:

The heart of this partnership revolves around repurposing food waste to create two valuable resources - premium worm castings and compost teas. Spent eggshells and other organic food waste collected from Mother's Restaurant & Pancake House will be transformed into these products, which are known for their incredible benefits to soil health and plant growth.

Worm castings are nutrient-rich and packed with beneficial microorganisms that enhance soil structure and fertility. Compost teas, brewed from organic materials, provide a natural and nourishing boost to local gardens. By contributing to the production of these valuable resources, Mother's Restaurant & Pancake House is actively promoting sustainable agriculture and urban gardening within the Aurora community.

Mother's Restaurant & Pancake House emphasizes the importance of their role in this partnership: "As a community-focused establishment, we see it as our duty to not only provide exceptional meals but also contribute positively to our surroundings. By joining forces with Light of the Soil, LLC, we're making a tangible impact on the local environment and supporting the growth of sustainable practices in our community."

The Mother's Restaurant & Pancake House team is excited to embark on this sustainability journey and is proud to play a crucial role in enhancing local soil health and promoting a greener future. This collaboration stands as a testament to the power of collective action and the significance of local businesses leading the charge in environmental stewardship.

For more information on Mother's Restaurant & Pancake House and Light of the Soil, LLC's partnership and sustainability initiatives, please visit Mothers Restaurant , www.lightofthesoil.com, and www.PawPawIndustries.com

About Mother's Restaurant & Pancake House:
Mother's Restaurant & Pancake House, established in 1998, is a well-loved culinary institution in Aurora, Illinois, known for its hearty comfort food and welcoming atmosphere.

About Light of the Soil, LLC:
Light of the Soil, LLC is an environmentally-conscious organization dedicated to sustainable land management and soil improvement through innovative practices and solutions.

For Media Inquiries:

For interviews, quotes, or additional information, please contact:

Marty Rogers
Founder, Light of the Soil, LLC
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone: (630) 520-1257

Jay Kinser
Owner, Paw Paw Industries Warrenville
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone: (630) 442-8682

Request for Proposal: Landscaping Partners – Thatching, Overseeding & Aeration Services in Kane County, IL
Posted by: Light of the Soil, LLC
Location: Kane County, IL