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The third annual Local Foods Dinner will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 9, at the Marketplace at Linkins dining center. The meal, which is sponsored by Campus Dining Services, Sustainability ISU and the University Program Board, will feature dishes made exclusively with locally-grown food items from many different farmers throughout Central Illinois. Because of the meal’s dedication to the freshest, locally-grown ingredients, the final menu will not be decided until the foods are delivered.

“This is our third Annual Local Foods Dinner, and the popularity of this event has grown every year,” said Campus Dining’s Executive Chef Tim Gump. “We are aiming to increase awareness of sustainability by supporting local farming, and the students and University community respond increasingly well to the idea every year.”

Potential dishes include prime rib and tilapia, as well as dishes made with fresh squash, tomatoes, peppers, goat cheese, eggplant and mixed berries.

“The Annual Local Foods Dinner is a great opportunity for students to try whole foods when they are at their freshest,” said Campus Dining’s Registered Dietitian Dianne Feasley. “Guests are amazed at the heightened flavors of the fresh, whole foods as compared to packaged foods that many of us use more regularly in cooking.”

Tickets are currently on sale at all three dining centers. Approximately 80 tickets are available and they tend to sell out well in advance of the event, so those interested in attending are encouraged to buy their tickets soon. Tickets must be purchased in advance of the event.

This event is open to the entire University community. The cost for meal plan holders is one meal swipe; for students without meal plans, the cost is $12; the cost for faculty and staff is $25 and the cost for the University community is $25 plus tax.

As in past years, Campus Dining will host the event in cooperation with the University Program Board and Sustainability ISU in an effort to reduce ticket prices for the event as well as promote sustainability within the local community.

“The University Program Board is very excited to work with Campus Dining Services again this year for the Local Foods Dinner,” said University Program Board President Abe Lopez. “This event is a great opportunity that brings ISU students, faculty and staff and local community members together.”

Visit the website for more information about the dinner and the farmers who will be providing food items for the dinner.