Hi! I'm Ellen and I was born and raised in southern Illinois, the 5th generation of my family's farm, Lipe Orchards. 

I want everyone to know that we are working to make local, fresh produce as affordable and accessible as possible. I'm excited about our take-home meal kits complete with recipes (think hello fresh, but the southern Illinois version!).

If I were a vegetable, I would be asparagus! I grew up helping my Grandma cut asparagus from her garden and have always treasured its short season.

My name is Charlotte, I am graduating from SIU with a Geography and Environmental Resources major, with a background in Environmental Studies and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies! I love working outside, my cats, and talking to people! I am really excited to be working with MFM and representing the Southern Illinois community.

Hi, I’m Morgan! I am passionate about food accessibility and the southern Illinois region, having grown up here my whole life I know there are a lot of places inaccessible to buying good-quality fresh food. I am from Equality, Illinois, now living in Carbondale after graduating from SIU in 2024. I received my undergraduate degree in Geography and Environmental Resources. In addition to Food Works I work at two other amazing places, BeetRoot Farm and The Thrift Shop.

Hi, I'm Portia! I am a Graduate Student at SIU studying Geography and Environmental Resources. I am originally from Pueblo, Colorado but moved to Illinois for my undergraduate studies at Augustana College in Rock Island Illinois. I have broad interests and passions about biodiversity restoration, political ecology, and food and water insecurity. This is my first year in Southern Illinois, and I am so excited to explore all of the amazing trails, lakes, markets, and wineries that are in this area! I am excited to work with the Food Works Mobile Farmers Market and work with this amazing team and local communities of Southern Illinois!

I am a third year Geography student at SIU. I am originally from St. Louis. I love to be outside when at all possible whether that's hiking, drawing plants, or playing disc golf. My greatest interest is most certainly music. I love to listen to music as well as play guitar and write my own music. Though I am not from Southern Illinois I have come to love the area and view it as my home.

Hello, I am Annaleigh and have lived in Carbondale since I was a toddler. It is amazing how much you can learn from local produce! Local veggies carry stories through their flavor and vibrancy. I love to support local, because it means a lot to me where my food comes from. I am honored I am able to assist in efforts to spread healthy food that more communities can have access to. As a student of Geography and Environmental Sciences, hearing opinions from local farmers and my community will deepen my understanding of the needs of this region.