RIP: Chicago Locavores

The keeper of Chicago Locavores, Nina Interlandi Bell, delivered some sad news to my inbox today.

She’s had it with all the blood, sweat and tears that she poured into growing this free resource for those looking for ways to take advantage of local produce, CSAs and restaurants that support sustainable food systems.

I don’t know the exact breaking point. But I suspect it came as the group tried to delve into programming. Anyone who’s done even small-scale event planning knows how difficult it can be, even with a strong organizational infrastructure behind you.

In her note today, she says, “Although I still believe there is a need and a place for a membership group such as this, it appears that my eyes were a bit bigger than my stomach! The transformation from online group to non-profit, site maintenance, and programs have proved too overwhelming for me at this point.”

The good news is that Chicago Locavores will remain, with all the resources she’s accumulated, on the Web and in the form of a blog.

Nina has had a tremendous influence on me and others interested in slow food, Chicago style. She deserves credit for facilitating untold numbers of farm-to-table connections.

I look forward to more of that, at her own pace, on her blog.