Surrounded by farms, we have a number of opportunities to buy eggs fresh from the source
There’s nothing like the taste of a farm fresh egg, and we’re lucky enough here in Champaign-Urbana to have many ways to get them. If you haven’t had a farm fresh egg, then have you really ever eaten an egg? The yolks are richer and brighter, the taste is immensely superior, and best of all – they are fresher (days old versus who-knows-how-old at the typical grocery store).
With the recent increase in keeping backyard chickens, there is more opportunity than ever to get eggs that have been raised nearby, within days of being produced.
If you don’t know where to start your hunt for farm fresh eggs in or around Champaign-Urbana, don’t fret. We have ideas! We haven’t tasted eggs from ALL of these places, so understand mentions are NOT endorsements.
Please be aware that eggs are more seasonal than we would like to believe. Fresh eggs are harder to come by in the winter.
Markets/Retail
Common Ground Food Co-Op, Urbana
Open Daily. Common Ground sources local eggs from as close as Mansfield, and always has several options available.
Farmers Markets
Of course many vendors at area farmers markets sell eggs. Lucky for us, we have markets almost every day of the week. At Urbana’s Market at the Square, vendors with fresh eggs include Moore Family Farms and Triple S. Our advice: if you want eggs, go early.
Market Wagon
This online retailer sources foods directly from farmers all over the Midwest, and delivers it to your door. In addition to chicken eggs, duck eggs and quail eggs are available (via a specialty farm in Normal). Read all about this unique business in our profile of Market Wagon here.
Prairie Fruits Farm
No, goats don’t lay eggs. Last time we checked. But you can often find farm fresh eggs at the Prairie Fruits Farm store. Eggs are typically from others in the area, such as Joyful Wren Farm (see below).
University of Illinois Meat Sales Room
This popular foodie hangout sells locally raised meats as well as eggs. White, brown and specialty eggs are available in large flats of 30 eggs each. These are “nest-run” eggs.
Individual Farms
Delight Flower Farm
Located in rural Champaign, their seasonally operating farmstand sometimes offers fresh eggs in addition to flowers and occasional produce. Check their Facebook page for updates/details.
Joyful Wren Farm
Located in rural Champaign at Duncan and Monticello Roads, its farm stand is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to “duskish” — but check the website for confirmation and updates.
Joy of Illinois Farm
Offers eggs by the dozen; check the website for information about availability. Also sells an egg “share”, a CSA program which operates like a subscription; runs from March through November. Joy of Illinois Farm is located in rural Champaign.
Slifer Farm
In rural Champaign, the Slifer family stocks its self-serve farmstand with eggs as well as “extras from their garden” such as blackberries, gooseberries, currants, plums, tomatoes, peppers, and flowers. Follow on social media to monitor availability. Honor system payments in cash box or through Venmo.
Sonrise Farms
Located in Penfield in Vermilion County, Sonrise Farms sells eggs in addition to many other farm fresh products. Regular store hours on Wednesdays and Saturdays; Monday-Friday afternoons the store is open by appointment.
Stierwalt Family Farms, Sadorus
This family raises true free-range chickens to provide high-quality eggs. Check its Facebook page for availability, deals and events.
TM Horse Haven, Tolono
TM Horse Haven is a local nonprofit dedicated to providing a safe space for people to rest, restore, and renew. Sign up for “Egg-celent A.M. Adventures” to collect the eggs yourselves, or purchase a dozen eggs while you are out at Horse Haven for another experience.
Two Acre Farm, Mahomet
This small hobby farm occasionally offers eggs for sale, typically via its Facebook page.
Do you know of other farms or locations where you can buy farm fresh eggs in the Champaign-Urbana area? Email editor@chambanamoms.com.
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