Founded by Lloyd and Doreen Nichols, the Nichols Farm & Orchard is a marvel in variety and sustainability. The farm grows over 900 different types of fruits and vegetables. Inspired by Lloyd’s curiosity and exploratory spirit, if it can be grown in Northern Illinois, the farm has grown it! Nichols Farm & Orchard is certified by Food Alliance, a rigorous third-party audit process, and their commitment to sustainability is evident in all steps of their process. The students love the variety of apples served as an option for morning snack. The snack helpers and their classmates have an opportunity to experience all the different types available and learn their favorites. There are no better apples in the state.

Image courtesy of Nichols Farm & Orchard

King Arthur Baking Company has been providing the country with their superior flours since 1790, and they hold a very special spot for Monarch and our breads. King Arthur’s passion and generosity in sharing so much knowledge of the baking arts to so many is a model we’d like to emulate in what we do. As they state on their site, their “commitment to environmental stewardship has long been a key piece in King Arthur’s company mission. As a certified B Corporation, we've been transparently measuring our environmental impact against rigorous standards since 2007. And as the world evolves, so does our approach.”

Image courtesy of King Arthur Baking Company

Another amazing farm & story of the evolution of an American family farm whose legacy is now continued by two chefs, John and Halee Wepking. Having been introduced to Meadowlark through their grain share, we’ve come to adore the Red Flint Cornmeal, beans, and whole grains for use in multiple recipes. Their commitment to regenerative grain farming is an inspiration. Thank you, Chefs!!

Image courtesy of Meadowlark Organics

Wanda Farm is a small regenerative family farm located in Harvard, IL. Their mission is “to produce wholesome, nutrient dense food with regenerative farming practices and connect 10,000 families to their farmer.” Monarch is privileged to be one of those 10,000 in procuring whole eggs, chicken and beef.

Image courtesy of Wanda Farm

Janie’s Mill is an Organic Farm and Stone Ground Mill located south of Chicago in Ashkum, IL. Their flours are remarkable and a favorite to use in many of our baked snacks & breads. Touring the facility and meeting the team, we feel fortunate to have this amazing product available.

Image courtesy of Janie’s Mill

We are so lucky to have found this favorite hyper-local farmer. Hershy Farms is a third generation beef farm in Woodstock (…not that Woodstock, the other Woodstock, home to the Groundhog Day movie), who raise and grow their own cattle on the farm. They are transitioning to regenerative practices. We are excited to witness their continued evolution and enjoy their delicious beef along the way.

“The Common Market” is a nonprofit food distributor founded on very basic principles: Access to good, affordable food is a fundamental human right and that the people who grow our food deserve to be paid and treated fairly – and that these two ideas need not be mutually exclusive.”

Founded by Haile Johnston and Tatiana Garcia-Granados in 2008, this newcomer to the Great Lakes region has proven that their practices align with their principles.

Monarch is grateful for their high-quality local and regional suppliers, like Mick Klug Farms, Beeler’s Pure Pork, Farmers Hen House, Country View Dairy, Farmhouse Kitchens Cooperative, and Red Barn Dairy. We are excited to try new products as they continue to build their relationships and are impressed by the operational excellence that enables the practice of their principles.