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URBANA — Between last year's recall of China-made pet food and the recent salmonella outbreak in tomatoes, some think there isn't a lot of food fit for man or beast.

That's what prompted Virginia Stotler, of Mechanicsburg, to set up shop at the Champaign County Farmers' Market with an unusual product — homemade dog biscuits.

"I started making them for my black lab during the China scare when dogs were in so much trouble," she said.

The Farmers' Market had its grand opening Saturday, June 21, on Market Street behind the Municipal Building, with 16 booths selling homemade jam, biscotti, and fresh fish.

Lonny LeFever, president of the Farmers' Market, is also a champion of food safety — on the human side.

LeFever said he organized the market so consumers would have a place to go for fresh produce, free of chemicals or contaminants.

"I've had cancer four times so I'm very careful about what food I eat," he said.

Most people don't know that on average, food travels about 1,600 miles to its destination, said LeFever.

"How many hands have touched it in that time?" he said. "Here, you know where it's coming from."

Vendors can inquire about participation by calling LeFever at (937) 726-7668.

Farmers' Market

When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturdays through Oct. 31

Where: Market Street in Urbana, behind the Municipal Building

Admission: Free