Healthy eating is an essential part of life with so many benefits. It may help you live longer, boost your outer appearance, support a strong immune system, and can prevent many diseases. The surge for revamping healthy lifestyles kicks in during the summer months. Exercise and preparing healthier meals are the focus for many, and lucky for many Chicagoans Farmer’s Markets are open and ready to serve the city.
Merril Miller, Manager of the Jefferson Park Sunday Market stressed the importance of these local neighborhood markets, saying, “Healthy food makes for a healthy body. It’s important to have fresh food available from the farmer to the table because food is a lot fresher, it retains more nutrients and will keep more flavor. Farmer’s Markets are important because supporting local farms helps increase diversity in products, helps maintain the flavor and nutrients for food and we need biodiversity in food products. Farmers’ markets also help smaller producers to stay in business.”
Aaron Ross, the Executive Director of the 95th Street Business Association, says it’s important for consumers to educate themselves and access healtier food choices.
“Produce is much more affordable at Farmer’s Markets for consumers, and you can’t beat the overall experience of them. The educational aspect is also very important. Having markets in the city gives consumers a chance to talk to the farmers and learn more about fruit and veggies they may not know about. It’s also important for people to know where their food comes from and have a chance to interact with farmers who grow it.”
If you’re looking for a Farmers Market to visit this summer, take a look at the list below for some options.
Jefferson Park Sunday Market
4818 N. Long Ave.
June 12 – October 23 (2nd and 4th Sunday of each month), 9:30am-1:30pm Some of the participating vendors at the Jefferson Park Sunday Market include Artisan Bread Company, City Bee Savers, Mindful Baking and Stamper Cheese.
jeffersonparksundaymarket.com/
Edgewater Monday Market (L)
5917 N. Broadway
June 6 – August 29, 3–7pm On Monday’s, join the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce as they present Monday Markets. Featured vendor include Farmer Nick’s, Nature’s Enterprise LLC, Parra Farms and Second Fridge Co.
www.edgewater.org/programs/farmers-market/
Gary Comer Youth Center Market (L)
7230 S. South Chicago Ave.
June 21 – October 28, 3–6pm On Tuesday’s and Friday’s join the Gary Comer Youth Center Market for fresh salad mixes, cooking greens, onions, summer squash and herbs. They will also feature farm and garden tours, plus a variety of youth crafted products.
www.garycomeryouthcenter.org/services/farmers-market
Pullman City Market
11100 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
July 6 – October 26, 7am–1pm. Join the Pullman City Market every Wednesday for fresh fruit and vegetables. This is a City of Chicago managed market that accepts the Illinois EBT Link Card.
https://www.localharvest.org/pullman-city-market-M1978
Austin Town Hall City Market
5610 W. Lake St.
June 9 – October 27, 1–6pm Join the Austin Town Hall City Market on Thursdays for fresh fruit and veggies. This is a City of Chicago managed market that accepts the Illinois EBT Link Card.
https://www.localharvest.org/austin-town-hall-city-market-M1968
For a complete listing of Farmer’s Markets throughout the city visit the Chicago City Markets 2022 Schedules website.
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/markets.html
Liz Lampkin is a Lifestyle, Love and Relationships writer. Follow her on social media @Liz_Lampkin.
About Post Author
