Neighborhood News: Winter Farmer’s Markets Go Indoors
Farmer’s Markets in the city bring nutrient-dense, fresh farm-to-table produce home to your table, even as Chicago winters pile snow against your door.
And thanks to indoor farmers markets, they’re not just for summer anymore!
Starting this Saturday, January 10, from 8am-1pm, Green City Markets’ GCM Avondale, 3057 N. Rockwell Street, hosts dozens of local, sustainable farmers and food producers, community programs for all ages, and more.
And more than that, they’re dedicated to expanding access to nutritious, local, sustainably-produced food — the market welcomes and matches Link (also known as SNAP or EBT) 2:1 up to $25. When you spend $25 of Link with Green City Market, you automatically get $50 more to spend to make your benefits go further.
Among the many options are Ellis Family Farms’ fruits, vegetables, jam, honey, cider, eggs, and vinegar, Flock & Forage’s artisan breads, honey, cheese, cured meats, fresh fruit and vegetables, dried fruit, jams, pickles, salads, and homemade chips, Hoosier Mama Pie Company’s pies and pastries, and Jake’s Country Meats’ pork, chicken, beef, and fish, among many other vendors. For more information, click here.
On Sunday, January 11, from 12pm – 4pm, the pet-friendly Indoor Farmers Market at Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan Avenue, teams up with the South Loop Farmers Market through Sunday, March 29th, on the center’s Level 4. As Choose Chicago notes, more than 75 local and regional vendors will serve up an eclectic mix of farm- fresh produce, preserved vegetables, artisan cheeses and meats, flavorful snacks and piping-hot lunch options.
There’s lots of entertainment and kid-friendly activities, including DJs, local bands and surprise performances, and an interactive kids’ area with puppets, toys, a kid-sized farmstand and more to encourage playful learning and fun. There’s also a station set up for pet and family-friendly photography.
Special events and workshops such as friend mixers, dating events, chef-led cooking demos and more. Free 2-hour validated parking at Water Tower Place as well! For more information, click here.
The Wicker Park Farmers Market makes its winter home at the at The Robey Hotel, 2018 W. North Avenue. As Secret Chicago notes, they offer a delightful indoor shopping experience on select Sundays through March 30.
Organized by the Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce, the market features over 15 local vendors fresh produce and dairy to vegan treats, organic beauty supplies and custom clothing. You can find Wild Alaskan Fish from Hook Point, a family-run fishery on Kodiak Island, Alaska, John Bailey Honey from Kankakee, healthy snacks from Nuts Over Dates, and so much more! For more information, click here.
Every Saturday through March 28, from 10am-2pm, the Logan Square Farmers Market at the Avondale Collective, 2800 N. Milwaukee Avenue, provides, as one person described it, “a treasure trove of fruits, veggies, and flowers. It is a truly fun spot to explore and buy healthful treats.”
Voted “Best Farmers Market” in Chicago Reader’s, “Best of Chicago 2024” and sponsored by the Logan Square Chamber of Commerce, their vendors include the Mushyface Cookie Co., an all-natural pet treat company, Sfera Sicilian Street Food is serving up Arancini (Sicilian stuffed rice balls,) “the Sicilian street food you never knew you needed,” and Kikwetu Coffee, bringing Kenyan style coffee to Chicago residents. For more information, click here.
Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago
