Who We Are
The Chicago Farmers Market Collective (CFMC) was founded in July 2018 by a small group of independent farmers market Managers and Directors operating in the City of Chicago. The intention of the group was to develop more consistent and equitable communications between the markets themselves, as well as with the city, state, and other local food access initiatives.
Today, members include more than 70 folks working with Chicago-based farmers market - directors, managers, staff - and an every-growing group of related partner organizations.
Our Mission
Our mission is to advance the local food economy through a network of community-based farmers markets in the city of Chicago. We envision an equitable, sustainable, local food system in the Chicago region. We are united by our common goal to provide all Chicagoans with access to locally grown, nutrient dense food. We strive to support our markets, communities, vendors, customers, and one another through resource and knowledge sharing.
Join our calls
If you are a farmers market manager in the City of Chicago and would like to join the group, complete the inquiry form below.
The Chicago Farmers Market Collective meets from 10:30 - noon on the first Friday of the month.
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As the 3rd largest city in the country, Chicago has many farmers markets, all of which share the same general mission, to provide their shoppers with locally grown, nutritiously dense food products. Since we all have the same goal in mind, we might as well work together to achieve it! So, each month, we meet via Zoom to share best practices, advice, and solve problems to support our city's local food system.
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Nope! No fee. This group is free and open to all market staff. The more the merrier!
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Unfortunately, this group is meant for Chicago specifically.
If your market is located in Illinois, we recommend reaching out to the Illinois Farmers Market Association. They run a similar call on the first Monday of the month from 12 - 1.
If your market is located outside of Illinois, check out the Farmers Market Coalition for resources.