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The USDA reports there are 290 certified farmers markets in
Illinois, from Carbondale to Bloomington to the Chicago area.
USDA Under Secretary Jenny Lester Moffitt said farmers markets
play a vital role in providing access to fresh, locally grown
produce and other agricultural products while supporting the
health and well-being of communities.
“They are playing such an essential role in our local food
economy, regional food development, American agriculture, and
they are a really incredible economic driver and social drivers
in communities as well,” Moffitt told The Center Square.
Moffitt notes that this is National Farmers Market Week, a
chance to highlight the growth and impact of farmers markets and
their importance to communities.
There are dozens of farmers markets in the Chicago area that run
every day of the week. The most well known is the Maxwell Street
Market. It was started as an impromptu market in the late 19th
century by newly arrived Jewish residents from Eastern Europe.
Moffitt said the USDA can assist Illinois communities without
farmers markets to get the ball rolling.
“Whether it might be establishing a new farmers market in
perhaps a small, rural community or an urban community that
doesn’t have access to fresh produce,” said Moffitt.
The Illinois Farmers Market Association was founded in 2012 to
connect the growing number of Illinois farmers markets, market
managers, producers, and consumers and provide coordinated
resources, technical services, and training to ensure the
continued sustainability of Illinois farmers markets.
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