Oak Park Farmers’ Market Celebrates Resiliency During Coronavirus

OAK PARK, IL—The Oak Park Farmers’ Market is celebrating National Farmers’ Market Week by recognizing the resiliency of the vendors, shoppers and local staff who have helped keep the market going during its 45th season despite the many challenges brought on by the global pandemic.

This year, the National Farmers' Market Week campaign is centered on the essential role that farmers’ markets play in the food system as demonstrated by the coronavirus pandemic. Village officials said the Oak Park Farmers’ Market has been at the forefront of adapting rapid solutions and innovation to protect staff, customers, and community.

According to village officials, to ensure safety, the Oak Park Market stretches over three public streets to allow for ample social distancing and safety thanks to the hard work of the staff from the Public Works Department, Department of Public Health, Development Customer Service Department, Village Manager’s Office, Market Manager, Oak Park Police Department and more than 125 volunteers.

This season, village officials said the focus is on local and fresh food rather than special events or socializing. The new temporary location begins at Lake Street and Scoville Avenue with shoppers walking in one direction and exiting at East Avenue and Lake Street.

The Oak Park Farmers' Market began in 1976 with just one farmer, and currently hosts 23 vendors in the live market and 18 vendors online for pre-orders and pickups on our virtual Farmers' Market.

Pre-orders are offered with curbside pickup in the Pilgrim Church parking lot every Saturday with contact-free placement in vehicle trunks for those in the high-risk category who need to avoid the live Market.

The SNAP/LINK grant-funded program has been successful with matching dollar coupons offered with each purchase, village officials said. SNAP participants also may order online for contact-free pick-ups - click here for more details.

Midwest vendors are selling a wide variety of products, including non-GMO sweet corn, Michigan peaches, heirloom tomatoes, meat from organic pasture-raised animals, eggs, artisan breads, vegetables, fruit, organic grains and flours, award-winning small batch cheeses, preserves, specialty food items, organic eggs, plants, honey and flowers.

Hundreds of pounds of produce also have been donated to Beyond Hunger. In addition, Shawnash Institute has purchased wholesale fresh sweet corn from the farmers and distributed bushels to five local non-profits.

The Oak Park Farmers' Market is open from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. rain or shine every Saturday through October. For more information, visit www.oak-park.us/farmersmarket, call 708.358.5780 or email farmersmarket@oak-park.us.