'Our Gift To The Community': Northbrook Farmers Market Marks 15 Years

NORTHBROOK, IL — Next month, the Northbrook Farmers Market will celebrate a special milestone — 15 years of existence. The market opens for the season on June 21 at the Meadow Plaza Parking lot, Cherry Lane and Meadow Road.

Run entirely by volunteers, the market relies on a group of people that make things happen behind-the-scenes and in front of customers from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Wednesday through Oct. 11.

" It is a labor of love — our gift to the community," Dale Duda, market manager, told Patch. "Also, we have to find our own funding to operate our programs. We solicit corporate sponsorships and grant funding. We have found that people are very supportive and generous."

The Northbrook Farmers Market is operated by Northbrook Farmers Market Association, an all-volunteer, tax-exempt, nonprofit organization incorporated in the State of Illinois. According to Duda, the market is a stand-alone 501c3 charitable organization, "not affiliated with any government or quasi-government body."

Duda said last year's market had more than 21,000 total visits from over 40 different zip codes. According to the market's website, vendors scheduled for 2023 include:

• Azteca Catering Co.
• Cheese People, The
• Eating Well, The
• Farmer Nick's
• Green Spot Farm
• Honey Lake Bee Company
• Katich Breads
• Nuqi Soaps
• Piscasaw Gardens
• Pleasant Hill Produce
• Sharpening By Dave
• Skibbe Farms
• Sunny Harvest Farm
• Tastebudz

"Cherished connections are made, economic activity flourishes, and all are welcome [at the market]," Duda said. "Volunteers, vendors and patrons know each other’s names. Many friendships have been ongoing for years — through recession, pandemic and family evolution.

According to Duda, farm fresh food at the market is available to all income levels through the SNAP matching incentive program. To date, more than $60,000 in free money has been given to those who use assistance benefits.

In addition, the Market has donated more than 80,000 pounds of fresh, nutritious food to the Northfield Township Food Pantry through the generosity of the farmers and the efforts of volunteers who collect and deliver it.

Duda said the market collects countless school supplies, books, household products, coats, and monetary donations for those who need the help. There are also numerous recycling efforts, educational opportunities for children and cooking/nutrition programs.

With regard to volunteering, there are two different levels. One is a board member, who help operate the market by making decisions and taking on responsibilities, according to Duda. The other is as an "Onion Head," a name for Friends of the Farmers Market.

"Most other organizations ask Friends to help raise funds, we do not. We ask 'Onion Heads' to participate in any way they can, whenever they can, such as spreading the word about the market, helping on event days when extra hands are needed, etc.," Duda said. "The application form can be found on our website, or come visit us at the welcome booth."

Volunteers are planning opening day festivities, including giveaways, music, balloon sculpting, face painting and more — all free. There will also be watermelon slices, courtesy of a special cutting ceremony.

"We'd really like for people who haven't been to the market to give it a try, even if they don't consider themselves a 'farmers market person.' It's a wonderful way to take a break from your usual routine, get some fresh air, talk with the folks who grow and produce the food, and try something new. You'll be delighted," Duda said.

To learn more about the Northbrook Farmers Market, visit their website here.