May 10 - 16, 2023

BENEFITS ARE WITHIN REACH!

Get connected!

The Benefits Access Network helps connect neighbors to food and medical benefits like SNAP and Medicaid in Austin, Englewood and Lawndale. Assistance is free.

WE CAN HELP:

• Determine eligibility for food benefits (SNAP/Link Card) and/or health insurance (Medicaid)

• Provide application support for first-time applicants

• Recertify expiring food or health benefits

• Refer you to resources on WIC, LIHEAP and EITC

Your health shouldn’t be on hold. Our partners can help you avoid delays so you and your family can receive benefits now.

TO LEARN MORE, VISIT: chicagosfoodbank.org/BAN

Benefits Access Network

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Arts & Entertainment Event highlights of the week!

SportsWise MLB speeds up the game with new rules.

Cover Story: Chicago-area Farmers Markets

Farmers Markets are just opening up around Chicago, and our annual guide can help you find the freshest and most interesting produce and prepared foods — in your own neighborhood or farther afield. Plus, take a look at the benefits of mobile markets.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

Compiled by Emma Murphy

Law & Order!

‘The Trial of Socrates’

Nationally renowned attorneys will reenact the most famous court case of ancient Greece, “The People v. Socrates,” at 7 p.m. Monday, May 22 at the Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph St., in cooperation with the National Hellenic Museum (NHM). Was Socrates, the great philosopher, guilty of impiety and corrupting young people in 399 B.C.E.? Or was he merely encouraging free thought? Actor and The Second City alum John Kapelos (The Shape of Water, The Umbrella Academy, The Breakfast Club, Forever Knight) will portray Socrates. Prosecution attorneys Robert A. Clifford (Clifford Law Offices), Dan K. Webb (Winston & Strawn) and Sarah King (Clifford Law Offices) will present the People’s case against Socrates. Defense attorneys Patrick Collins (King & Spalding), Tinos Diamantatos (Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP) and Julie Porter (Salvatore Prescott Porter & Porter, PLLC) will seek to save him from poison hemlock. As was the custom in ancient Greece, audience votes can tip the scale of justice. Tickets are $50 for students, $100 general admission at nationalhellenicmuseum.org/trial or 312.655.1234. Attorneys can register for CLE credit on site.

What A Wonderful World!

‘Immersion: A Fresh(water) Perspective on Biodiversity’

This conversation focuses on the critical freshwater ecosystems and how key partnerships work towards healthier ecosystems for all the organisms, humans included, who rely on them. “Immersion” is an annual event meant to connect people with leading voices in the climate movement. Tickets to this event include a pre-program reception with appetizers and two drink tickets, plus the program, featuring a panel discussion and audience Q+A, as well as access to Oceanarium exhibits until 8:30 p.m. The event is at 5:30 p.m., May 16, at the Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Tickets are $50 at www.sheddaquarium.org/programs-and-events/immersion

Across the Pond!

‘Letters from Home’

This exhibit is a collaborative contemporary art exhibit that brings together artists in Sweden and Chicago who have created original works interpreting a collection of early 20th century letters to Chicago immigrant Emil Olsson from his family in Sweden. This international exchange produced new contemporary artwork interpreting themes present in the Olsson letters that relate to the early Swedish American immigrant experience and the artists’ own experiences with immigration. The exhibit is open until August 13 at the Swedish American Museum, 5211 N. Clark St, Tuesdays through Sundays from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tickets are $6 with information at swedishamericanmuseum.org

The exhibition, “No Rest: The Epidemic of Stolen Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirits,” features 35 original works from 12 collaborating Indigenous artists and will draw attention to the crimes perpetrated against Native women and two-spirit individuals in the United States. Native communities throughout the United States continue to be plagued by the highest violent crime rates in the country. The Mitchell Museum seeks to humanize and honor the lives of Indigenous women and two-spirit individuals. The exhibit is open through September at Mitchell Museum of the American Indian, 3001 Central St., Evanston. Tickets are $6+ at mitchellmuseum.org/no-rest-exhibit

Change the Narrative!

Flipping the Script

Springboard to Success (S2S) ensures a robust college access pipeline for Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) youth to get into college and professional careers. This event showcases S2S students and alums who have flipped the script of what is expected of youth growing up in public housing. Food and drink are provided. During the event, watch a trailer to a short film written and produced by CHA youth and see photography from its college exposure program that will be available in the silent auction from 5:30-8 p.m., May 18, at Six10, 610 S. Michigan Ave. Tickets are $75 at www.s2schi.org/flippingthescript

The Food That Makes Chicago!

Meet the Authors

Authors Monica Eng and David Hammond discuss their book “Made in Chicago: Stories behind 30 Great Hometown Bites.” Chicago is well known for Italian beef and pizza, but Eng and Hammond focus on original Chicago food that you may have never heard of. They present the stories of the people and places behind the food as well as showcase the multicultural history of the city. The event is in-person and on Zoom at 6 p.m., May 11. The free talk will be in Ruggles Hall at The Newberry Library, 60 W. Walton St. with registration at www.newberry.org/calendar/made-in-chicago-stories-behind-30-great-hometown-bites

Find Your Groove!

‘The Afro-Caribbean Jazz Collective’

“The Afro-Caribbean Jazz Collective” led by Jose Guzman, featuring Victor Garcia on trumpet is hosted by the Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center. The band embraces traditional repertoire from Puerto Rican and Cuban songbooks, and incorporates modern jazz harmony and melodic angularity. The performance will be at 8 p.m., May 19, at 4048 W. Armitage Ave. Free reservations at segundoruizbelvis.org

A Chicago Legend!

‘No Blue Memories: The Life of Gwendolyn Brooks’

May is poetry month! Written by Chicago poets Eve L. Ewing and Nate Marshall, “No Blue Memories" is a uniquely staged retelling of Brooks’s life using simple, illuminative paper-cut puppetry by Manual Cinema, set to music composed by Jamila Woods and Ayanna Woods. Gwendolyn Brooks was an icon, a poet laureate, and a Pulitzer Prize winner, but she was also a treasured educator and mentor to the countless writers and children who knew her as their very own “Miss Brooks.” Free screening of the movie from 6-7:30 p.m., May 16 & 18, at the Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State St. Details at chipublib.bibliocommons.com/events

Life is a Cabaret!

Chicago Cabaret Week

Catch the grand opening of the 2nd annual 10-day festival celebrating all aspects of cabaret from the Great American Songbook, Broadway, to French chanson, vocal harmonies, and more on May 12. Shows run through May 21 at Epiphany Center for the Arts, 201 S. Ashland. Tickets are $30+ epiphanychi.com/events

Soul 2 Soul!

‘Broadway Soul’

Memorable and empowering soul songs that transformed musical theater. Join Chicago Cabaret for an evening with soul songs from Broadway musicals through the years, including “Color Purple,” “Ain't Misbehavin',”

“Smokey Joe's Café,” “Porgy and Bess,” and more! Artists include: Arlene Armstrong, Anne Burnell, Evelyn M. Danner, T. Patrick Davis, LaShera Moore Ellis, Lynne Jordan, Ava Logan, Madeline Morgan, Greta Pope, David Stephens, Joyce Denise Thomas, and Gabriel Valentino. The show is one night only at 7:30 p.m., May 15, at The Black Ensemble Theater, 4450 N. Clark St. Tickets are $30+ at chicagocabaret.org

baseball's new rules

Russ: Hello, guys. I think the new rules help speed up the game big-time. In the past, games would last 3+ hours; now, 2 ½ hours. A huge difference. Now, the pitcher must quickly pitch the ball; back in the day, a pitcher would step off the mound, walk around in circles, spit, slowly get back on the mound—one pitch could last 5 minutes! So, I like the new rules to speed up the game. As far as the ghost runner, which is a runner that’s placed on second base to begin an extra inning, all that’s needed is to bunt him over to third; now all that’s needed is a hit, or wild pitch, perhaps a sacrifice fly.

Donald: Listen, it’s hard enough to watch a full game at home, let alone sit out in the elements in tiny seats and either blistering heat or cold rain on some days. So, I’m definitely into the sped-up game.

John: I am as well. I believe the changes are having a very positive effect on baseball. I was riding the CTA Red Line and knew that the Texas Rangers were visiting our Chicago Cubs. It was about 3:40 p.m., and the Cubs had already won a game that started at 1:20 p.m. If this were previous years, the game would’ve lasted until 5 p.m.

Patrick: That’s definitely one of my peeves, even though I remember some of those way-back Cubs games with the Daily Double, Jody Davis, Shawon Dunston, Larry Bowa, etc., lasting forever— and I remember not wanting the games to end. However, on average, I always want a tight, under-3 hours game.

John: You know, the two biggest game changers are the pitch clock and the updated “shift rule.” Russell, you mentioned the pitch clock, and I agree with you that it works. The pitcher must get rid of the ball in 30 seconds or less; this keeps the infielders and outfielders on their toes at all times. Plus, it creates more action at a constant pace, which helps a lot, especially on bad weather days. And, then, there’s the shift rule.

Donald: Now, I missed hearing about the shift-rule changes, but I can dig it.

Russ: Yeah, I’m behind the shift-rule being adjustment. If a ball’s hit out there, sometimes an outfielder—already or shift-created—can throw out the hitter at first.

Patrick: Did the old shift hinder drastically many players? Were there any players that it wouldn’t’ve worked with?

Russ: Well, first know that the new rule sets the team back a little in its movement. Its primary intent is to increase the batting average on balls in play. So, the four infielders must be split into 2 sets of two on opposite sides of second. Once the ball leaves the pitcher’s hands, it’s fair game. But, yeah, a few who were “better” than the old defensive shift: Ted Williams, Tony Gwynn—

John: Barry Bonds. Russ: Yes, and there’re a few others out there who were or are good enough hitters, who

were better than any shift— especially one that incorporates scrambling at the last second.

Patrick: Any last words, team?

John: Let me say that the ghost runner rule only applies in the regular season, and not the postseason. I’m cool with this.

Donald: I like the old-school way of playing the game of baseball, but I’m okay with all the changes.

Russ: Plain and simple, the game is better. Quicker.

Patrick: Agreed. And if anyone wants to learn more about the MLB rule changes/ updates, please visit: https:// www.mlb.com/news/mlb2023-rule-changes-pitch-timerlarger-bases-shifts

Any comments or suggestions? Email pedwards@streetwise.org

Rashanah Baldwin

Vendors Russell Adams, John Hagan and Donald Morris chat about the world of sports with Executive Assistant Patrick Edwards.

Farmers Markets guide 2023

SUNDAYS

95th Street Farmers Market (L)(M)(C)

Longwood Drive, 1835 W. 95th St.

May 7–October 29, 8am–1pm www.95thstreetba.org/farmers-market

Bronzeville City Market (L)(M)(C)

4700 S. King Drive

July 9 – October 15, 10am–2pm Market is managed by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events, and is one of multiple farmers markets in the Bronzeville area. www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/ supp_info/markets.html

Glenwood Sunday Market (L)(M)

On Glenwood, Morse to Lunt, west of CTA Red Line stop at Morse

June 4 - October 29, 9-2 pm except June 25 and August 20

Glenwood Sunday Market is a program of the nonprofit Rogers Park Business Alliance, with a vision to create an equitable, ethical, and secure local food system. www.glenwoodsundaymarket.org

Hyde Park Farmers Market (L)

54th St. and Old Lake Park Ave. (Hyde Park Bank parking lot)

Sundays June 4 - Sept. 24, 9-2 pm

17 vendors are included in the market, ranging from coffee and flowers to skincare or vegetables. The market is supported by the SECC Staff and a dedicated farmers market manager. www.secc-chicago.org/hpfm

Logan Square Farmers Market (L)(M)

Logan Boulevard from Milwaukee Ave. to Whipple St.

May 14 - October 29, 9 am-3 pm

Organized by the Logan Square Chamber of Commerce, this market features 70+ booths, offering both farm goods and prepared foods from Chicagoland. www.logansquarefarmersmarket.org

Jefferson Park Sunday Market

Jefferson Memorial Park, 4818 N. Long Ave.

June 11, 25; July 9, 23; August 13, 27; September 10, 24; October 8, 22, 9:30 am-1:30 pm

June markets traditionally have plant swaps. Performing artists and arts and

crafts vendors are at most markets. www.jeffersonparksundaymarket.com

Northwest Side Farmers Market Collective (NWSFMC)

Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox Ave.

May 21, July 2, September 3, October 15, October 29, 9:30 am-1:30 pm

www.jeffersonparksundaymarket.com/

Maxwell Street Market (L)(C)(M)

800 S. Desplaines St.

May 28 – October 29, 9 am–3 pm

www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/ supp_info/maxwell_street_market.html

North Park Community Market

Parking lot of Peterson Elementary School, 5515 N. Kimball Ave.

May 21; June 11, 25; July 9, 23; August 13; September 10; October 8 10 am-2 pm.

northparkcommunitymarket.org

Pilsen Community Market (L)(M)

18th Avenue & Blue Island: The Eagle, aka Plaza de Tenochtitlan

May 28 - October 29, 9 am-3 pm

pilsencommunitymarket.weebly.com

Compiled by Emma Murphy

(Low-Line Market Facebook photo)

Portage Park Market

4100 N. Long St.

June 4, 18: July 16, 30; August 6, 20; September 3, 17; October 1, 10 am-2 pm

A variety of vendors, including some new ones, will sell produce, meats, baked goods, dairy products as well as prepared foods and specialty items.

Remixing the Narrative Farmers Market

11001 S. Michigan Ave.

August 19, September 23, October 28, 11 am-4 pm

The market will include fresh produce, vendors, free books, cooked food, and demonstrations in the community garden.

www.burstintobooks.org/ farmersmarket

Roscoe Village Farmers Market

Jahn Elementary School, 3149 N. Wolcott Ave.

June 11 - October 8, 8 am-12 pm

Free workouts will be available this year with registration and information at www.lakeviewroscoevillage.org/ rvfarmersmarket

MONDAYS

Edgewater Monday Market

Broadway Armory Parking Lot, 5917 N. Broadway

June 5 - September 25, 3-7 p.m. Doubling in size! It will showcase more than 20 local vendors. New vendors include Call Me Mother, BellaRu Catering, and Three Bees.

www.edgewater.org/programs/ farmers-market

TUESDAYS

Gary Comer Youth Center (L)(M)

7200 S. Ingleside Ave.

June 27 - October 31, 3-6 pm.

Seasonally-picked flowers, herbs and produce grown by Gary Comer students at market across the street from the youth center. The market is entirely run by youth, with workshops and farm tours as well.

www.garycomeryouthcenter.org/services/farmers-market

Lincoln Square farmers market

Lincoln & Leland avenues (adjacent to CTA Brown Line - Western 'L' Station)

May 2 - November 21, 7 am - noon

Offering 40 vendors each week. Connecting local farmers, artisans and food purveyors to the North Side of Chicago. www.lincolnsquare.org/farmers-market

Low-Line Market (L)

CTA Brown Line Southport auxiliary exit

June 6 - October 10, 3-7 pm

The Low Line connects Southport and Paulina in a continuous, half-mile walkway and garden underneath the “L” tracks. Sponsored by the Lakeview Roscoe Chamber of Commerce. www.lakeviewroscoevillage.org/ lowlinemarket

SOAR

Farmers Market

Museum of Contemporary Art Plaza, 220 E. Chicago Ave.

June 6 - October, 7 am-2 pm

Sponsored by the Streeterville Organization of Active Residents (SOAR).

(Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce photo)

Lincoln Square Farmers Market

Growing Solutions Farm Stand Andersonville

WEDNESDAYs

Green City Market Lincoln Park (L)(M)

Lincoln Park, 1817 N. Clark St.

May 3 - October 25, 7 am-1 pm

The market includes dozens of local, sustainable farmers and food producers, and various community programs for all ages.

www.greencitymarket.org/market/ details/lincoln

Growing Solutions Farm Stand

2200 W. Campbell Park Drive

May 10 - October 4, 10 am-2 pm

The farm launched in 2013 as a pilot program consisting of a 900-square foot growing plot. Today the farm has close to 7,000 square feet of growing space. During the summer, the Growing Solutions Farm hosts 20-25 students in the One Summer Chicago jobs program. These students are 16-22 years old with autism or related challenges, and work at the farm and get paid by the City of Chicago. They learn how to harvest food and develop skills in food safety, sanitation, and preparation all while practicing important job skills like following directions, communicating effectively with co-workers and supervisors, and managing and completing tasks. Approximately 90 percent of students who participate in activities at the farm are from low-income families at or below the federal poverty level and experience food insecurity. Every week during the growing season, these students take home a bag of fresh, nutritious produce from the farm. Growing Solutions Farm also donates 20 percent of its harvest each week to Grace Seeds Ministry, which distributes its to food pantries on the West Side of Chicago. The farm also offers an eight-box CSA subscription. Proceeds from these sales directly support vocational programming at the farm. www.urbanautismsolutions.com/ growing-solutions-farm

Andersonville Farmers Market (L)(M)

1500 W. Catalpa Ave. (between Clark & Ashland)

May 10 – October 18, 3-7 pm Weekly/biweekly rotating vendors andersonvillemarket.org

Garfield Ridge Farmers Market

Mayfield Banquets parking lot, 6072 S. Archer Ave.

June 6 - September 27, 3-7 p.m. www.garfieldridgecc.com/ event-3908708

Highwood Evening Gourmet Market

Everts Park, 111 North Ave., Highwood

June 7 - August 30, 4:30-9:30 pm (No market July 5) www.celebratehighwood.org/ highwood-evening-gourmet-market

Pullman City Market (L)(C)(M)

11100 S. Cottage Grove Ave. July 5 – October 25, 7 am–1 pm

Ravinia Farmers Market

Jens Jensen Park, 486 Roger Williams Ave., Highland Park

June 7 – October 25, 7 am–1 pm

45th Anniversary season

www.raviniafarmersmarket.com

Ravenswood Farmers Market

Ravenswood Evangelical Covenant Church parking lot, 4900 N. Damen Ave.

June 14 - October 11, 4-8 pm

Family-friendly live music and free children’s play area, including a bounce house.

ravenswoodchicago.org/signatureevents/farmers-market

Uptown Farmers Market

(L)(M)

Sunnyside Mall (the pedestrian stretch of Sunnyside between Magnolia and Beacon, just a block south of Wilson Ave.)

May 3 - November 1, 2:30-7 pm

uptownfarmersmarket.org

(Urban Autisim Solutions photo)

THURSDAYS

Austin Town Hall City Market (L)(C)(M)

Austin Town Hall Park, 5610 W. Lake St. June 8 – October 27, 1–6 pm www.austintownhallcitymarket.com

Daley Plaza City Market (L)(C)(M)

Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St.

May 11 – October 26, 7 am–2 pm loopchicago.com/listings/chicago-citymarkets-at-daley-plaza

Growing Home Englewood Farm Stand (L)(M)

1844 W. 59th St.

May 4 – October 26, 11-5 pm

All farm stands include cooking demonstrations with free samples and recipe cards for healthy meals. Free farm tours are also available. WIC, SNAP, EBT & Senior Coupons double-valued. www.growinghomeinc.org/our-farms

Lincoln Square farmers market

Corner of Lincoln & Leland avenues

May 4 - October 26, 3-7 pm (no market June 1 or September 7) www.lincolnsquare.org/farmers-market

South Loop Farmers Market

Michigan Ave. & Roosevelt Rd, SE corner, corner of Grant Park in Chicago June 1 - September 28, 4-8 pm 10th anniversary!

www.southloopfarmersmarket.com

FRIDAYS

Growing Solutions Farm Stand

2200 W. Campbell Park Drive

May 12 - October 6, 2-6 pm www.urbanautismsolutions.com/ growing-solutions-farm

Gary Comer Youth Center (L)

7200 S. Ingleside Ave.

June through October, 3-6 pm

Seasonally-picked produce, herbs, and flowers grown and harvested by the center’s youth. Double value for Link and IDHS senior/WIC coupons.

https://www.garycomeryouthcenter.org/ services/farmers-market

SATURDAYS

Plant Chicago (L)(M)

4459 S. Marshfield Ave.

May 7 – October 29, 11am–3 pm

Monthly markets include live music, swapping opportunities, dance and yoga, cooking demos, and more. A variety of Saturday workshops will be taking place simultaneously at the firehouse.

Division Street City Market (L)(C)(M)

100 W. Division St.

May 6 – October 28, 7am–Noon

Englewood Village

Farmers Market (L)(M)

Englewood Village Plaza, southwest corner of Halsted & 58th streets

June 24 - November 4 10 am- 2 pm

(no market on July 1 and Sept. 2) For questions or vendor applications contact connect@growgreater.org

www.growgreater.org

(Andersonville Farmers Market Facebook photo) (Growing Home photo)

Andersonville Farmers Market

Growing Home Englewood Farm Stand

Evanston Farmers Market (L)

1800 Maple Ave. (Oak Avenue & University Place)

May 6 - November 4, 7:30- 1 pm

Free parking is available at the Maple Avenue garage. Parking tickets should be brought to the City of Evanston to validate. Starting in June, the Home Grown Artist area will be expanding to showcase more original art than seen at previous markets.

www.cityofevanston.org/residents/ farmers-market

Garfield Park Neighborhood Market (L)(M)

The Hatchery, 135 N. Kedzie, on the plaza

June 10, 24; July 8, 22; August 12, 26; September 9, 23; October 14, 28, 10am-2pm

www.gpcommunitycouncil.org/ programs/neighborhood-market

Green City Market West Loop (L)(M)

Mary Bartelme Park, 115 S. Sangamon St.

May 6 - November 19, 8-1 pm

At all its venues, Green City Market welcomes the Illinois Link card, an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card for the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps. GCM triple matches the value of Link benefits up to $25 per customer, per market day, so spending $25 at the market is matched with

$50 more. SNAP benefits can be used for food items or seeds and plants that can grow food. They cannot be used for prepared food items such as desserts, pastries and sandwiches.

www.greencitymarket.org/market/ details/west

Green City Market

Lincoln Park (L)(M)

Lincoln Park, 1817 N. Clark St. April 29 - November 19, 7 am-1 pm Green City Market is the first farmers' market in the nation to require all of its farmers to be certified by a nationallyrecognized third party agency. The Chef Connection program offers wholesale pricing to chefs and restaurant buyers from many participating vendors. The market resumes indoors NovemberApril in the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.

www.greencitymarket.org/market/ details/lincoln

Horner Park Farmers Market

2741 W. Montrose Ave., in front of Horner Park Fieldhouse June 3 - October 14, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Live music at every market, under the trees. It is operated by the Horner Park Advisory Council (HPAC). FREE Yoga is offered at 10 am each week in the grassy area adjacent to the market, weather permitting. This year, Kids Day will take place on September 16 with kid-focused music and activities. hornerpark.org/farmers-market

61st St - Experimental Station (L)(M)

6100 S. Blackstone Ave.; 61st Street between Dorchester and Blackstone avenues, and continues on to Blackstone Ave.

May 13 - October 28, 9 am-2 pm

Market is a producer-only, food-only market, so the market offers produce, meat, eggs and prepared foods from local and regional farms. Each week at the Market School tent, individuals, groups and organizations volunteer to engage market customers in conversations about topics like nutrition, sustainability, buying locally, gardening, and living more healthfully.

www.experimentalstation.org/market

The Lincoln Park Farmers Market

Lincoln Park HS parking lot, 2001 N. Orchard St.

April 29 - November 28, 7 am-1 pm

Celebrating its 42nd season, this year’s market has a 30-week calendar running rain or shine. Free parking in the Lincoln Park High School lot.

Mercado de Colores (L)(M)(C)

Manuel Perez Memorial Plaza, 4345 W. 26th St.

June 3 – October 7, 11am–3pm

Nettelhorst French Market

3252 N. Broadway

July - October, 8-2 pm

Developed by a family that runs 80 markets throughout France and brought the French town square market concept to

(Garfield Park Community Council photo)

(Experimental Station photo) (Mercado de Colores Facebook photo)

Garfield Park neighborhood market 61st - experimental station mercado de colores

Northcenter farmers market

Fresh Moves Mobile Market - Urban Growers Collective (L)(M)

The “produce aisle on wheels” works toward closing the ‘food access gap’ by bringing produce to schools, community centers, churches, and health clinics — places that folks already frequent — to make good food accessible in Black and Brown neighborhoods that have been historically disinvested.

MONDAYS:

10 - 11:15 am: Trina Davila Community Services Center, 4300 W. North Ave.

the U.S. nearly 30 years ago, this market offers Parisian flair in the form of foods and drinks, flowers, clothing, arts and crafts, books and jewelry. www.bensidounusa.com/nettlehorst

Northcenter Farmers Market

Northcenter Town Square, 4100 N. Damen Ave.

June 10 - October 28, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. www.northcenterchamber.com/northcenterfarmers-market

Oak Park Farmers Market

Pilgrim Church parking lot, 460 Lake St. (one block west of Ridgeland Ave.)

May 20 - October 28, 7 am-1 pm

www.oak-park.us/our-community/oak-parkfarmers-market

South Loop Farmers Market

632 S. Dearborn St.

May 27 - October 14, 9 am - 1 pm

No market on September 10 10th anniversary!

www.southloopfarmersmarket.com

West Humboldt Park City Market

in partnership with NHS Chicago (L)(M)(C)

3601 W. Chicago Ave.

June 3 – October 7, 10 am–2 pm

Wicker Park Farmers Market (L)(M)

Wicker Park, 1425 N. Damen Ave.

May 7 - October, 9 am-2 pm

Special events vary every week including yoga and breathwork, child/family-centered activities, live music, and interactive artwork.

www.wickerparkbucktown.com/farmersmarket

Noon – 1 pm: North Kostner Health Center, 1520 N. Kostner Ave.

2 - 3:15 pm: Stone Temple Baptist Church, 3622 W. Douglas Blvd.

TUESDAYS:

10 – 11:15 am: Claretian Associates, 3201 E. 91st St.

1 - 1:45 pm: Thresholds South, 734 W 47th St.

2:30 - 3:15 pm: Academy for Global Citizenship, 4941 W .46th St.

WEDNESDAYS:

10 - 11:15 am: Howard Brown Health, 641 W 63rd St.

12:30 -1:30 pm: Dulles Elementary School, 6311 S. Calumet Ave.

2 - 3:15 pm: King Center, 4314 S Cottage Grove Ave.

THURSDAYS:

10 -11:15 am: St. Katharine Drexel Church, 9015 S Harper Ave.

12:30 - 1:30 pm: Komed Holman Health Center, 4259 S Berkeley Ave.

2 - 3:15 pm: Boxville, 332 E. 51st St.

FRIDAYS: 10:30 am - noon: Chicago Family Health, 9199 S. Exchange Ave.

2 - 3:15 pm: Heartland Alliance, 5501 S Halsted St.

www.urbangrowerscollective.org/fresh-moves-mobile-market

(Northcenter photo)

(Urban Growers Collective photo)

How Mobile Farmers Markets impact communities across the United States

by Frederic Laforge

Sure you’ve seen food trucks on TV, or even downtown, but have you ever seen a farmers market on wheels? What makes mobile farmers markets different from food trucks, or even your typical farmers market or stand?

Providing fresh, healthy food directly to food deserts is their goal.

Mobile markets make an economic impact by providing local producers with more retail outlets. They celebrate a culture of healthy cooking from scratch. And they’re a cost-effective way to increase fresh food access for people with the greatest need.

Some mobile markets offer only fruits and vegetables. Others also offer dried staples and frozen meats.

Many mobile markets provide nutrition education through cooking demonstrations, marketing campaigns, and recipe sharing.

A “social enterprise” is a sustainable model for a lot of mobile farmers’ markets. Social enterprises generate revenue, which they use to create social programs in the community.

Mobile Markets’ effect on health and wealth

Food deserts are a challenge in both urban and rural areas where fast food and convenience stores are plentiful. This leads to a false impression about food access: where people are left with little choice but to consume empty calories.

Meanwhile, grocery stores and farmers’ markets tend to be miles away, meaning some sort of transportation is needed.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), lowincome households are more often in underserved areas: 4% of U.S. households are at least half a mile from a store and without a vehicle.

Lack of access to healthy food and abundant fast food contributes to the obesity epidemic. In the U.S., 1 in 5 children, and 1 in 3 adults, are obese.

Fast food is just that – fast, convenient, and cheap. The instant reward of a juicy cheeseburger without prep work or dirty dishes is usually enough to overlook the real cost.

That $1 cheeseburger might seem like a good idea in the moment. But most people don’t think about the $1.7 trillion in lost productivity and healthcare costs because of obesity.

Fortunately, mobile farmers markets are part of the solution. They offer a cost-effective way to bridge the gap in food deserts and to affordably deliver fresh, healthy food.

Food sold at mobile markets is usually competitively priced, with an average markup of only 30%. Not only is it good for consumers’ wallets and their bodies, it helps the economy, too.

Mobile Markets help the larger community

As the saying goes, a rising tide lifts all boats. Consumers are empowered when they can buy fresh, local, healthy food. And they know that much of their money will go back into their community.

Research suggests that on average, 48 percent of each purchase at local independent businesses recirculates locally, compared to less than 14 percent of purchases at chain stores.

That number goes up when mobile farmers markets obtain food locally.

The challenge is that not everyone has equal access. According to Feeding America, 1 in 8 Americans lacks the money to buy basic food staples.

Thankfully, there are programs to help food-insecure Americans, such as the USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

SNAP participants double their dollars through state incentive programs to buy fruits and veggies. This makes it a lot easier for people to make healthy choices instead of processed food from a chain store or restaurant. It’s a win-win for everyone!

Fresh Moves Mobile Market interior (Urban Growers Collective photo).

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Last week's Answers

How StreetWise Works

StreetWise exists to elevate marginalized voices and provide opportunities for individuals to earn an income and gain employment. Anyone who wants to work has the opportunity to move themselves out of crisis.

StreetWise provides “a hand up, not a handout.”

All vendors go through an orientation focusing on their rights and responsibilities as a StreetWise Magazine Vendor. Authorized vendors have badges with their name, picture and current year.

Vendors purchase the magazine for $1.15 and sell it for $3 plus tips. The vendor keeps all of their earnings.

Buy the Magazine, Take the Magazine

When you buy the magazine, take the magazine, and read the magazine, you are supporting our microentrepreneurs earning an income with dignity.

New vendor orientation is every Tuesday and Thursday at 10:00 a.m. at 2009 S. State St. Find your nearest vendor at www.streetwise.org