Ridgeville Park District's Farmers' Market Offers "Buy Local" Pre-ordering
The Ridgeville Park District's Famers' Market in south Evanston is Evanston's only weeknight market, open Wednesdays from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. and is located at 908 Seward St.
Evanston residents can take advantage of their "Buy Local" Pre-ordering program and even have the option of either picking up their orders or having them delivered. Residents can avoid the $3 delivery charge by registering for the program before May 1.
What is it?
An opportunity for residents to “buy local” and avoid a mid‐week trip to the supermarket for fresh fruits and vegetables.
Why do this?
Supporting local farmers helps build sustainable communities and helps reduce Evanston’s overall carbon footprint.
How does it work?
Residents commit to buying approximately $20 worth of fresh produce for a certain number of weeks. Every Wednesday, between the hours of 4:30‐6pm, they will receive a biodegradable bag filled with 4‐5 different fruit/vegetable offerings from local growers who participate in Ridgeville’s Farmers’ Market. The items can either be delivered to residents at their homes, or they can be picked up by residents who don’t want to actually get out of their car and shop, and would rather have the items placed in their vehicles on their way home.
How do I know what kind of fruits/vegetables I will receive?
The assortment of produce will be based on the seasonal offerings of our growers. There will be an opportunity for buyers to “veto” any fruit or vegetable due to a particular preference or food allergy, however, they will not be able to make a specific grocery list of items to receive.
What if I don’t like the offerings I receive?
We will do our best to ensure that all of the items you receive are of the same (or better) quality of those you might find at a supermarket. With regards to the specific offerings, however, buyers must be willing to sample a variety of fruit and vegetable options, and cannot be too picky about whether or not they receive a specific item on a given week. Needless to say, flexibility is a requirement for participating in this program.
Does this mean that the Farmers’ Market is turning into some sort of co‐op?
Not at all. The Farmers’ Market will continue to operate from 3:30‐dusk on Wednesday afternoons. We want the Market to be an event in which neighbors, farmers, vendors, non‐profits, and artists can interact in a festive atmosphere that strengthens our bonds as a community. The pre‐ordering system is designed primarily for people who aren’t currently able to take advantage of the Market’s offering and have desire to buy local and support local growers.
Order form and more at www.ridgeville.org/farmers-market.