Farmers Markets Stay Strong in 2021

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(May 9, 2021 – Feature photo by Bob Benenson) Are we out of the woods yet? I am not talking about my drive on the ninth hole. I am referring, of course, to the COVID-19 pandemic. And the answer, right now, is “not quite”. Actually, “we don’t know” is just as accurate. We are still learning how the virus is spread. We’re still dealing with variant strains. The crisis continues, unabated, in countries like India. But there’s one important thing we do know. Being outdoors is generally safer than being indoors. That’s good news for farmers markets and local food.

A year ago, if you remember, few people knew how safe it was to participate in any kind of activity, indoors or out. Farmers markets were slow to open. Some decided against it at all. There were worries that small farmers would take a massive hit. And then, something interesting happened. Folks realized that, in the midst of a pandemic, it was important to eat healthy. Farmers markets and small farmers actually saw upticks in sales. So did food co-ops, as we discussed a few weeks ago. There were other benefits as well.

…the role of farmers’ markets morphed during the pandemic, shifting from a fun social event and highlighting their place as an essential source of food that for many was safer than indoor grocery stores. The markets also emerged as a much-needed sales channel for farmers and food makers who lost their foodservice business overnight as restaurants, schools and offices locked down in early 2020. 

There were lessons along the way, as farmers who had been holding back on embracing digital technology discovered the value online sales could play in both generating revenue and forming customer relationships.

Even with continuing uncertainty, those lessons are carrying over into 2021. With the State of Illinois in Phase 4 of COVID-19 awareness, the Illinois Farmers Market Association has issued its guidelines for this season. Not surprisingly, they look very much like the 2020 protocols, including masks, social distancing and touchless payments.

Local Food Forum promotes farmers markets

Just a few short weeks ago, Local Food Forum was born. Creator Bob Benenson is a friend of show, who worked with us when he did communications for FamilyFarmed. He confesses, “I am passionate about local food.” He describes his new venture this way.

Local Food Forum is Chicago’s local food community newsletter. We connect people who have a strong interest in healthier food — produced sustainably and LOCALLY — with farmers, farmers markets, chefs, food/health advocates, school and community gardens, start-up local food companies, food access and food as economic development advocates and Chicago-region craft beverage makers.

He also notes that he will post entertaining features and lots of pretty pictures. “It’s food. No reason to be stodgy,” he adds. There’s also practical information about the local food scene, like lists of local farmers markets in and around Chicago. Paid subscriptions are a great value at $5 a month or $50 a year. Free subscriptions are also available.

On today’s show, Bob Benenson is joined by farmers market manager Elsa M. Jacobson. Elsa currently manages The Lincoln Park Farmers Market, celebrating its 40th anniversary season, and the Lincoln Square Farmers Market on Tuesdays and Thursdays. As of just last week, she also manages the new start-up Uptown Farmers Market, sponsored by the food co-op Chicago Market. Jacobson additionally vends for Phoenix Bean tofu at the Logan Square Farmers Market and the Glenwood Sunday Market.