1. GENERAL INFORMATION AND MARKET EXPECTATIONS
The Portage Park Farmers Market is an entity of Friends of Portage Park, a not-for-profit organization with 501(c)(3) status, and relies on volunteer support from our community. Our market location is provided by the Chicago Park District and all Park District rules and regulations apply to the use of market grounds.
The mission of the Portage Park Farmers Market is to bring locally and regionally produced foods into our community, educating our community about food and sustainability.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
The Portage Park Farmers Market
5544 W. Hutchinson St.
Chicago, IL 60641
portageparkfarmersmarket@gmail.com.
MARKET LOCATION:
Portage Park (city park) near the intersection of Long Avenue & Irving Park Road.
2022 MARKET DATES AND TIMES:
The market will operate the first, third, and fifth (if applicable) Sundays of the month from 10am to 2pm, except for the first Sunday in July (due to the Independence Day holiday). 2022 market days are 6/5, 6/19, 7/17, 7/31, 8/7, 8/21, 9/4, 9/18, and 10/2.
MARKET PRODUCTS:
All items must be homegrown or homemade, from locally owned businesses, unless you have been given approval by the market manager to sell value-added products, in which case your own products must constitute 70% of what you sell. All produce must be grown within a 200-mile radius of zip code 60641.
LEGAL COMPLIANCE; COTTAGE FOOD LAW:
You are solely responsible for ensuring your compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations. If you operate under the Cottage Food Law, all products must be labeled according to the standards of the Cottage Food Law and you must provide a current Sanitation Certificate, as well as proper signage at your table.
VENDOR SET UP:
You may set up any time after 8:30 AM. Clean up should NEVER begin before 2pm and you are expected to stay for the entire market. You are responsible for leaving the site free of debris.
VENDOR BOOTHS AND DISPLAYS:
Vendors are responsible for their own booths, including chairs, tables, tents, etc., and must bring adequate weighting for tents, tables, etc. Vendors must display business name, address, and product prices at all times.
SMOKING/TOBACCO
No smoking or use of tobacco is permitted in the market area.
TAX ID:
All vendors must have a valid Illinois Sales Tax Number. Applications will not be considered complete without this.
VENDOR INSURANCE:
Vendors are required to provide a certificate of insurance evidencing that the vendor has public liability insurance covering market activities in the amount of at least $1,000,000 for the duration of the 2022 market season. The certificate must list The Chicago Park District as additionally insured.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
The market is an open-air event. Our policy is not to close markets due to weather unless we determine that it will be unsafe for vendors and attendees. The market will operate rain or shine unless the rare occasion occurs where we do experience severe weather or lightning that makes it potentially dangerous to be outside. We rely on local weather reports and the guidance of the City of Chicago Park District. In the event that there is inclement weather, the Market Manager will determine if the market will open and/or remain open. Vendors will be notified through email.
CODE OF CONDUCT
All members of the Portage Park Farmers Market community are expected to:
Be inclusive - The Portage Park Farmers Market embraces and supports people of all backgrounds and identities. This includes, but is not limited to, members of any sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, social and economic class, education level, color, immigration status, sex, age, size, family status, political belief, religion, and mental or physical ability. We ensure that our work is inclusive, approachable, and obtainable. We believe everyone has the right to nourishing local food — and work to provide access to everyone regardless of zip code or income level. We value diversity and are committed to listening, learning, examining, and acting on the ways we can ensure our work reflects the diversity of the communities that we serve.
Be connected - Collaboration and connectedness is centered in the approach to our work. We are community-minded and understand that our connected actions need to work together for the success of our organization. The results of our work are strengthened by listening to our community’s lived experiences.
Be respectful - All members of the PPFM community should respect one another. We do not allow any kind of discriminatory behavior, harassment or victimization. Harassment includes bullying, intimidation, direct insults, malicious gossip, and victimization.
We cannot provide an exhaustive list of disrespectful behavior, but here are some examples that we consider to be disrespectful behavior:
- Rude, impolite, or ill mannered attitude or actions toward others;
- Vulgar language including insults, swearing, name-calling, or slanderous remarks;
- Gossiping, or untruthful communication;
- Threats of violence;
- Discriminatory jokes and language;
- Personal insults and microaggressions, especially those using racist or sexist terms;
- Non-consensual touch;
- Unwelcome sexual attention; to include but not limited to sharing sexually explicit or violent material via electronic devices or other means;
- Advocating for, or encouraging, any of the above behavior.
Be communicative - Constructive, timely, solutions-oriented communication is the pillar of understanding and the first step of forward action. PPFM expects everyone to first assume positive intent in any given situation. We call each other into conversation rather than calling one another out.
Our work extends beyond our physical farmers markets. As valued members of the PPFM community, all are expected to act in coordination with this community commitment whenever engaged with or representing the organization.
