Products must have proper labeling when required by local, state or federal authorities

The resale of agricultural products is prohibited.

The market manager reserves the right to refuse the sale of any product, especially where prohibited by state or local laws or legislations. 

All meat products brought to market must be raised by the vendor. Animals not raised from birth must have been raised the majority of the its life span by farmer/Vendor

All items must be packaged and properly labeled and kept frozen at the time of slaughter and remain frozen until sold

Product temperature must be maintained in a frozen state checked throughout the market. Insulated coolers and freezers must meet Cook County Health Department standards.

Meat, meat products, poultry and poultry products offered for sale at farmers markets must bear an IDOA or USDA inspection legend and other required labeling (product description, ingredients) on every container/package. 

All meat vendors are required to provide proper certification from Illinois Department of Agriculture and Cook County Health Department.

Dairy and cheese must be held at a constant forty degrees Fahrenheit temperature and must have Cook County Health Department permits. 

Vendors must comply with state regulations for egg production and selling including packaging and labeling requirements. 

Vendors must provide a State of Illinois Egg License. 

Eggs must be held at 40 degrees Fahrenheit after harvesting, during transportation, and at market. 

Used consumer containers are prohibited.

Please read and understand the new Home to Market Act: https://www.ilstewards.org/policy-work/illinois-cottage-food-law/   

Producers who are not growers are strongly encouraged to incorporate products from local growers/producers

All value added products must follow public health labeling, permitting, and other requirements pertaining to processed products. This includes proper signage on vendors tables.  

A cottage food placard must be prominently displayed at the point of sale that states: “This product was produced in a home kitchen not inspected by a health department that may also process common food allergens. If you have safety concerns, contact your local health department.”

Food Service Sanitation Manager Certification (FSSMC)

Annual registration in the county in which the person resides including fees paid.

Honey must be produced by bees kept and or managed by the vendor. Honey must not be adulterated.

All ingredients must be FDA approved

Labels must include all ingredients and contact information

No resale of items is permitted

Vendors must make their own products

Pet food is regulated by the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA). The Bureau of Agricultural Products Inspection is responsible for overseeing compliance with the Illinois Commercial Feed Act, including the licensing of manufacturers or distributors of pet foods and registration of their products before distribution in the state. Anyone who wishes to make homemade pet food for distribution also must comply with these requirements and follow rules on pet food labeling.

Complaints must be in writing and brought to the attention of the Market Manager, who will attempt to resolve the issue. If the problem cannot be resolved, the concern will be presented to the Executive Director and Board for review and possible action. 

The following are causes for denial or loss of vendor selling privileges:

Failure to pay fees

Violation of any rules as specified in the policies. 

Disruptive or abusive conduct or language.  

Verified written complaints against a vendor showing reasonably conclusive evidence that said vendor has practiced deception by displaying or selling merchandise packaged to misrepresent the quality or condition of, or production practices of the merchandise, or that said vendor has given false information regarding the origin, variety, quality, condition or value of merchandise are grounds for dismissal from EWFM with no refunds of fees paid and removal from future participation in the Market. 

Vendor fees will not be refunded if the vendor is terminated.

SNAP dollars may be used for: breads, baked goods, fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, dairy products, honey, jams, salsa, seeds and plants intended to grow food.

SNAP may not  be used to purchase hot foods, jewelry, pet food, soaps, cosmetics, lotions, pottery, and other nonfood items. If a vendor accepts SNAP for non-qualifying products, they will not be reimbursed.

SNAP dollars must be marked for the Edgewater Farmers Market only;  the vendor will not be reimbursed if the vendor accepts SNAP from another market.

SNAP dollars come in $1, $5, and $10 increments–change (cash) cannot be given back for purchases with SNAP. All items must be rounded up or down to the nearest dollar amount. SNAP purchases are not charged state or federal tax.

Advertising that you can accept SNAP dollars will help increase sales: we have "SNAP accepted here" signs that we can provide vendors available at our info booth. 

Once approved to be in the market, all vendors must provide proof of liability insurance prior to vending at the market in the form of a "Certificate of Insurance" listing the following as "additional insured": Edgewater Farmers Market: 5917 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60660.

This document may be emailed directly from your insurance provider to naketa@edgewater.org. 

Policy minimum is $300,000. 

It is the law that vendors report and submit sales tax for products sold at the market. It is the vendors responsibility to make sure they are paying all local and state agencies at the proper percentages when applicable. Edgewater Indoor Market does not collect sales tax. Taxes are payable to the Illinois Department of Revenue.