With a mission statement to: improve the availability of a diverse range of high quality foods, to connect local producers and farmers to chefs, restaurateurs, and the public and to support local small family farms and promote a healthier society through education and appreciation for local, fresh, sustainably raised produce and products, The Green City Market is the place to purchase all of your groceries in one stop. Running every Wednesday and Saturday from 7am to 1pm from May 1st to October 26th, as a resident you can’t help but wander into the largest Farmer’s Markets in all of Chicago.
The Green City Market
The Green City Market is celebrating it’s 12th anniversary and is a non-profit Farmer’s Market in the neighborhood of Lincoln Park. According to Alice Wasters, an industry leader, the market is “the best sustainable market in the country.” With an ever-growing clientele base and farmers joining every month, this market is truly the place to shop and become acquainted with fresh, local food and the growers. In addition to fresh produce, you can purchase food already made such as grilled cheeses and freshly baked bread to take home. The story of The Green City Market goes far back and Abby Mandel, the chef and inventor of the market, visited Europe in 1988 for inspiration to create it. Currently a year round Farmer’s Market, The Green City Market has seen 175,000-200,000 visitors in one season alone!
With a huge selection of produce that ranges from blueberries to wheat grass, The Green City Market has everything and anything you could ever want for your monthly menu. In addition to featuring farmers that grow and supply fruits and vegetables, the market showcases baked goods, dairy, flowers and plants, meats and poultry, and prepared foods. Matt’s Urban Garden has been serving Chicago since 1917. Providing perennials and annuals, this garden is a small example of the many flower providers to choose from. Fresh fruit sodas can be found and enjoyed from Seasons Soda and you can even get your knives sharpened by Sharpening by Dave. Fresh maple syrup, homemade crackers, and even seasonal pies are at your disposal when browsing the market and before long as you order a batch of fresh strawberries, you’ll remember why you live in Chicago and specifically Lincoln Park.