Though fall is now here, City Hall is reminding Chicagoans that they can still visit many of Chicago’s farmers markets through October, and a new online map is now available to help shoppers find and take advantage of the markets.
The map, announced by Mayor Rahm Emanuel Saturday, includes both city-run and independent markets, a release from the mayor’s office said.
More than 20 markets remain open through the end of October, including the downtown markets at Daley Plaza through October 20, and the Federal Plaza market, which is open through October 25.
“We want to help families take advantage of our city’s Farmers Markets well into the fall,” Emanuel said. “These markets help encourage healthy eating and support locally grown produce, which is good for both Chicago’s residents and the economy.”
The new online map indicates which markets are still open through October and also indicates which markets accept the LINK card, the debit card for recipients of the Federal SNAP (formally known as Food Stamps) program offered through the State of Illinois. Nine of the 12 city-run markets that are open through October accept the LINK card, through the efforts of the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services. Five other independently-run markets also accept the LINK card.
“By keeping the markets open later in the year we are able to provide great food to our residents and a pleasant way to gather with other Chicagoans,” Michelle T. Boone, Commissioner of the City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, which oversees the Farmers Market program, said.
Many produce items are still in season, including the popular Honeycrisp apple, broccoli, blueberries, corn, pears, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes. A complete seasonality chart is available on the Farmers Market Web site, www.chicagofarmersmarkets.us.
The Chicago’s Farmers Markets Program began as a one day a week pilot program at Daley Plaza in 1979.
