Keeping It Local

The Market, this time of year, can almost function as a one-stop shop.

Not pictured: the vast amount of other fruits and vegetables at the Market, the Market's bread, flour, and pasta offerings. The meat, cheese, honey, and eggs aren't pictured, either (we can't get to everything!). You can get flowers for your table, and gifts for your guests. There are clothes and soaps. There are treats for your pet and treats for yourself. And all of it is grown, prepared, or otherwise handmade by Illinois vendors. Come see us this weekend - community groups and performers will be out as well to round out the Market


Urbana's Market at the Square is also a big supporter of other markets - the more local foods and goods available in the community, the better. Our Market isn't alone out there. 


Tuesdays, Market vendor Prairie Fruits Farm opens its farm just north of town to the public, offering not just their cheeses and gelato, but also produce from Blue Moon Farm and breads from Pekara Bakery & Bistro. Visitors can also hang with the goats and check out the farm. This on-farm market runs from 3-7 each Tuesday. More information can be found at their website.


Also on Tuesdays, the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District offers up a small farmers market at their facility on Kenyon Road in Champaign. For more information, call 217-352-7961.


Wednesdays, Market vendor Kleiss Produce sets up their market, with others, in the Country Fair Shopping Center on Mattis in Champaign. Click here for more information. They're there from 7 AM - 1 PM.


Thursdays, the University of Illinois' Sustainable Student Farm sells its farm-grown produce at their stand on the Quad, just south of the Union, starting at 11 AM and running until 5 PM or sellout. Drop by and check out their produce - Zack and his crew are always happy to talk about what they're up to at the farm.


Also on Thursdays, there's the Historic North First Street Market near downtown Champaign. This afternoon market runs from 3-7 PM and is perfect for some post-workday shopping. This market runs through the last Thursday in August.


Markets are a fantastic opportunity to meet face-to-face with people producing your food and other goods. We hope you make ours a stop this Saturday - the last Saturday in July!