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THIRD-PARTY CERTIFICATION

Green City Market is dedicated to lifting up growers and food producers that are committed to environmental stewardship and the responsible treatment of animals. 

We’re proud to be the first farmers' market in the country to require all of its farmers to be certified by a nationally-recognized third party agency. This gives our community the confidence that every single product sold at Green City Market is sustainably- and ethically-produced and of the highest quality. 

In order to become a GCM vendor, your farm must be certified by at least one of the following organizations: American Grassfed Association,(opens in a new window), Animal Welfare Approved,(opens in a new window) Bloom Check,(opens in a new window) Certified Grass-Fed Organic Dairy,(opens in a new window) Certified Naturally Grown(opens in a new window), Certified Humane Raised & Handled(opens in a new window), Demeter(opens in a new window), Grain Millers Certified(opens in a new window), Food Alliance Certified(opens in a new window), Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program(opens in a new window), or USDA Certified Organic(opens in a new window). 

Locally-Produced

In keeping with our sustainability requirements, Green City Market only permits vendors to sell goods grown or produced in Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, or Indiana. Vendors selling prepared goods must source the majority of their ingredients from these local states and from other GCM farmers and vendors. 

Green City Market is a “producer only” market — we do not permit vendors reselling goods produced by third parties. 

Green City Market is predominantly a food market — we generally do not admit vendors selling crafts (like soaps, candles, art, etc.). We do permit vendors whose main goods are food products to sell some non-food items so long as they are produced from agricultural byproducts (a vendor selling honey may also sell beeswax wrap or beeswax candles). 

RULES + REGULATIONS

When you apply to become a vendor with Green City Market, you agree to abide by our rules and regulations should your business be accepted, including market attendance requirements, regulation of ingredients or products sold at the market, required insurance documentation, and more.

Before applying, please review our 2026 Market Regulations. 

We also recommend prospective vendors review the Illinois Department of Health's food processing flowchart and the Illinois Cottage Food Guide to verify your procedures are in compliance with state law.  

CONTRACTED CONCESSIONARES

Please note: There are different types of businesses represented at our markets including Vendors, Sponsors, and Contracted Concessionaire(s).

Businesses that are accepted as Vendors into our market must align with the rules and regulations outlined in our Market Regulations and must go through our vendor application process.

Businesses looking to pop-up at our markets on a one time or irregular basis and are not a food business should visit our Sponsor Markets + Events page.

On a rare occasion, Green City Market allows businesses that do not follow our local sourcing standards outlined in the Market Regulations to be a part of our markets on a regular basis as a Contracted Concessionaire. Contracted Concessionaires are sustainable, direct-trade food vendors who are committed to the values of Green City Market but are not local to the Midwest, such as Kikwetu Coffee Company.

Contracted Concessionaires donate a portion of their proceeds from their sales to Green City Market to continue supporting our mission. We are not accepting any new Contracted Concessionaires at our markets at this time.

Ready-to-Eat & Prepared Foods are evolving at Green City Market!

Green City Market is dedicated to supporting local farmers, sustainable sourcing, and fostering a diverse food culture. To uphold these values, all Ready-to-Eat and Prepared Food vendors are proud to offer their products centering these practices:

• Local & Sustainable First – Majority of all ingredients must be sourced locally and sustainably through third-party certified Midwest farms.
• Maximizing Local Sourcing – Any ingredient that can be sourced locally and/or sustainably must be.
• Cultural & Creative Expression – Vendors inspire our community to utilize local, sustainable ingredients from Green City Market in diverse and equitable ways by featuring dishes with culturally significant ingredients alongside the local, sustainable ingredients.

Green City Market reserves the right to approve or deny any products to ensure alignment with our Market Regulations.

Thank you for supporting our mission to strengthen local food systems and celebrate sustainable, community-driven cuisine!