Market Opportunities

The Farms of Illinois

At The Farms of Illinois, we are a passionate collective of regenerative farmers dedicated to providing our local community with access to the highest quality food. We aim to nurture and nourish our neighbors by offering sustainable and trustworthy local foods with the convenience of home delivery or wholesale. Our commitment is not just about farming; it's about feeding our community with the best nature has to offer.

Located in: Jacksonville, Illinois

Looking for: Produce or shelf-stable products

Requirements: 

• Produce must be cultivated using chemical-free and regenerative practices
• Preference for farmers located in Central Illinois 

Contact: info@thefarmsil.com

The Urban Canopy  

Founded in 2011, The Urban Canopy is pioneering the local food cycle to create a more sustainable and equitable food system in Chicago. We strive to make healthy produce accessible to all, reduce the miles fresh food travels, keep food waste out of landfills, and create and maintain local jobs. 

We deliver local food on a weekly basis to our 550+ CSA members on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Each box contains six different produce items as well as bread, eggs, mushrooms, and beverages. Smaller quantities of produce are also purchased to use as substitutes. 

Located in: Chicago, Illinois (Pilsen)

Looking for: Produce for CSA boxes or value-added products for add-ons through online CSA store

Requirements: 

• Preference for farmers located within 150 miles of Chicago, or Illinois-based farmers who can deliver to the warehouse in Pilsen
• Deliver to the warehouse in Pilsen on Monday or Tuesday
• Provide crop quantities and pricing by Thursday or Friday morning for what you will have available the following week  

Contact: lucsa@theurbancanopy.org 

Dion's Chicago Dream

Rooted in the Englewood neighborhood, Dion’s Chicago Dream is a nonprofit social enterprise dedicated to transforming lives through nutritional empowerment, leveraging food security as a catalyst for healthier communities and stronger futures. Through innovative, award-winning programs like Dream Vault and Dream Deliveries, a fresh and free produce box delivery service, we bridge the gap between access and equity. 

Our program is expanding, and we are looking for local growers to supply our ~4,300 weekly produce boxes, likely starting this fall or winter. While the weekly number may seem daunting, you do not need to provide 4,000 units on a weekly basis. We will work with growers to incorporate different volumes and aggregate produce together to fulfill deliveries. 

Located in: Chicago, Illinois (Englewood)

Looking for: Produce 

Requirements: 

• Preference for farmers located in Cook County or located within 100 miles of Chicago
• Preference for farmers who meet at least one of the following socially disadvantaged criteria:
  • BIPOC-owned
  • Woman-owned
  • Beginning farmer (< 10 years)
  • LGBTQIA farmer
  • Farmer with disability
  • Veteran farmer
  • Immigrant farmer
• Interested farmers must complete the Vendor Interest Form

Contact: moreno@dionschicagodream.com

Valley Fresh Harvest

Valley Fresh Harvest is an online farmers market that works with over 60 different farm families across Central Illinois and Southern Wisconsin. We offer all farm products, including meats, eggs, cheese, produce, milk, grains, and some value-added items. 

We offer a delivery service and multiple pickup locations around the area for our customers. Customer orders are due every Monday morning by 8 AM, for delivery and pickup on Wednesday afternoons. 

Located in: Ladd, Illinois

Looking for: Produce or value-added products

Requirements: 

• Products must be certified organic or use organic practices
• Meats must be pasture-raised, and if grain-finished, using non-GMO or organic grain
• Must be able to deliver to Ladd, Illinois

Contact: Valleyfreshharvest1@gmail.com

Senior and WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program

The Illinois Department of Human Services is looking for farmers for its Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program in Logan and Jefferson counties. The Farmers Market Nutrition program provides fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs from farmers’ markets to women, children, and seniors at nutritional risk. Through the FMNP program, eligible participants receive coupons to buy produce from approved vendors at farmers' markets.

Located in: Logan and Jefferson counties in Illinois

Looking for: Produce

Requirements: 

• Must be in or near Logan and Jefferson counties
• Must be willing to participate as a vendor at Logan and Jefferson County farmers markets

Contact: DHS.FMNP@illinois.gov