Farmers’ markets may be reconfigured

by BRIAN NADIG

Farmers’ markets in Jefferson Park, Portage Park and Independence Park usually kick off their summer season around June 1, but delays or a reconfiguration of the events are expected due to the pandemic.

Some organizers reportedly are looking into drive-up options in which orders would be taken online and then picked up in a centralized location that may possibly be serving several other markets.

"We are working on a plan for the possibility that Independence Park could be closed for a significant amount of time, and the park district may not allow a market in the park. Stay tuned. We will notify everyone as soon as a decision is made," event organizers posted on Facebook.

Markets also are held at Jefferson Memorial Park, 4822 N. Long Ave., and at Portage Park, 4100 N. Long Ave.

Markets are tentatively scheduled to be held in the parking lot of the Edgebrook School, 6525 N. Hiawatha Ave., in July.

Farmers’ markets fall under essential services under the state’s stay-at-home order. An outdoor market recently was held in the City of Evanston, where several social distancing guidelines were implemented. Samples were not allowed, and shoppers were instructed to point to the produce items they wanted to purchase instead of touching them first.

There also are reports that some suburban markets will be offering prepackaged packs that visitors can purchase.