Nearly 20 vendors are expected for the season-opening Galesburg Farmers Market on Saturday in downtown Galesburg.
The Farmers Market runs from 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday through October in the parking lot at 362 E. Simmons St. between Seminary and Kellogg streets.
Kathy Bennett is in her 13th year as the event organizer and while she doesn’t know the exact history, said the Galesburg Farmers Market has been operating for more than 25 years.
So far, Bennett has 18 vendors lined up for Saturday’s opening event — three more than she had last year. Bennett said there is capacity for approximately 32 vendors.
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Among the items offered Saturday will be fresh produce like lettuce, asparagus, green onions, rhubarb and other early crops. Other items that customers can find Saturday will be honey, popcorn, beef, baked goods, starter plants, soaps and craft items.
Vendors can participate for $200 for the full season, or pay $20 to set up at a single event.
Walker Farms of Gilson will be grilling meets and selling sandwiches at Saturday’s opening event.
Payment for goods varies among vendor, with some accepting credit cards and checks in addition to cash.
Galesburg Farmers Market offers Link Match
And for the second year, Galesburg Farmers Market joins the Link Up Illinois statewide network to provide incentives to SNAP shoppers. A program of Experimental Station, Link Up Illinois’ mission is to increase the affordability and accessibility of fresh foods by matching the value of Link or SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) purchases across Illinois.
Galesburg Farmers Market joins a diverse group of farmers markets, farm stands, food co-ops, and independent grocery and corner stores across our state that are now offering Link Match.
Bennett said the Link match vouchers can be used on food items within the market. She used the example if a person used Link to purchase a $25 voucher, they would get a $25 matching voucher for a total of $50. There is no limit to the amount of Link swipes a customer can use.
“Some people think the market is only for people who have money, but that’s not the case,” Bennett said. “I feel this program is important, because it shows the market is for everyone.”
The grant is for up to $10,000, meaning a potential of $20,000 could go to Galesburg Farmers Market vendors and the local economy.
