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Farmers’ Markets Now Supported in Chicago Food Deserts

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is awarding the city of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) $88,908 in competitive grant funds to support Chicago farmers’ markets. The Farmers’ Market Promotion Program grant will support the Pullman Farmers’ Market at Arcadia Park, 11132 South St. Lawrence Avenue; Austin Farmers’ Market at Austin Town Hall Park, 5610 West Lake Street; and Englewood Farmers’ Market at Anchor House, 1230 West 76th Street.

The USDA Farmers’ Market Promotion Program makes annual investments in marketing and promotion activities for farmers’ markets, community supported agriculture (CSA) programs and other direct producer-to-consumer outlets for local food. These investments represent USDA’s commitment to strengthen organic and local and regional food systems through projects that recruit and train farmers, expand economic opportunities and increase access to healthy food.

All three markets are existing sites located in low-income/low-access census tract areas as defined by the USDA. This award will be used to increase availability and consumption of healthy, regionally sourced agricultural products and cultivate attendance at each market through marketing and programming.

“This investment will benefit local agriculture and improve access to healthy foods,” says Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “Beyond supporting farmers’ markets in food deserts, this also serves as an investment in neighborhood gathering places and community development.”


For more information, call 312-744-3316 or visit ChicagoFarmersMarkets.us.