Vendor InformationThank you for your interest in selling at the Community Farmers Market!
All vendors must complete an application package and be familiar with the market policies prior to selling at the farmers market. If interested in becoming a vendor please submit an application either online or by mail. Please read through the market policies prior to submitting an application. Please contact the market manager with any questions regarding the status of your application. 
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2019-20 application materials available now!2019-20 Application Materials
Applications may be completed online using the link to the left
OR Digital copies of the application can be returned to: Jennifer Paulson at jennifer@fwsoil.org OR Paper application can be returned to: Carbondale Community Farmers Market C/O Food Works PO Box 3855 Carbondale, IL 62902 | ||||||
- Where is this market? Where do I unload?
- The Winter Farmers Market is held from 9am-12pm in the main lobby of the Carbondale Community High School at 1301 E. Walnut Street. Vendors may unload and enter through a set of west facing doors near the entrance to the track. Once vendors have unloaded their vehicles, they are asked to park in the main lot on the north side of the building to allow other vendors access to the west facing doors. Meat vendors who need access to freezers in trailers may leave their trailers on the parking pad on the west of the building for easy access. It is requested that you plan to arrive between 8:45 and 9am to avoid blocking out produce and craft vendors needing to unload.
- When is set up/tear down?
- Set up is between 7:45-9am. Please plan to arrive before 8:20am to give yourself adequate time to get set up. No set up after 9am except in case of emergency or unless previously OK-ed with market manager. Please communicate prior to 8:00 if something comes up and you cannot make it so I can rearrange the market to eliminate gaps. If you need to leave early for any reason, please contact the market manager prior to market.
- How much are fees? Do I have to report my sales?
- Vendor fees are on a sliding scale this season based on sales. This is an honor system. Please be honest in reporting your sales totals at the end of the day either to the market manager directly, or though an anonymous reporting slip.
- How much space can I take up?
- Stall space is approximately 10-12 feet (each square tile at the high school is a foot). Two tables in an L shape is the ideal set up for the winter farmers market, as it allows for some space between vendors. Vendors requesting larger spaces will be required to pay additional stall fees.
- A customer shows up at 8:30, can I sell to them?
- The market starts at 9am. No early sales are permitted. If you have made pre-arrangements with a regular customer to pick up a special order outside of market hours, please pre-approve it with the market manager.
- What’s the difference between the wooden nickels?
- There are red SNAP tokens in $1 and $2 increments. These are only valid on food items and have no cash value. Please do not make change for the red tokens. We also have $5 black credit/debit tokens. These can be used like cash, and change can be given.
- You can redeem tokens towards the end of the market day, or whenever you have a sufficient amount. The market manager will write you a check for the token value and provide a receipt.
- What is the Link Match program?
- The Link Match program provides match funds for low income customers using their LINK cards at market. Link Match coupons are only good on fresh fruits and vegetables. Vendors can redeem coupons at the end of market day along with any SNAP or credit/debit tokens they receive.
- I saw no smoking was permitted, can I still smoke in my car?
- No smoking on high school grounds. This includes your car in the parking lot. Please be respectful of this rule as it could jeopardize our contract with the high school.
- What is Food Works, and why is it involved with the market?
- Food Works is a 501c3 non-profit facilitating the development of a regional food economy in Southern Illinois. Food Works’ mission in three fold: educate sustainable farmers; improve access to local food; and create awareness about the value of local food. Food Works’ has been involved with the market since its inception as an advocate, and now as a managing body. Food Works staff provide market management and development that is focused on improving local food access for low income populations, creating a viable market to support beginning sustainable farmers, and fostering community partnerships that sustain the market.
