Vendors offering consumable goods at an Evanston farmers market are required to obtain a license from the Evanston Health Department

For information and an application to become a participating vendor in the Summer Farmers Market contact: vchampagne@cityofevanston.org.  

HEALTH DEPARTMENT LICENSING: 

Terms of License: Renewable Annually - Valid for participation in all Farmers' Markets during calendar year.

Farmers Market Annual License fee: $175.00    $75.00 eggs only (fee is waived for registered cottage food vendors)
Fresh, uncut, whole, unprocessed fruits, vegetables and raw/unadulterated honey are exempt from licensure or fees described above, with the provision that there is no sampling.

CONTACT: Ellyn Golden, Licensing Coordinator, email: egolden@cityofevanston.org or call 847-859-7676.

New Vendors - apply online, go to:  FARMERS MARKET LICENSE APPLICATION
If you are unable to apply online contact egolden@cityofevanston.org)

RENEWAL: Farmers Market License Application (renewal applicants only)

New for 2023:  In compliance with IDPH we ask that those sampling or preparing food onsite submit a Farmers Market Food Product Sampling Handler Certificate.

Per IDPH: Farmers Market Food Product Sampling Handler Certificate is required to sample your food product at a Farmers Market, without having to get a separate license from the local health department (applies to samples only). The Farmers Market Food Product Sampling Handler Certificate is required for all persons who engage in performing tasks such as unpacking, cutting, slicing, preparing or distributing food product samples. Certificates are not transferrable between individuals and are valid for 3 years from issue date.

For IDPH Guidelines go to: Illinois Farmers Market Guide

If you wish to sell home baked goods at farmers markets in Illinois, an Evanston resident may register with the Evanston Health Department as a Cottage Food Vendor.  

Bake Sales as Fundraisers at Farmers Markets

Non-potentially hazardous foods such as cookies, cakes and fruit pies, which have not frequently been associated with foodborne illness, may be prepared in non-inspected kitchens provided the products are sold or distributed on an occasional basis (e.g., a fundraiser for a non-profit organization) and not a routine business.  It is strongly recommended, however, that this preparation take place in a controlled environment such as a club or church kitchen or licensed food establishment.

Helpful Info: Illinois Department of Agriculture - Farmer's Market