Lincoln Square Farmers Market

Vendors are lovely. Excellent crafter vegan choices. Unfortunately the management team was not so good. Untrained volunteers. Sad. I felt for them and they wanted to help but were helpless. Even after talking with their manager. They were unaware of LINK card and the cities token match program. The fact that they don’t train volunteers about an important community food distribution payment system is negligent at best. I truly hope that they understand that the farmers market is for ALL people who live in the community. I’d like to shop there for my food but I felt left out.

Like someone said in another review a year ago, the pavement is TREACHEROUS, especially for anyone who has trouble walking. It is so bad that there are several signs warning people that it is poorly maintained. PETS are allowed which is unsanitary and bewildering that it isn't against a municipal code (as it is at farmers markets in the suburbs and in Michigan). If the pavement was fixed and pets were banned, I would give this 5 stars. I've been here twice on Tuesdays around 11:30 am. Both times there were no lines and it wasn't crowded. Plus the building to the north provided shade so it wasn't hot like in Andersonville. There is a large selection and good variety of products. I am very pleased that over half the vendors are actual farmers! As with anywhere you go: some prices were ridiculously high, most prices were reasonable (especially if you consider that fresh produce is far more nutritious than at grocery stores = you get what you pay for), and some items are a BARGAIN (e.g. farm fresh MUSHROOMS cost the same or less than any grocery store. Check out that farmer's RIVER VALLEY MARKET on Wilson @Wolcott). FREE PARKING is available 2+ blocks away on residential side streets, but check very carefully for "PERMIT ONLY" signs (e.g. don't park on Leland from 9-11am or on Eastwood from 9am-5pm). If you don't like plastic bags (that are free and not $0.07), then bring your own.