Farmers Market Roundup: A Hidden Gem in Rogers Park

By Anthony Todd in Food on Jul 15, 2010 4:00PM

After last Sunday, we have a new favorite farmers market. The Glenwood Sunday Market, in Rogers Park just steps from the Morse L stop, is a spot we've been meaning to check out all season. We're glad we made the time to take the trek up north. This market has a distinctly "neighborly" feel, with volunteers, educators and local residents everywhere you look. None of the huge growers that attend most of the large city markets were present and a small group of local (read: 10 feet away) businesses participate, opening their doors and offering specials and prizes.

We'd met many of the vendors before. Our old friend Katherine Anne Confections was there, as was Bennison's Bakery in Evanston and Mint Creek Farm, both regulars at Green City. Unlike Green City, however, you could get close to their booths without martial arts tactics or major injury. We bought some amazing lemon cream sandwich cookies from Sweet Attila's, and Zullo's was frying up Apple Cider donuts to order.

The market is charmingly small, running alongside the L tracks in one of those small, split streets that make Rogers Park so lovable. The feeling of community involvement is palpable - more people asked us if we needed help in 50 feet than have ever noticed our existence at other markets, but it wasn't irritating. Volunteers encouraged us to attend free classes on composting, contribute recipes to their in-progress cookbook (you can win a free drink at a local bar for participating) and most of all, to shop and eat. The market also has an amazing fundraising program, called "Market for All." The market will match Illinois LINK funds up to $10 per market day, to encourage people to use assistance dollars at the market.

The market is incredibly accessible - the Morse stop is literally steps away. Check it out this upcoming Sunday!