About Friends of the Market

BECOME A FRIEND OF THE CHAMPAIGN-URBANA WINTER FARMERS MARKET & THE CHAMPAIGN FARMERS MARKET

Friends of the Market is your chance to support the Champaign-Urbana Winter Farmers Market & Champaign Farmers Market and the work of The Land Connection's Local Food, Food Access, and Farmers Market teams. If you believe in this work and the importance of providing locally grown and produced foods year-round to everyone in our community, then this is the perfect opportunity for you!

In 2024, the Champaign Farmers Market, in Downtown Champaign, is celebrating its 10th year of operation. Each season, this mid-week market welcomes over 18,000 customers to shop for flowers, bread, meat, honey, jams, hot sauce, produce, and more. The Champaign-Urbana Winter Farmers Market is currently in its 3rd year at Lincoln Square Mall in Urbana. This market serves over 12,000 customers during the Holiday Markets in November and December, with over 50 vendors selling items such as fresh produce, meat, cheese, bread, pottery, fine art, jewelry, and soap. From January through April, this market offers one of the few places to purchase fresh, locally grown and produced food during the winter months. Beyond our markets, TLC's teams provide Food Access support to 8 additional markets in Central Illinois and help eaters learn about local food with popular educational programs like Kids Kits!

We remain committed to providing safe, community-oriented spaces for the diversity of needs in our vibrant cities. From hosting small businesses to supporting community groups, we work to create a community that values, utilizes, and has access to the best of Illinois’ grown and made products.

You can be a part of this effort by joining us as a 2024 Friend of the Market!