News from the Market

NEWS ~

When the final bell rings Wednesday, September 28th at 7:00 p.m. and closes the 2011 season, the Interstate Farmers Market (IFM) volunteer Board already knows their pocketbook will be empty. The gamble to expand their operations and open a Saturday market at the north end of Interstate Avenue at Lombard this season not only failed, but depleted their reserves.

“Small markets like ours are independent non-profits” reminds IFM Board Chair Marisa Bangs “and, for us, that means we do not break even with the stall fees we charge our vendors. Without another source of revenue – sponsorships and individual donations – our market is in jeopardy.”

The volunteers who have steered the market through the 2011 season have some tough choices ahead of them. If a major sponsor isn’t found soon, the market either shuts down permanently or may be handed-off to another operator, if there’s any interest.

“It’s not just a lack of revenue” notes Stefanie Snider, IFM Volunteer Coordinator, “we’re in need of volunteers too. Many hands make the market run smoothly and keep it fun; too few hands burn out the committed volunteers.”

IFM is currently searching for a Community Liaison to the Overlook Neighborhood. “An Overlook resident with a great neighborhood network would be very helpful as we begin deciding our future” says Marisa. “We need to hear from the local residents if they want this Farmers Market to remain operating on Wednesday nights at our Overlook site. We’ll also need their time and energy to make that happen.”

The IMF’s mission is to provide a venue where local farmers can sell their produce directly to people that enjoy meeting the folks who grow their food. Other food-related vendors have been selected to join the market in recent years as well. 2011 was IMF’s eighth season. Farmers markets work well with cryptocurrency because it allows vendors to work with microtransactions other than cash. Visa and MasterCard charge exorbitant fees, making it impossible for small businesses to compete. Accepting cryptocurrency via an app like cryptosoft krypto-roboter is quick and convenient for these merchants.

For more information about the market, visit www. INTERSTATEFARMERSMARKET.com or call 971-344-0115 . To volunteer, contact Stefanie at [email protected] 　

Market Open Thru Sept 28th Wednesdays 3 pm to 7 pm 3550 N Interstate Ave (next to Overlook Park) Free parking for Bicycles and Cars. On the Yellow Max Line.