Herban as It Gets
I paid a visit yesterday to Herban Produce, an urban farming operation in Chicago’s East Garfield Park neighborhood, and it’s about as urban as a farm can get. As you can see in the photo, the skyline three or so miles away provides a backdrop, and the location is hard by the Eisenhower Expressway (a glimpse of which is on the far right).
You’ll be able to read all about Herban Produce and its social mission in my next article in the Buy Fresh Buy Local Illinois Directory, coming soon.
This Week’s Illinois Indoor Farmers Markets
Friday, March 24
St. Charles Indoor Farmers Market, 8 a.m. to noon, Baker Memorial Church
Saturday, March 25
Batavia Indoor Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., The Dock at 150 1st St.
Carbondale Community Farmers Market, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 1237 E. Main St.
Champaign-Urbana Winter Farmers Market, 8 a.m. to noon, 201 Lincoln Sq.
Evanston Indoor Farmers Market, 8 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., 2024 McCormick Blvd.
Mount Prospect Indoor Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 200 S. Willie
Naperville Winter Farmers Market, 7 a.m. to noon, 200 E. 5th Ave.
61st Street Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., 6100 S. Blackstone Ave., Chicago
Twin City Farmers Market, 8 a.m. to noon, 106 Avenue A, Sterling
Sunday, March 26
Buffalo Grove Indoor Winter Farmers Market, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 2900 N. Main St.
Farmers Market at The Dole, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 401 Country Club Rd., Crystal Lake
South Loop Indoor Market at L&A Healing Studio, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., 2018 S. Michigan, Chicago
April Chicago Region Outdoor Market Openings
Saturday, April 1
Green City Market Lincoln Park, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., 1817 N. Clark St., Chicago
Logan Square Pop-Up Market, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 2800 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago*
Saturday, April 8
Logan Square Pop-Up Market, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 2800 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago*
Saturday, April 15
Grayslake Farmers Market, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 201 Center St.
Logan Square Pop-Up Market, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 2800 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago*
Saturday, April 22
Logan Square Pop-Up Market, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 2800 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago*
Saturday, April 29
Logan Square Pop-Up Market, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 2800 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago*
The Lincoln Park Farmers Market, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., 2001 N. Orchard, Chicago
Woodstock Farmers Market, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Historic Woodstock Square
* The Logan Square Pop-Up Markets are special events and are located at Solidarity Triangle, not the regular outdoor Logan Square Farmers Market location nearby. The official Logan Square outdoor market season begins Sunday, May 14 at its regular location.
Jobs, Jobs, Jobs
Our local farms are gearing up for the warm-weather growing season and farmers markets selling, and many need additional workers so they can maximize this season’s success.
One of these is Finn’s Ranch, a sustainable livestock operation in Buchanan, Michigan that sells at several Chicago area farmers markets. Finn’s Ranch last summer was hit with a fire that destroyed its operation center and valuable equipment, but has endured thanks to a loyal customer base and support from our local food community.
They are looking forward to a MUCH better 2023 outdoor season, and you can be part of it.
Note: If your farming operation is looking for workers, send your postings our way and we’ll make space.
Finn’s Ranch Farmers Market Manager
Full-time position
Finn’s Ranch is seeking a Farmers Market Manager to join our growing team.
About Finn’s Ranch
Finn's Ranch is a small family farm, located in Buchanan, Michigan, that serves the Chicago area. Sean Finn, his wife Alex, and their sons Nicholas and Matthew run the farm on a daily basis. Finn's Ranch originated out of a mission to provide a healthy food choice for their family, but they enjoyed farming so much that they decided to take it to the next level: providing for more family and friends!
Responsibilities
The Farmers Market Manager will be based in Chicago and report to Alex Finn, owner of Finn’s Ranch. The Farmers Market Manager will be responsible for:
● Attending farmers markets
○ Takes inventory of items to load for booth setup and transportation required to get equipment and inventory to the Farmers Market site.
○ Loads and unloads equipment, tools and inventory to set up the Finn’s Ranch sales booth.
● Manage sales at the farmers market
○ Effectively manage electronic and cash sales, keeping a sales report for each daily shift completed.
○ Order and maintain appropriate inventory of products, materials and supplies.
● Package orders in our warehouse
● Deliver orders
Applicant profile
A successful applicant will:
● Have high energy and a friendly demeanor.
● Have the ability to regularly lift 50 lbs.
● Have a valid driver's license.
○ The Farmers’ Market Manager will be expected to drive a van with a trailer (training will be provided).
● Experience in customer relations and retail sales preferred.
Work environment
The Farmers Market Manager will be working both outside at our markets and in our warehouse. This position is frequently exposed to hot, cold, wet and/or humid conditions. They will also be expected to maneuver products in our freezers. Noise level in the work environment may be moderate to loud.
Schedule
The Farmers Market Manager will be working approximately 50 hours/week, May-October. In the off season (November - April), the Farmers Market Manager will be working approximately 30 hours/week. The Farmers Market Manager will work 5 days per week. Daily work schedule will vary.
Compensation
This position offers $18/hour.
To apply
To apply, please email your resume to orders@finnsranch.com. Also contact orders@finnsranch.com for more information. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The position will be hired to start in April 2023.
Finn’s Ranch Farmers Market Staff
Part-time positions
Finn’s Ranch is seeking a Farmers’ Market Staff to join our growing team. The Farmers Market Staff will be based in and near Chicago (Oak Park, Green City Lincoln Park and South Loop, Jefferson and Portage Parks) and report to Alex Finn, owner of Finn’s Ranch.
Responsibilities
● Attending farmers markets
○ Takes inventory of items.
○ Loads and unloads equipment, tools and inventory to set up the Finn’s Ranch sales booth.
● Manage sales at the farmers markets
○ Effectively manage electronic and cash sales, keeping a sales report for each daily shift completed.
○ Order and maintain appropriate inventory of cleaning/sanitizing solutions, materials and supplies.
Applicant profile
A successful applicant will:
● Have high energy and a friendly demeanor.
● Have the ability to regularly lift 50 lbs.
● Have a valid driver's license.
● Experience in customer relations and retail sales preferred.
Work environment
The Farmers’ Market Staff will be working both outside at our markets and in our warehouse. This position is frequently exposed to hot, cold, wet and/or humid conditions. They will also be expected to maneuver products in our freezers. Noise level in the work environment may be moderate to loud.
Schedule
From May through October, the Farmers Market Staff will be working approximately 7 to 8 hours per market.
Compensation
This position offers $18/hr. Payment is made at the end of each shift.
To apply
To apply, please email your resume to orders@finnsranch.com. Also contact orders@finnsranch.com for more information. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The position will be hired to start in April 2023.
Job postings? What a great idea, excellent service for all subscribers