It takes many people to accomplish the market’s mission and reach toward our vision of a community-based food system that assures equitable access to healthy, locally produced food for all. From day-to-day needs to year-round operations, the Midtown Farmers Market relies on a dedicated team of volunteers who work as greeters, post fliers, help with market set-up and take-down, serve on the market’s advisory committee, and work behind-the-scenes to ensure a viable future for the market. If you have time to give and are looking for an opportunity to meet friends and become more closely connected to the market community, consider becoming a market volunteer.

Each season, the market welcomes local non-profit organizations to reserve a table to share their message with the market community. The market is a great place to share information about your organization with thousands of market shoppers in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Requests for community tables will be filled based on availability at the discretion of the market management.

We’re looking for local musicians, jugglers, dance troupes, theatrical performers and entertainers! Your volunteered time and energy make the market a lively and fun space. And seeing your name up in chalk is almost as good as seeing it up in lights.

The Market provides a stage and electricity, and can provide some sound equipment on request. Musicians are welcome to sell CD’s, put out a tip jar, and will be publicized on the market’s events calendar.

Knowing that quality vendors are the heart of the Midtown Farmers Market, market staff strive to create a balanced and diverse vendor mix each season. Please note, the market receives many more applications each season than space allows. A general overview of the market’s vendor selection requirements and guidelines is outlined below. The market’s advisory committee establishes these criteria and reviews them annually. Current and prospective vendors are welcome to contact market staff with specific questions.

What can be sold at the Market?

Fresh Produce
Annual and Perennial Plants, Rootstock, Shrubs, and Trees
Other Farm Products (e.g. honey, eggs, meat, flowers)
Food products qualifying under the MN “Pickle Bill”
Arts & Crafts
Immediately Consumable Foods
Other Prepared Foods

Requirements

All vendors must complete and submit an application to market management. Products sold at the Midtown Farmers Market must be produced in Minnesota or Wisconsin. Vendors must produce all of the products they intend to sell at the market. Please note that products made under license, franchise, or through third-party agreements are not allowed.

Preferences

Diversity: the market will give selection preference to vendors who reflect and cater to the diversity of the market’s surrounding community.

Continuity and Commitment: although MFM’s vendor selection guidelines are not seniority based, the vendor selection process will account for the benefits that vendor continuity and commitment accrue to the market, to vendors, and to stability and sustainability in small-scale production; therefore, preference will be given to returning vendors that are in good standing.

Unique: the market will give selection preference to vendors whose goods are unique, contribute to the market’s product diversity, and that are not generally available through other retail venues.

Locally sourced: In considering Prepared and Immediately Consumable Food Vendors, the market will give preference to applicants who can demonstrate that a substantial portion of their raw ingredients are locally produced.