Market Opens With COVID-19 Guidelines

Urbana's Market at the Square is opening with guidelines to keep you safe during the pandemic 

The City of Urbana’s Market at the Square is pleased to announce that its 2020 season will start Saturday, May 2, 2020.

Ranked as one of the top farmers markets in Illinois, the Market is located at the corner of Illinois and Vine Streets and runs rain or shine from 7 a.m. to noon every Saturday through October 31, 2020.

"Urbana's Market at the Square has provided the community with local, nutritious food for 41 years. Now, more than ever, the Market plays a crucial role in supporting our regional farmers and producers.” Mayor Diane Wolfe Marlin, said. “We ask that customers follow the special public health guidelines put into place so that the Market can serve the community safely and efficiently during the pandemic."

In response to the COVID-19 emergency, a set of guidelines have been developed in cooperation with Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, area market managers, The Land Connection, and with additional guidance from the Illinois Farmers Market Association and The University of Illinois Extension. To keep our vendors, patrons, and market staff safe the City is asking those attending the Market to do the following:

• Please stay at home if you are feeling unwell.
• Whenever possible limit attendance at the Market to one member of your household.
• Follow CDC guidelines and practice proper hygiene.
• Masks or face coverings will be required for all attending the Market.
• Wash hands upon entering and exiting the market. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Maintain the required 6 ft. distance between other shoppers, vendors, and volunteers.
• Do not handle produce or other products until paid for.
• Please pay with credit or debit card. In an effort to keep shoppers safe, vendors may opt not to provide any change for cash payments.
• If using your own bag, the bag must be held or placed on the ground while being loaded. Do not place bags on tables. Please wash or sanitize bags at home after every use.
• Please wash all products thoroughly before use or cooking.

The City of Urbana is striving to set a high standard of protection at Urbana’s Market at the Square and will require the assistance of everyone who supports the Market to keep it healthy.

The Market will be operating on an enlarged footprint thanks to an in-kind donation of parking lot space from Lincoln Square Mall that will allow us to accommodate social distancing requirements for vendors and patrons. Urbana’s Market at the Square will feature fresh produce, prepared food, and other essential goods. Many familiar food and produce vendors will be at the Market: Allison Centennial Farm, Blue Moon Farms, Brackett Farms, Cary's Garden of Eatin, Central Illinois Bakehouse, Meyer Produce, Moore Family Farms, The Scotsmans Kitchen, Three D Tomatoes, Triple S Meats, to name just a few.

Food trucks will be at the Market as well, and patrons can get to-go orders from favorites like: Burrito King, The Cracked Truck, Dragon Fire Pizza, La Paloma, and Piato Cafe.

Unfortunately, the Market will be missing its arts and crafts vendors, community groups, musicians, and educational program providers who will not be able to attend until further notice.

Customers wishing to use their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will be able do so by bringing their LINK card to the information tent in the northwest corner of the Market. Urbana’s Market at the Square will be offering a SNAP matching program, while funds last, that will match up to $25 dollar in SNAP benefits with incentives to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and/or SNAP qualified goods. 

ALSO, several of our vendors offer sales online. Many also also have order ahead options for pick up at the Market or other locations! Visit our website: https://urbanamarket.org/vendors/ to see who currently is offering online ordering. Check back often, the list will be updated throughout the season. Please note that Urbana's Market at the Square staff are not responsible for online vendor sales. Each vendor handles their own order fulfillment and payment collection. Any questions about payment or pick up should be directed to the vendor you are ordering from.