Before You Apply – Farmers Market Application Checklist

Vendor Pre-Application Checklist

Before starting the Farmers Market application, please review the checklist below and ensure you have all required information and documents ready. The application is detailed, divided into multiple sections, and cannot be easily saved and resumed.

Some questions and upload fields will appear only after you answer earlier questions. Reviewing this checklist in advance will help ensure a smooth application process.

1. Business & Contact Information

You will be asked to provide:

  • Legal business name
  • Primary contact name
  • Business mailing address
  • Email address
  • Business phone number (cell phone optional)
  • Preferred method of communication
  • Brief description of your business
  • Website and social media links (used for market promotion, if applicable)
  • Business logo upload (optional but encouraged)

2. Product Information (Required)

Be prepared to clearly list all products you intend to sell at the Farmers Market.

  • Exact product names (e.g., tomatoes, honey, sourdough bread, granola)
  • Product categories (produce, baked goods, prepared foods, beverages, plants, etc.)
  • Acknowledgement that:
    • Approval is product-specific
    • Additional products require prior written approval
    • Acceptance as a vendor does not guarantee approval of every listed product

3. Production Information (If Applicable)

If you sell products that are grown, raised, or produced, you will be asked:

  • Exact location where products are produced
  • Landowner name and address if land is rented or leased
  • Whether product offerings will change seasonally
  • Whether any products are prepared, processed, or cooked prior to sale

4. Food Sanitation, Handwashing & Temporary Food Vendors (If Applicable)

These requirements apply only to vendors serving cooked, prepared, or unwrapped food. Vendors selling fully pre-packaged goods should indicate this when prompted.

  • Confirmation that you will follow Village of La Grange temporary food vendor guidelines
  • Upload of a valid food sanitation certificate
  • Description of your handwashing station:
    • Commercially purchased handwashing unit, or
    • Temporary handwashing setup consistent with Village guidelines
  • Acknowledgement that food service setups are subject to inspection

5. Cottage Food Vendors (Required If Applicable)

If you sell food produced in a home kitchen, you must be a registered Illinois Cottage Food Operation at the time of application.

  • Valid Cottage Food registration issued by your local health department
  • Upload of your registration documentation
  • Confirmation that all Cottage Food products:
    • Are non-potentially hazardous
    • Are pre-packaged prior to arrival
    • Are properly labeled in accordance with Illinois law

Review Cottage Food requirements in advance:
Cottage Food Guidelines

6. Organic Products & Labeling (If Applicable)

If you reference or market any products as “organic,” be prepared to disclose:

  • Whether any products are USDA Certified Organic
  • Upload of USDA Organic certification documentation (if applicable)
  • Which specific products are certified
  • Which products are not certified, if selling both
  • Production methods used for each product

You must acknowledge that:

  • Only USDA Certified Organic products may be labeled or marketed as “organic”
  • Organic claims must be product-specific and accurate
  • General booth signage using the word “organic” is prohibited unless all products are USDA Certified Organic

Review organic labeling requirements:
Organic Labeling Requirements

7. Vendor Space & Booth Layout

  • Minimum number of spaces required to participate
  • Preferred number of spaces requested
  • Optional upload of photos showing your typical booth setup

Standard vendor spaces provide approximately 144 square feet of usable vending area. Actual configurations may vary.

8. Tent & Temporary Structure Requirements

If you will use a tent or canopy, confirm:

  • Tent usage
  • Ability to properly secure tents with required weights
  • Compliance with Village safety requirements

Review full tent and structure requirements:
Tent & Temporary Structure Requirements

9. Insurance Requirements (Required for All Vendors)

Before applying, ensure you can obtain:

  • Certificate of Insurance meeting market minimum requirements
  • Village of La Grange and La Grange Business Association named as additional insureds
  • Waiver of subrogation where required

Full insurance details:
Vendor Insurance Requirements

10. Required Forms & Acknowledgements

You will be required to review and acknowledge the following:

11. Application Deposit

  • A $250 application deposit is required at submission
  • Payable by debit or credit card
  • If accepted, deposit is applied toward vendor fees
  • If not accepted, deposit is fully refunded

Questions?

Please contact Tess Lewandowski
tess@lgba.com
708-582-6510