Northside Farmers' Market

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Linda Falkenstein

A musician at the Northside Farmers' Market.

(2025 Isthmus pick) Thanks to a robust selection of vendors, a chill atmosphere including live music, and plenty of parking, the Northside Farmers' Market has grown into a regular Sunday tradition for folks from much farther afield than the neighborhoods on the north and east sides. Being able to double down with a stop at the Willy Street Co-op likely also brings more folks to the north side. Whatever your reason, let it be known: the market is back for the season on May 11.

21st Annual Outdoor Market

Sundays, 8:30 am to 12:30 pm, May 11 through October 26 at Northside Town Center, corner of Northport Drive and N. Sherman Avenue.

media release: Healthy Food For All of Dane County is pleased to announce the 2025 launch of its popular Buy One For A Neighbor program at three area farmers’ markets. BOFAN allows market shoppers a fun and convenient way to ensure local farmers thrive while also helping neighbors in need access more fresh produce.

“We as a community have the power to build a stronger local food system and help struggling families during these hard times.” says Joe Mingle, HFFA Field Organizer. “As the industrial food system continues to fray, we need to develop comprehensive, achievable programs to relocalize food production and build a more just, sustainable food future.”

This season, BOFAN will operate a booth each week at the Eastside, Westside and Northside Farmers’ Markets asking shoppers to buy produce from local farmers and donate it to HFFA on the spot. Shoppers like choosing something they fancy to share, farmers appreciate the additional sales and neighbors in need are always touched by others’ thoughtfulness.

“Many of our farmer friends are getting squeezed by higher production costs and loss of funding for local food purchasing programs.” according to Alex Watring, another dedicated HFFA Field Organizer. “BOFAN is one way everyday people can have a real impact by supporting our local farmers while also helping the growing number of neighbors who are struggling.”

Weather permitting, BOFAN booths will operate at all three markets weekly through the end of the season. Each market is paired with a specific neighborhood that will receive the produce donations collected. Volunteers are needed to help staff the BOFAN booths and distribute donated produce.

“We’re asking everybody to join in and help both our farmer friends and neighbors in need by shopping and volunteering at the markets. “ according to Mingle. “Dark clouds may be gathering but we can be a bright spot and show that, here in Madison, we know how to take care of our own.”

Volunteers are needed at all three Markets to staff the BOFAN booths each week. It’s a fun and easy way to help create a more just and sustainable food future. Whether you have just an hour to spare, or want to come for the whole market, we want you to be part of it. Email Joe directly at minglejoseph@gmail.com for more info on how to volunteer.

We receive a fair number of cash donations from shoppers who ask us to buy what we think is most helpful. If you can’t make it to any of these markets but still want help, you can make a donation to HFFA’s Emergency Food Fund by clicking this link.

For more information about HFFA, check out our website or facebook page for the most recent updates.