Apply to the market

 

APPLYING TO THE WORTHINGTON FARMERS MARKET

The Worthington Farmers Market is a producer-only food marketplace. We accept applications from potential producers twice each year. Once, in the summer, for our winter market season (November-April) and again in late winter for our summer season (May-October).

If you did not make it, grow it, or produce it, you cannot sell it.

Applications will be considered from Ohio farmers, growers and food makers. As space permits, we do occasionally consider value-added products (i.e. a honey producer that uses their beeswax to make candles). All products must be grown, raised, or made in Ohio with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. Products purchased at auctions or wholesale terminals are prohibited and will not be considered. You may not sell another vendor's products (including commercially-produced or national brands) at your booth, unless both vendors have applied and are approved for the market.

Important information follows. Please read in its entirety BEFORE submitting your application.

APPLICATIONs FOR THE 2025 outdoor season are now open!

Please Note: Applications for the current 2024-25 indoor season are closed.

Communications:

  • Applications will be accepted through March 7th, 2025. The application portal will be closed at that time – no exceptions.

  • You must have a MarketWurks account in order to submit an application. This is the software that we use to host and manage the application process. After you have created a profile, you will be able to apply for the Worthington Farmers Market during an open application period.

  • Please do not call or email to confirm receipt of your application. We receive far more applications than we have space to accommodate. Application review and vetting is a time-consuming process. Please be patient.

  • Your application cannot be processed/considered until the application fee is paid. The system requires payment before you can proceed with completing the application. 

  • Your payment receipt is an acknowledgement of application receipt.

  • Your application does not guarantee acceptance into the Worthington Farmers Market.

  • If we need additional information about your business or product(s), we will contact you by email.

  • Status of your application (pending, declined, approved) will be noted in your MarketWurks account on or about March 17th, 2025.

  • Decisions are final. We do not have a wait list or appeals process.

Products of Interest: 

  • Homestyle Bread (sliced sandwich loaf and/or buns, dinner rolls, etc. - NOT sourdough)

  • Snack Foods (chips, crackers, seasoned nuts and/or popcorn, etc.)

  • Dips and Spreads (hummus, baba ganoush, mustard, cheese dip/spread, etc.)

  • Novel Meats (cornish hen, guinea, goat, lamb, rabbit, quail/quail eggs, etc.)

  • Pies and Cheesecake

  • Dairy: milk, cream, butter, yogurt, ice cream (NOT cheese)

  • Produce: Fresh Fruits and Berries

  • Specialty Produce (cuisine-specific, limited availability, heirloom varieties, etc.)

  • Spice Blends

  • Nut Butters

  • Prepared, Ready-to-Eat Foods (meals or meal items, ethnic foods; served hot/warm, etc.)

  • Acidified Foods such as pickled vegetables/fruits, relishes, chutneys, etc.

  • Candy 

PLEASE NOTE:

We are NOT actively seeking additional vendors for the following items as they are currently well-represented at the market. However, please do apply if your product(s) offers especially unique flavors, cuts, and/or use and formulation.

  • Baked Goods (especially sweets)

  • Sourdough Bread

  • Body Care

  • Mushrooms

  • Microgreens

  • Salsa

  • Cheese

  • Pork

  • Chicken

  • Beef

Regulatory Requirements:

The Worthington Farmers Market takes food safety and regulatory compliance very seriously and we expect our vendors to do so as well. Be sure you are familiar with local, state and federal food safety, licensing/inspection, and other business requirements for the product(s) you are growing and/or making and selling to the public.

  • You must upload copies of all relevant licenses and registrations to your MarketWurks account at the time of application. (Please DO NOT mail or email.)

  • Applications for products that require inspection and/or licensing will not be considered unless proper documentation is uploaded at the time of application.

  • Know the difference between home-produced foods allowed by Ohio cottage food laws and those that require a home bakery license.

  • Know what types of products require production in a licensed commercial kitchen.

  • Know what type(s) of vendor licenses you need for your business and product(s) such as food service, food facility, retail food establishment, mobile vendor, etc.

  • Know which production-specific permits are required for your product(s) such as frozen food, canning/bottling, egg production, etc. 

  • Know the packaging and labeling requirements for your product(s) and which containers, and under what circumstances, are approved for return and re-use.

  • Registration with the Ohio Secretary of State, Ohio Department of Taxation, Internal Revenue Service and/or any other applicable regulatory authorities.

  • All APPROVED vendors must provide proof of liability insurance (uploaded to your account), in the form of certificates of insurance, greater than, or equal to $1 million dollars, covering their own business and employees, and: 

    1. Certificate holder:  Worthington Farmers Market, PO Box 534, Worthington OH 43085 

    2. Additional insured: City of Worthington, 6550 North High Street, Worthington OH 43085

The Worthington Farmers Market is targeting March 17th, 2025 for decisions regarding participation to be finalized. After that date, please check your MarketWurks profile for status updates on your application: 

  • "Received", your application has been submitted and is under review. 

  • "Approved", you have been approved for the products listed. 

  • "Pending", we will be requesting additional information from you before making a decision. 

  • "Declined", please know that it was a tough decision, and we encourage you to apply for future seasons. We receive more applications than we have space to accommodate. We do not maintain a waiting list.

Now that you’ve read all the rules, here’s the link to submit your application: https://worthington-farmers-market.mymarket.org/forms/signup 

Thank you!