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 — IN OHIO — you cannot sell it at the Worthington Farmers Market.

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. The link to the application will be found at the bottom of the page following the required reading.

Applications for 2026-2027 Winter Season are now OPEN!

Communications:

Applications for the indoor market opened on August 3rd and will close on August 28th. Applications will be reviewed over a two week period, with all decisions being sent out by September 11th at the latest.
MarketWurks is the software that we use to host and manage the application process. You will only be able to create a profle and 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. Your patience is appreciated.
Your application will not be processed/considered until the application fee is paid.
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 sent to the email address provided in your application on or around September 11th.
Decisions are final. We do not have a wait list or appeals process.

Products of Interest:

Homestyle Bread (sliced sandwich loaf, hamburger/hot dog buns, dinner rolls, etc. - NOT sourdough)
Snack Foods (chips, crackers, seasoned nuts and/or popcorn, etc.)
Dips and Spreads (toum, baba ganoush, mustard, cheese dip/spread, etc.)
Novel Meats (bison, cornish hen, guinea, goat, rabbit, quail/quail eggs, etc.)
Dairy: milk, cream, butter, yogurt, ice cream (NOT cheese)
Produce: fresh fruits, berries, pumpkins
Specialty Produce (cuisine-specific, limited availability, heirloom varieties, etc.)
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.
Fermented Foods (sauerkraut, kimchi, 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)
Alcohol
Coffee
Sourdough Bread
Body Care
Hummus
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: The Shops at Worthington Place, 7227 North High Street, Worthington OH 43085

Thank you!

Click Here to Apply!

Harvesting Innovation Fund

The Worthington Farmers Market is committed to supporting the farmers, growers, and food producers who make our market a vibrant part of the Central Ohio community.

The Harvesting Innovation Fund was created to invest in emerging producers who are expanding into direct-to-consumer sales and whose products, practices, and stories strengthen our local food system.

Through this Fund, the Worthington Farmers Market provides financial support to reduce barriers to market participation and help promising producers build connections with customers, grow their businesses, and become part of our market community.

We invite producers to share their story, their vision, and the impact they hope to make.