Southport Green Market

A regular fixture in Unknown, Illinois, Southport Green Market gives shoppers the chance to buy fresh food directly from growers and producers who operate within the local agricultural economy.

Southport Green Market is part of a national network of farmers markets that have grown substantially over the past two decades. According to USDA data, the number of registered farmers markets in the United States has expanded significantly, reflecting growing consumer demand for local, transparent food sourcing. Southport Green Market contributes to that network by giving Unknown-area growers and food producers a reliable, recurring venue for direct sales.

For consumers, the practical benefit of shopping at Southport Green Market is freshness. Produce sold at a farmers market is typically harvested within 24 to 72 hours of sale — far less time than the average transit and distribution time for produce in conventional supply chains. That shorter journey from field to table has real implications for flavor, nutritional density, and shelf life at home. Strawberries bought at Southport Green Market on a Saturday morning are simply a different product from strawberries that have traveled across the country in a refrigerated truck.

The economic impact of a market like Southport Green Market is also worth noting. When you spend money at Southport Green Market, most of that money stays within the Unknown area. Small farms and food businesses that sell direct-to-consumer do not depend on wholesale distribution margins, which means a larger percentage of each sale goes back to the producer — and back into the local economy. That is a meaningful difference from shopping at a national chain retailer.

Visit the market or check their website for the latest hours and vendor information.

Shopping at Southport Green Market means investing directly in the Unknown local economy and supporting the farmers and makers who produce food for the region.

Contact Southport Green Market directly to learn about accepted payment methods, including whether SNAP/EBT benefits are accepted.