Onion Heads unite to spread word about farmers market

The farmers market season is just around the corner.

Northbrook Farmers Market President Dale Duda is trying to round out her squad of "Friends of the Market" - affectionately known as "Onion Heads."

Onion Heads are volunteers who work to increase public awareness of the Northbrook Farmers Market, educate residents on the benefits of buying local food and products, eating healthy and living "green."

They promote understanding of healthy food systems, beginning with local farmers and entrepreneurs, activate people to volunteer, and keep in touch by email or informal gatherings to work on projects as needed.

Those interested may visit the market website, www.northbrookfarmersmarket.org, and click on "Here's More Information" for a form.

There also are several open dates where nonprofit organizations, charities and service groups may reserve a "Community Table," mainly for the September markets.

This provides a chance to recruit volunteers and hand out information on a group, collect email addresses and chat with other community members. An application form for the Community Tables, first come, first served, is also available on the farmers market website.

The market will run from 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesdays, June 22-Oct. 1, in the Meadow Plaza parking lot at Meadow Road and Cherry Lane. It's canceled only in the event of severe weather.