The Great Full Market

  • Marking World Food Day with Free Farmers Market

    The Great Full Market EnglishThe Great Full Market Spanish


    Sunday, October 16, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

    School Districts 65, 67, and 115 will co-host the second annual Great Full Market with Beacon Place and Quest Food Management Services on Sunday, October 14, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Great Full Market is a free farmers market and family festival for residents of Waukegan. The event will take place on the grounds of Beacon Place located at 603 S. McAlister Ave. in Waukegan.

    The Great Full Market, hosted this year on World Food Day, provides members of the Waukegan community the opportunity to pick up fresh produce, dry goods such as beans and rice, and other pantry items, all at no cost. Families can also enjoy hot chocolate, churros, and activities including soccer, Lotería, face painting, and crafts led by Lake Forest and Lake Bluff students. 

    “We are co-hosting the Great Full Market again this year as we see food insecurity increasing in Lake County,”  said Dr. Matthew Montgomery, Superintendent of the Lake Forest Schools. “This is one way we can directly support our neighbors in Lake County who may be hungry.”

    “Healthy food is fuel for student learning,” added Lake Bluff District 65 Superintendent Dr. Lisa Leali. “Providing ingredients for nutritious meals helps students show up at school prepared to learn.”

    Great Full Market ToteThis Great Full Market is generously supported by Districts 65, 67, and 115 food service provider Quest Food Management Services. “Quest is preparing an interactive food demo for families to enjoy a taste of the season and will be sharing fresh produce and non-perishable items throughout the event,” said Jason Rosegay, Food Service Director at Lake Forest High School.

    “The Great Full Market has become a favorite event for Quest as we celebrate the beginning of fall with families throughout Waukegan and surrounding areas,” said Nick Saccaro, President, Quest Food Management Services. “My own family is a part of this great community and giving back is important to me, personally, as well as an important part of our mission as a company. We are honored to support this wonderful event.”

    In 2021, roughly 70 Great Full Market volunteers served over 500 people, distributing 6.000 pounds of fresh produce and dry goods, and 2,500 canned pantry items.

    About Food Insecurity In Lake County,  IL
    The number of Lake County residents suffering from hunger is 9% higher than prior to COVID-19, in 2019. According to Feeding America, approximately 27,130 Lake County residents are living with food insecurity. That's 11.8% of the population, which equates to 1 in 8.5 Lake County residents. 

    Volunteer for the Great Full Market

    The Great FULL Market on Sunday, October 16 provides a farmer's market setting where families can select their own foods that align to their needs and preferences. We are looking for adult volunteers to set up and assist families during the market, and students who are excited about playing soccer, handing out hot chocolate, assisting with the market activities, and facilitating Loteria with kids while their parents shop. We expect there to be about 200 families present with about 500 individuals being served on that day.

    Please review the available slots on this form, and click on the button to sign up. Thank you!

    QR CodeDonate to the Great Full Market

    If you would like to make a monetary donation to the Great Full Market, please use the QR Code!

  • Project Full

  • FULL PLATES. FULL HEARTS.

    DONATE TO PROJECT F_LL

    All donations are tax deductible.

    Project F_LL is a tri-district partnership between School Districts 65, 67, and 115. A committee made up of students, staff, and parent volunteers from these three districts coordinate efforts to collect  and distribute food or donations to address food insecurity and shortages in Lake County and the surrounding areas. If you would like to make a monetary donation to Project F_LL, all donations will be used to support these efforts through a variety of programs and events offered throughout the school year, including food drives and community markets.