MARKET RULES
Informal Grub Farmers Markets rules are subject to change by the Market Committee at any point within the market year.
Last Revised: Oct. 10, 2024
INTRODUCTION/MISSION -
The markets operated by The Informal Grub, LLC (the "Markets") are local markets that will operate weekly, bi-monthly, monthly, or as a one-time “pop-up” to support local agriculture, local small businesses, and non-profits.
The main goals of the Markets include:
Promoting the sustainable production, marketing, and consumption of local agricultural produce while educating the community about local growing conditions and food crops as well as sustainable and organic growing practices
Strengthening the local economy by redirecting consumers' dollars to local businesses
Promoting small local food-based and artisan businesses
Providing a safe and fun community gathering place
VENDOR CATEGORIES -
Agricultural Producer: All agricultural producers must maintain at least 51% of products/items sold at market comprising their own agricultural products to maintain this vendor category
Produce that has been grown on the producer’s land (including leased land) located within 180 miles of downtown Houston.
Meat that is from animals born and bred on the producer’s land (including leased land) and processed at a USDA inspected facility as well as processed meat products such as bacon, jerky and sausage, or products such as eggs, cheese, yogurt, soap or yarn from these animals.
Foraged and wild-crafted items where the producer responsibly wild harvests a raw agricultural product from their own land, leased land, or public land (where foraging is allowed) and packages the item(s) with minimal additional ingredients. Example products include yaupon tea, chile pequin, henbit or ramps
Examples: Farmers, Ranchers, Foragers, Honey
Value-Added:
Culinary products from any operation that has changed the form, flavor, blend and/or the substance of raw products using as many market products as available, preference given to those vendors who use local products. Organic ingredients must be incorporated when available. Commercial kitchens must be within 180 miles of downtown Houston.
Including but not limited to Salsa, Olive Oil, Hummus, Cider, Pet Food and Treats, Baked Goods, Herbal Products, Jams, Pasta, Honey
Prepared Food:
Vendors offer freshly made food available for sale and immediate consumption on-site at the markets. These products may be hot or cold, ready-to-eat, food. Products must use as many market products as available. Preference is given to those vendors who use local products. Commercial kitchens must be located within 180 miles of downtown Houston.
Artisan:
Materials from outside the area of the farmers markets when integrated with other local products or created by a local artisan located within 180 miles of downtown Houston. Preference given to those artisan who create food/kitchen related items.
Examples: Beauty and skincare products, jewelry, art, ceramics
Sponsor:
Fitness, wellness and other vendor types that do not fit within the traditional boundaries of the vendor listings above. If interested in this category, please reach out to the Communications Director.
Non-profit:
Non-profit, non-partisan organizations may apply for a complimentary booth space at any market based on availability. No fundraising allowed at markets and no sales activities allowed.
OTHER DEFINITIONS -
Applicable Market Year: The market year for which a vendor has submitted an application. The first market in April of that year through the last market in March of the following year. For example, 4/2/2023 - 3/24/2024.
Agent: Family member and/or employee working at a vendor’s stall
Family: the producer's spouse, significant other, parents, grandparents, children, cousins, aunts, or uncles
Local Product: any Texas product grown or produced within 180 miles of downtown Houston
Majority Local Standard: a standard for Prepared Food Products which requires using locally grown, seasonal agricultural products whenever possible; 51% of ingredients (by weight) in Value-Added products (including food and non-food products that CAN be sourced locally) MUST be procured from a farm whose produce meets the “Local Product” definition above.
Market Committee: Current Managers and Directors of all markets owned and operated by The Informal Grub, LLC.
On-site Coordinator: The market staff member(s) who conduct day-to-day operations of the market during the event.
Market Director: The Market staff member who conducts day-to-day operations of the market.
Naturally Grown: this grower practices organic principles of soil enrichment and are certified by a collection of peers involved with www.naturallygrown.org. The use of synthetic fertilizers or synthetic fungicides, pesticides or added hormones is prohibited. Certified Naturally Grown farmers reflect a commitment to work within the natural biological cycles that are necessary for a truly sustainable farming system - a system that works in harmony with microorganisms, soil flora and fauna, plants and animals, to maintain and increase the long-term fertility of soil, leaving it even more vibrant and alive for the next generation of farmers.
Organic: this grower practices strict organic principles of soil enrichment and pest control and is certified either by the state or a third-party certification firm that has been approved by the Market Manager. Organic growers may use natural fertilizers, or synthetic fungicides or pesticides allowed by the law when a natural alternative is not available. Organic value-added vendors must utilize only certified organic ingredients and follow organic labeling requirements.
Permanent Vendor: A participating vendor committed to attending each market for the applicable 12- month, market year. If the vendor is brought on after the annual renewal, this vendor is committed to attending the markets for the rest of that applicable market year.
Pop-up Vendor: A participating vendor committed to attending a set market date(s) based on temporary openings in the market layout. Pop-up vendors pay the application fee as well as any applicable stall fees. Once they commit to a market date(s), they are still responsible for all applicable stall fee(s), unless they give at least 48 hours advance notice of withdrawal.
NOTE: A “permanent vendor” may be reassigned as a “pop-up” vendor at the sole discretion of the Market Committee. Common reasons one may lose “permanent vendor” status would be i) past due invoices, ii) missing markets without giving notice, iii) 3 consecutive absences from the market
Producer Cooperative: a legally incorporated collaboration of producers or growers who market their produce or agricultural products collectively.
Vendor: a seller at the market.
VENDOR FEES -
Application Fee:
A one-time application fee which applies to vendors who could be new to the market
Must be paid prior to consideration of vendor application
Non-refundable to ineligible vendors whose ineligibility resulted from stated market rules
Fee:
All Vendors: $50
Annual Membership Fee:
An annual membership fee is due on or before the first market date in April
Annual Membership Fees will be prorated according to which quarter a new vendor joins the market
Vendors must resubmit a new, updated application each year, along with annual membership fees. At this time, copies of permits, insurance, and any other documents deemed necessary will be requested and collected.
Vendors who join (or reapply to join) the market will be expected to review, sign, and comply with updated market rules and readmission to the market each April is not guaranteed.
Fee:
Agricultural Producer: $75 per market location ($150 if selling at both locations)
Non-Agricultural Producer (Value-added, Prepared Food, Artisan): $92.50 per market location ($185 if selling at both locations)
Stall Fee:
A fee paid each market day for one 10x10 booth space at The Markets
Due by date specified in applicable invoice
Fee:
Agricultural Producer: $45 per market
Other Vendor (Value-added, Prepared Food, Artisan): $65 per market
Pop-up Vendor: $85 per market
Sponsor: Varies by sponsorship type, contact informalgrubmarkets@gmail.com for more information
Stall fee is subject to change at the sole discretion of the Market Director. All current vendors will receive written notice 30 days prior to such change.
Split Invoicing Fee:
If a vendor requests a monthly invoice to be divided, there will be a small associated fee that covers the cost of the split
Fee: $5 per additional monthly invoice. For example, a vendor wants to split a monthly payment into two separate payments for that applicable month. Subsequently, $5 will be added to the second invoice.
MARKET RULES -
Applicants:
All invitations to sell at any market are at the discretion of the Market Committee. Decisions of the Market Committee are subject to review by the Market Director.
Submitting an application and paying the application fee does not guarantee admittance into the market
All Vendors:
Market Rules Agreement and the Market Vendor Release and Waiver of Liability must be read and acknowledged via for each person working in the booth before vendors attend any market
Copies of all proper permits, certifications, licenses, etc, must be received by The Informal Grub at informalgrubmarkets@gmail.com before a vendor can attend any market. It is the responsibility of the vendor to ensure all required documents are valid and up-to-date. The Informal Grub reserves the right to suspend or terminate the vendor’s participation in the market(s) if any of the above are invalid or expired.
New agents hired at any time must agree to comply with all market rules by carefully reviewing this document with the owner
Existing vendors are not guaranteed a continued space and may be removed as a vendor upon resubmission of application or any time during market year at the Market Committee’s discretion. Annual Membership and Stall Fees will not be refunded for any reason.
There is no guarantee of exclusive category for any vendor.
A $1,000,000 general liability policy is required of all vendors to cover them in the event of an accident or foodborne illness at market, a certificate of insurance is required for each market attended that lists The Informal Grub, LLC as an additional insured. Using the address 827 Tulane St. Houston, TX 77007
New items (not included in the most recent application) must be submitted in writing via email and approved by the Market Committee before sold at market.
All items sold at market must be grown/prepared by the vendor within 180 miles of downtown Houston unless a different arrangement is agreed upon by Market Committee.
Laws, regulations, and rules put forth by the federal, state, city, or county government must be followed by all vendors.
Re-selling of any products or goods is prohibited (food vendors may blend or infuse products to make a final product of their own). Exceptions made at the discretion of the Market Director.
Markets operate year-round, rain or shine. Vendors should prepare for all types of weather including cover for rain or sun and weights for winds. As a result of inclement weather, The Informal Grub may modify the usage of canopies, cancel the market, delay the start, or end the market early. No refunds or discount in fees will be given in the event of inclement weather, cancelation due to weather, or lack of business due to weather.
If the market is open, but a vendor is concerned for their individual set-up or product in undesirable weather, they may choose to leave. This will not result in a market credit or discount as the market itself will remain open.
INVOICES: Vendors must keep a card on file in the invoicing software so that in the event a vendor does not pay manually by the due date, the card will be automatically drafted for the invoice amount due.
Vendors agree to contact the Market Director if seeking an exception.
The maximum payment extension (after communication with the Market Director) is 30 days.
ABSENCES NOTIFICATION: Vendors not attending a market must submit a written notification of absence to the Communications Director at informalgrubmarkets@gmail.com, no later than 2 weeks before the market date in question. If proper notification is received, said vendor will receive a credit of their stall fee to be applied towards a future market. This is only applicable if they are under the absence limit (See 13). Vendors who do not send notification with at least 2 weeks notice, are not eligible for a market credit or future invoice adjustment.
ABSENCES LIMIT: Vendors are allowed to be absent for no more than 4 days for each regular market location they attend (Rice Village and Heights Mercantile) in the applicable market year, regardless of time of notification. If you are a permanent vendor at both market locations, you have 4 allotted absences for each location (8 total). If you are a permanent vendor at only one location, you have 4 allotted absences for that one location (4 total). Vendors who exceed the allotted absences will no longer be eligible to receive market credit(s) regardless of providing a 2-weeks notice or their space being filled. Exceptions may occur for emergency absences (see rule 14 for emergency absences).
If the Market Committee does not designate a market closure, all vendors are expected to attend or submit notice of absence.
EMERGENCY ABSENCES: Vendors will be afforded 2 emergency unpaid absences per market location, per applicable market year. Unpaid Absences are reserved for weeks in which vendors face issues that are out of their control, i.e.: sickness, injury, etc. Unpaid Absences cannot be used for No Call - No Shows. Unpaid Absences are determined eligible or ineligible solely at the discretion of the Market Committee.
Permanent vendors wishing to withdraw from participating in all markets for the rest of the applicable market year must notify the Communications Director according to the same 2-week guideline stated above. After confirmation of removal, future invoice stall fees will be canceled. No refund or partial refund will be given for the annual fee, which was paid for the applicable market year.
First-time permanent vendors are committing to the remainder of the applicable market year (up to 12 months after onboarding). During the first 2 consecutive months of vendor participation, the 2-week absence policy will not be applicable. This is to establish consistency and visibility. In the case of withdrawal during the first two months of participation all stall fees in that 2 month period and the annual fee (whole or prorated) are required and non-refundable. This is subject to the sole discretion of the Market Director.
Vendors must be set up & ready to sell no later than 15 minutes before the market opens. No driving within market boundaries is permitted 15 minutes before market open and until 15 minutes after the close of market.
Vendors must park outside of the main parking lot at the Heights Mercantile location during market hours. The market map and approved parking areas are included in each weekly email. Vendors who park in unapproved areas during the market will be subject to penalties.
Vendors may not break down before the end of the market even in the event the vendor has sold out. Tables, signage, tablecloth etc. must remain set up in booth space until the end of market. Vendors must break down promptly at market close. No driving within market boundaries is permitted until 15 minutes after the close of any market.
A booth space constitutes a 10’x10’ space using straight-legged canopies. Vendors may request and pay for an additional stall space if the amount of product brought justifies it and if the market layout can accommodate it. Requests for a second space must be sent to the Market Manager. No more than 2 spaces will be allotted to an individual vendor. Merchandise must be restricted to within the designated booth space and signage must not impede flow of shoppers between booth spaces.
25 lb. weights must be securely affixed to each canopy leg at all times. Weights should be set up in a way to avoid injury to any person. Bungee cords may be used only to hold tent weights in place, not to be used to suspend the tent weight. Ropes or tie down straps that connect the weight to the tent must be taught at all times. Tent weights must be attached IMMEDIATELY after pitching the tent and when weights are removed, the tent must be IMMEDIATELY taken down. The Market reserves the right to take down any canopy at the market at any time.
Smoking and vaping is not permitted in market territory. Vendors must leave market boundaries so that smoke or vape does not reach shoppers or other vendors. Cigarette butts must be properly disposed of in safe containers and removed by vendor.
Only owners or agents (family member, employee) may sell at market. Agents must be knowledgeable, communicative, and project a professional presence at market and must have worked at or visited the farm, ranch, commercial kitchen or studio of the producer.
Vendors must keep their stall and their equipment in a clean, safe, and hazard-free condition.
Vendors must take care of any trash and recycling at their booth, completely cleaning their booth space at the end of the market. Vendors who provide samples or prepared food must provide trash receptacles at their booth. Dumping of trash, ice, water, etc is not permitted and must be taken off-site. Dumping items next to market boundaries is not considered off-site.
Booth locations are subject to change. Vendors’ booth locations may change week-to-week and vendors are expected to exercise flexibility in the event of relocation. The Market Manager will consider the various needs of particular vendors and accommodate them to the extent possible, particularly for space to park a truck containing backup merchandise and for need for access to electricity.
Vendors may bring pets to the market if their permit allows. Service animals are welcome in any case.
Vendors must display signage with prices and vendor information. Vendors should keep prices fair and reasonable. Signage should clearly identify family name and/or the name of their farm/business including the city, town or county where production occurs, as well as Sales Tax Permits and Certificate of Registration for Weights and Measures where applicable.
Vendors must Report Estimated Sales to market staff. Data is only shared in cases required for market analysis, property management requests, and grant reporting. It is not for public use.
Intoxication from alcohol or illegal drugs will result in vendor expulsion from the Market.
Vendors are required to comply with state and federal laws concerning firearms and may not openly display firearms while selling at the market.
Vendors must contribute to accessibility at the market by clearing a fire lane and maintaining an ADA pathway.
No disruptive or aggressive marketing is permitted at market.
The Informal Grub LLC and/or any Informal Grub staff member is not responsible for product liability, fines, penalties or the paying of sales taxes for individual vendors.
No storage space for vendors is available at the market site.
If loaned equipment is damaged in the possession of the vendor regardless of whether it was accidental, weather related, or beyond the control of the vendor, the vendor must replace it with equipment of equal or greater value and caliber or pay for replacement cost of the exact same brand and item purchased new.
Discrimination in any form is prohibited. Discrimination is the treatment or consideration of, or making a distinction in favor or against, a person based on the group, class, or category to which that person belongs, including but not limited to race, color, national origin, age, disability, economic class, sex, gender expression or sexual orientation.
Harassment based upon an individual’s sex, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion or any other legally protected characteristics will not be tolerated. All employees, including supervisors and other management personnel, are expected and required to abide by this policy. No person will be adversely affected in employment with the employer as a result of bringing complaints of unlawful harassment.
Other standards and conduct: Vendors should be knowledgeable about products, how they are used, grown or produced and be able to communicate these things clearly to the customers. Products should be displayed in a sanitary, presentable and attractive manner. Vendors are expected to be courteous, professional and presentable at all times. Inappropriate language or behavior, clothing, harassment or abuse toward anyone at any market will not be tolerated and may be reason for expulsion.
Vendors may not slander, impugn, or otherwise defame The Market or the good name and reputation of The Informal Grub, LLC, or any affiliated markets (verbal, written, or digital). The Market holds a zero-tolerance policy toward any of the aforementioned actions, and holds the right to revoke vendor participation in the market.
Parking Violations: Heights Mercantile Vendors must park in a way that is NOT in violation of any of the following, or face a fine:
Illegal Parking
Parking on a fire lane
Parking in front of a fire hydrant
Parking in a way that blocks the road
Parking in a main parking lot at Heights Mercantile Location
Parking in a lot that is documented on our maps as restricted
Hazardous Parking
Any vehicle parked in a way that causes a hazard to other vendors, shoppers, and the general flow of traffic
Vendors may not let their vehicles idle during market hours unless required to power mechanical refrigeration
All Food Vendors:
All food vendors must comply with Federal, State, Houston and Harris County Health Department rules
Follow labeling requirements from the State of Texas, which must label all products with the following information: 1. Contact information: address, phone # and/or email address 2. Contents: name of item should include common and usual name 3. List of ingredients according to weight 4. Eight common allergens. Cottage law vendors must indicate on product labels this statement: This product is not inspected by any state of Texas or local health department. Find detailed information here: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/foods/labeling.aspx
Health Department violations must be corrected before a vendor is allowed to set up on next market date.
Agricultural Producers:
Agricultural Vendors are subject to farm/ranch inspections by Market Committee with up to two other participating growers/producers if deemed necessary. Refusal of inspection will result in termination of selling privileges.
Cooperative selling is acceptable if the co-op is a legal entity and not competing with a current vendor. The Market Committee may inspect each farm or ranch, each entity is required to pay a full Annual Membership Fee, and transparent signage should be plainly visible at market. A mileage fee of $1.00 per mile will be paid to the applicable staff member for plural farm/ranch inspections.
Vendors must display current Organic Certification when promoting products as organic. Only certified organic growers may display signs using the word "organic". If a vendor offers both organic and non-organic items in the same stall, individual signs should make it clear which items are organic and which are not. Claim of organic status may not be posted or used in promotion of the product, farm or ranch without proof thereof. Learn more here.
Producers may offer value added items made from producers’ own vegetables, meat, fruit, milk, etc. but must first notify Market Committee of intent to sell product at any market and acquire any necessary state and local permits.
CSA distribution is allowed by farmer or rancher at market only if the boxes include product the vendor has produced. Any new products to be delivered at our markets as part of a CSA must be pre-approved by the Market Comittee and permitted or licensed appropriately. Pickup locations other than TFM markets will not be promoted
No live animals may be sold at market.
Farmers:
A farmer using synthetic chemicals or dusts on his/her crops must be completely transparent with this information to shoppers. In the event of dispute, a written statement must be submitted to the Market Comittee via informalgrubmarkets@gmail.com. The Committee may decide to inspect the farm with a certified organic farmer/s and create a final opinion regarding the treatment of the farm and subsequent action toward vendor
Vendors must grow or produce the products sold and maintain high quality standards throughout the season
Off-grade or seconds or storage vegetables must be labeled as such. The Informal Grub leadership may insist on removal of poor quality items
Nursery-Only Vendors must sell only cut flowers, potted plants, trees or nursery starts that are grown from seed, plug, cutting, bulb or bare-root by the seller. The majority local standard applies to those vendors which may be selling bouquets. Any business that grows or distributes plants with the intent to sell in temporary markets or at a temporary location needs a Nursery Floral License Class M and an Event Permit for each event. More information here
Ranchers:
A producer selling any meat claiming hormone and/or antibiotic free and/or grass fed must have raised the animals from the ranch herd from birth (excepting poultry or wild, feral animals) or provide a certified letter from seller that animals have been hormone and antibiotic-free and/or grass-fed since birth and/or weaning. Further, it is preferable that the animals are born and raised completely on the producer’s property from ranch herd of mother animals.
If the producer does not have the capability of raising animals in the fashion described above, the producer must be completely transparent with shoppers and management of the market about where the animals originated if allowed to sell at the markets by the Market Comittee
Wild fish (from the Texas Gulf coast or Texas lakes) and feral animals (harvested from within the 180 mile radius of downtown Houston and slaughtered under all applicable regulations) are acceptable. The Informal Grub requires copies of all relevant permits from city, county, state and federal permitting agencies
Value-Added Vendors:
Value-Added Vendors, who may or may not be growing the ingredients, but who obtain and process ingredients to produce items within 180 miles of Downtown Houston may sell their products at the market, provided they abide by The Majority Local Standard
Local farm or ranch ingredients must be incorporated when available and in season. Receipts must be shown as proof as requested by the Market Committee
At least one weekly menu offering must feature a local ag producers’ product(s)
Any vendor selling CBD products must provide detailed sourcing and extraction information and provide proof of purchase from source company. Additional information may be requested by the Market Committee. Products may not be sold or sampled to minors (under the age of 18) without a parent/guardian’s presence and permission.
Artisans:
The Market Committee has the right to review any merchandise for sale at any market at any time. Inspection of artisan studios may be required. Photos of the work must be submitted with the application.
GOVERNANCE -
The Informal Grub, LLC governs the markets and has final authority in regard to all matters relating to the markets.
The Market Committee approves vendor applications, considers and proposes changes to the market rules, and acts in an advisory role to the Market Director.
Market Coordinators are Informal Grub staff who work onsite at The Market.
The Informal Grub Market Committee:
Owner/Market Director: Casey Barbles
Rice Village Market Manager
Heights Mercantile Market Manager
Communications Director
NON-COMPLIANCE -
Non-compliance with market rules will result in disciplinary action at the discretion of the Market Committee.
Violations: Violations of market rules will result in prompt corrective and punitive action. This process is generally constituted by the following steps:
1) Verbal and written warning
2) Final verbal and written warning
3) Suspension/expulsion from the market.
After one suspension, subsequent violations of the same nature will result in immediate expulsion. Though this is the general course of action, in some cases, suspension or expulsion may be deemed appropriate after fewer warnings, or immediately, depending on the seriousness of the violation.
Suspension from Markets: After a final verbal and written warning is issued, the next time offense will result in said vendor being suspended from the next 2 markets. After one suspension, subsequent violations of the same nature will result in immediate expulsion rather than additional warnings.
**If a suspended vendor attempts to set up at a market, their suspension period will be doubled, or they may be expelled from the market at the Market Director’s discretion.**
RESOLUTION AND GRIEVANCES -
Onsite Resolution: The Informal Grub will make every effort to reach a resolution in the event an issue arises. At the market, Market Coordinators are the first step in resolving issues. Please locate a Market Coordinator and discretely inform them of the issue at hand. Market Coordinators may be able to resolve the issue immediately, or they may choose to gather information to deliver in writing to the Market Director for further consideration. Vendors must abide by the final decision of the Market Coordinator or The Informal Grub Leadership, as applicable.
Vendor Grievance Response Policy: This Vendor Grievance Response Policy (this “Policy”) is adopted as of 01/01/2023 to implement a policy and guidelines for The Informal Grub, LLC, personnel to respond to and investigate grievances and other complaints lodged against vendors that are participating in one or more of The Informal Grub’s farmers market events. This policy is not intended to address minor complaints or disputes among vendors, as The Informal Grub personnel are encouraged to informally resolve such minor complaints and disputes amongst the affected parties. This policy is intended to address only serious grievances that cannot be resolved informally amongst the affected parties, including primarily grievances seeking the removal of a vendor from further participation in The Informal Grub farmers market events.
Initial Response to Grievance:
Respond to indicate receipt of the grievance. This response should be sent to the party lodging the grievance (the “Complainant”) within two (2) business days of the date of receipt of the grievance.
Review the grievance to determine the nature of the complaint.
If the grievance alleges a serious health risk, the nature and content of the grievance shall immediately be forwarded to the vendor against whom the grievance is directed (without identifying the Complainant).
If the grievance alleges wrong doing on the part of the vendor (other than criminal wrongdoing), but the wrongdoing cannot be verified from the face of the grievance, request additional information from the Complainant including any documentary evidence relating to the grievance.
If the grievance alleges wrong doing on the part of the vendor which wrongdoing would, to the Market Director’s actual knowledge, constitute a crime, then the Complainant shall be directed to local law enforcement authorities.
The Market Director or Market Committee, as applicable, of The Informal Grub shall forward a copy of the grievance to the Market Director. Such grievance shall be treated as confidential, and The Informal Grub personnel shall not publish, comment upon, or otherwise disclose the contents or existence of such grievance (together with any additional information provided by the Complainant in connection with such grievance) to any person outside of The Informal Grub other than The Informal Grub’s professional advisors, and shall refrain from disclosing any such information to any The Informal Grub personnel other than the Market Committee and personnel with a need to know such information.
Investigation:
The Complainant shall have the burden of establishing the veracity of the Complainant’s grievance. Evidence of veracity shall be requested from the Complainant. Without limitation of the foregoing, the Complainant may be required to provide additional specifics regarding the grievance, provide testing results, and/or provide such other information as may be determined necessary or appropriate. If the Complainant fails to respond and provide any requested information within fourteen (14) days of the date of a request for such additional information, the grievance shall be deemed to be resolved in favor of the applicable vendor.
Upon receipt of any additional information requested, such information shall be reviewed. The Market Director or Market Committee, as applicable, may make one or more additional requests for such additional information as they may deem necessary or appropriate. If the Complainant fails to respond and provide any requested information within fourteen (14) days of the date of a request for such additional information, the grievance shall be deemed to be resolved in favor of the applicable vendor.
If the information provided by the Complainant is sufficient (as determined by the Market Director or Market Committee, as applicable) to establish the apparent veracity of the grievance against the vendor, then the Market Director or Market Committee, as applicable, shall contact the vendor against whom the grievance has been lodged and provide a summary of the grievance and copies of such evidentiary documentation as may have been provided by the Complainant. The Market Committee shall take reasonable measures to avoid disclosing the identity of the Complainant.
Investigation of the affected vendor shall be limited to the qualifications of the vendor to serve as a vendor in The Informal Grub’s farmers market events. The Market Director or Market Committee, as applicable, may request from such vendor copies of such vendor’s current certifications and licenses which may be implicated by the grievance (e.g. a copy of any applicable health department permits may be requested). Any requested information shall be provided by the vendor within fourteen (14) days of the request. Any failure to provide such information shall result in temporary suspension of such vendor’s privileges at the farmers’ market until such information has been provided.
Determination of Compliance: If the vendor is compliant with The Informal Grub’s requirements for admission as a vendor the farmers’ market events, then the Market Director or the Market Committee, as applicable, shall notify the Complainant of such compliance. If the vendor is not compliant with such requirements, then such lack of compliance shall result in termination of such vendor’s privileges at the farmers market(s).
The Informal Grub Market Rules must be acknowledged by all vendors and agents who will be representing any vendor by signing the Liability Waiver.
SUGGESTIONS -
Suggestions for market improvement are always welcome. Suggestions should be emailed to the Communications Director, who will bring the applicable suggestion to the Market Committee.