Our definition of Local Ingredients are components that come from an agricultural producer (farmer/rancher/agrarian) within 150 miles of Galveston. We will follow up with all claims by contacting the producer listed.

To maintain the spirit of our market, we have a preference for vendors:

• located within 150 miles of Galveston, Texas.

• who grow/raise their own products

• make their own food products utilizing local ingredients when possible and reasonable.

The resale of items not made by the vendor--food or non-food--is not permitted.

Eligible food products must be sourced within 150 miles of the market. 

Applications are reviewed twice a month by a select committee. If you have not heard back within 14 business days of your application, please email us!

• Vendors must have $1,000,000 general liability policy, adding Groundswell + Galveston Historical Foundation as Additional Insured.

• Vendors are responsible for their own booth setup (things like a tent, table, weights of 25+ lbs).

• Vendors must have visible pricing signage.

• Certain edible products require a Farmers Market Permit from the Galveston County Health District. [See their definition of food here.]

• All value-added foods NOT named in the Texas Cottage Foods Law must be made in a certified kitchen .

The Texas Cottage Food Law is a specific set of rules that allows individuals to make and sell certain types of food from their home kitchens, without needing a full commercial kitchen license or health department inspections (unless there's a public health concern). It's designed to support small-scale food businesses.

Check out this website to see if your products fall under Food Cottage Law.

You'll need an annual Farmers' Market Vendor (FMV) permit from the Galveston County Health District (GCHD) if you're:

• Selling temperature-controlled foods (like eggs or meats).

• Preparing food at the market.

This single permit covers you for all farmers' markets within Galveston County for one year.

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You don't need a permit f you're only selling:

• Whole, uncut produce.

• Local honey.

• Packaged non-perishable foods.

See GCHD’s documentation here

• Obtain a Food Handler Certification (there are online options available)

  • Apply Online: Fill out the "Farmer's Market Vendor (FMV) Application" online here

  • Pay the Fee: The annual permit costs $100 (non-refundable).

    • Payment Options:

      • In Person: Visit our offices at 9850-D Emmett F. Lowry Expressway, Texas City 77591, Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM (closed holidays). We accept cash, checks, money orders, Visa, Mastercard, or Discover.

      • Mail: Send your payment to Consumer Health Services, PO Box 939, La Marque, Texas 77568.

      • Phone: Call 409-938-2411 or 409-938-2319 to pay by credit card (a 2% fee applies).

    • You'll receive a receipt for your payment.

  • Phone Review:

    • The Galveston County Health District (GCHD) will call you to schedule a phone appointment.

    • During this call, they'll review your application and how you plan to operate to make sure it follows health rules.

  • Pre-Opening Inspection:

    • Before your first appearance at market, you need to call GCHD at 409-938-2411 to request an inspection.

    • This inspection will happen at your first event in Galveston County.

    • Make sure to request the inspection before the date you want it to happen.

For Agricultural and Value-Added Vendors, booth spaces cost $35

For Artisan Vendor, booth spaces cost $40 and have a limit of 4 spots per Sunday.