Vending at MAP's Farmhouse Market
The Market Vendor Program (MVP) is designed to offer mission-aligned food vendors and local artisans greater access to MAP’s indoor and outdoor community spaces at our Farmhouse Market which takes place year-round on Thursdays from 3-6pm. Rooted in our commitment to food justice, community empowerment, and mutual aid, this program ensures that our facilities can support and amplify the artistic entrepreneurship and culinary arts of those in our community building a more just, sustainable, and equitable food system in Buffalo.
Through the MVP Initiative, eligible food purveyors and local artisans may apply for free access to sell goods at our MAP Farmhouse Market— no vending fees required. The goal is to support locally sourced, produced, and culturally significant products that align with our core values while removing financial barriers that often prevent small businesses from thriving. By partnering with vendors, MAP aims to increase fresh food access and support small business growth. The MVP program is vital to creating a successful and impactful market experience.
This program is designed for small businesses, local producers, culinary artists, and craftspersons who:
Are based in or serve Buffalo’s West Side and surrounding neighborhoods
Align with MAP's mission to promote access to fresh, affordable food, and support a more equitable local economy
Utilize locally sourced ingredients and materials in the production of their food and crafts
Need access to a vending space to help facilitate the flourishing of their small business
Would not otherwise be able to afford space rental at typical rates
This program is especially committed to uplifting historically marginalized communities, including BIPOC-led, immigrant, youth-centered, and LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs and businesses.
Approved vendors may use the space to sell (but are not limited to) the following products:
Locally grown flowers
Value-added products
Baked goods
Hot food and drink
Handmade crafts
Herbal products
Gardening and growing products
Culturally significant, authentic, and niche items
Other products and food items may be considered. Our goal is to cultivate a vibrant marketplace that reflects the richness of different cultures, traditions, and communities. Vendors offering unique, locally sourced, and culturally meaningful products will be given priority.
Depending on the space and availability, approved MVP users may be able to schedule a market vending space that includes:
Space in our indoor market area to set up a vending station
One table and chair per vendor
Access to electrical outlets, if needed
Outdoor vending space (seasonally, weather permitting)
All renters have access to:
Restrooms and accessible entrances
Staff support for basic setup and orientation
The following items will not be provided by MAP and vendors will need to facilitate the following of their own accord:
Signage displaying their business name
Visible price tags or signs for all products
Cashboxes and Point of Sale systems to make transactions (Cash/Square/Venmo/Cashapp/Paypal, etc.)
Tablecloths and aesthetic ornamentations
Commercial Kitchen Prep-Space (unless you are a Kitchen Renter. Interested individuals may apply here)
Interested individuals should fill out the Market Vendor Application and Agreement Form. The form will ask for:
Business Name
Owner's Name
Business Address
Point of Contact Name/Title
Phone Number
Email Address
Website / Social Media Handles
A Description of your Business
A List of the Products you sell
Category of Business
Licenses and Permits you have
MAP staff will follow up within 2 weeks of an applicant's submission.
Applications will be reviewed by the Markets Director and relevant program staff. Applications are accepted first-come first-serve and are reviewed on a rolling basis. When necessary, priority will be given to groups who serve or are led by communities underrepresented in institutional spaces and businesses that directly align with MAP’s mission, vision and values. A completed Market Vendor Application is not guaranteed to be approved and is subject to availability and demand. Prospective vendors will be notified within 2 weeks confirming or denying your application.
Market Vending dates will be open for registration to vendors who have been formally approved by the Markets Director. Market Vending will be open for booking on a month-to-month basis.
Once your application is approved, you can expect to receive an email the first week of each month that includes a live link to request vending dates for the following month
For example, between the dates of January 1st-7th you will receive an email with option to book dates for the month of February
Follow the link sent via email and sign up for all dates you wish to vend in the coming month
Please note, this is a request to book dates, not a confirmation of your booking
All applicants will be notified of their approval or denial of vending request dates by the Markets Director the week prior to the month you are booking in.
Market Vendors must comply with NYS permits and regulations in the selling of their goods. All Vendors must submit an Insurance Certificate, as well as the relevant permits with respect to the kind of product sold. Below is a list of permits for the selling of different food items and non-perishable goods:
Accountability & Shared Values
All MVP participants are expected to uphold MAP’s values during space use. This includes treating the space and community with care, honoring scheduled times, and keeping the business mission-aligned. Repeated misuse may result in revoked access.
We believe that shared resources require shared stewardship, and that this vendor program is one way we deepen our collective investment in community health and justice.
Questions?
Contact our Markets Director at marketsdirector@mass-ave.org