2026 Somerville Farmers Market Vendor License Instructions

MUST APPLY: All food, drink & alcohol vendors must apply for a license from the Somerville Inspectional Services Department (ISD), except for:

DO NOT NEED TO APPLY: Vendors who are ONLY selling the following products do not need to apply, but may need their scales certified*.

• Fresh produce (fresh, uncut fruits and vegetables)

• Unprocessed honey

• Maple syrup

• Farm fresh eggs

• Non-food/drink items

*CERTIFY SCALES: Vendors who will use a scale(s) to weight their products for sale at the market must have their scale(s) certified and sealed, whether by the Somerville Weights & Measures Department, or through another city/town. Please provide certification documents and/or seal images emailed to the market manager at least 4 weeks prior to market opening.

• Contact: Somerville Weights & Measures Deputy Sealer, Chris Roche, croche@somervillema.gov

Gather your digital documents before applying for an easy process:

• Food Manager Protection Certificate (ex. ServeSafe)

• Allergen Certificate

• Work Comp information Page

• Work comp Affidavit

PLEASE NOTE:

• Person In Charge (PIC), whose name will be associated with any ServSafe (manager-level or equivalent) and Allergen Certificate, must be onsite.

• Any foods not listed in your application cannot be sold at the market.

• The City's Code Enforcement Inspector will stop by to check for both.

1. Go to Somerville’s CitizenServe page at bit.ly/somervillepermit

2. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click “Apply Now”

3. Log in or create a new account

4. License Type: If you are attending more than one market day, choose “Farmer Market”

• Sub type: Select “Full Farmers Market Season”, “Partial Farmers Market Season”, or “One-Day Farmers Market.”

  • Full & partial farmers market season: $200

  • One-day farmers market: $50

  • Alternative option: Select “Temporary Food” for a one-time event. This license is best used for Guest Vendors who are vending at ONE market. If you are vending at multiple markets, it is best to get the Farmers Market permit for the full season

5. Address:

• Q: Is this application for a new or existing business location? Choose “A new business location”

• Use the market address for the location - Municipal parking lot at 44 Day St, Somerville, MA 02144

• Pop-up screen: “this address cannot be found,” choose “use this address”

6. Mail license to: Use your business mailing address

7. Market Information:

• Name of Market: Davis Square Farmers Market

• Dates: May 20, 2026-November 25, 2026

• Times: 12pm- 6pm

• Market Manager: Zoe Salvato-Cutter

• Phone: (781) 893-8222

• Location: 44 Day St, Somerville, MA 02144

8. Person In Charge (PIC): PIC must be onsite at the market.

• Are you serving potentially hazardous foods (PHFs)? PHF applies to any food that requires temperature control.

  • If yes, submit a Food Protection Manager Certificate (for example, ServeSafe). Certificate holder must be onsite.

• Are you serving food for immediate consumption (i.e. prepared foods)?

  • If yes, submit an Allergen Certificate. The certificate holder must be onsite.

9. Food Information: All foods must be listed. Any food not listed will not be allowed for sale.

10. Food Protection: Same information in your application.

11. Personnel and Food Handling Practices:

• Hand-washing and toilet facilities can be found across the street at Sacco’s Bowling by American Flatbread.

• Vendors must have a handwashing station onsite.

12. Garbage: Garbage policy is carry-in/carry-out.

13. Payments are not needed at this stage. Once your application is approved, an email from Somerville ISD will be sent to you for payment via credit card, check, or in person at the Somerville ISD office.