Those in Turlock looking to fill their refrigerators and pantries with fresh fruits and vegetables will have a new option come May when the new Turlock Certified Farmers Market opens.
The new farmers’ market will operate on Fridays, rain or shine, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 7 through Nov. 26 on north Broadway, between Main and Olive streets.
A downtown farmers’ market was previously held on Main Street on Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings, but closed in 2006 because of a lack of vendors offering produce and low attendance.
Trina Walley, executive director of the Turlock Downtown Property Owners Association and one of the 13 volunteer board members who have been working on the farmers’ market plan, said they believe they have found a way to make this market a successful venture for all involved.
“The committee took their time in deciding the best date and time that would let the most vendors participate,” Walley said. “It was decided Friday was the best option because there are no other regional markets operating that day.”
The board feels the new concept for the farmers’ market is one that will support area growers, as well as bring together local artisans and business owners.
“We will have a good selection of vendors at the first market of the season with the number growing as the season progresses,” Walley said. “We aim to provide top-quality, locally-grown produce from family farms. We plan to provide our customers with farm fresh fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, flowers and nuts; along with artisan products and baked goods.”
The inspiration to resurrect a downtown farmers’ market was brought about by the numerous community members who were clamoring for a local option for fresh produce. The call was boosted by a feasibility study that was conducted by three members of California State University, Stanislaus’ Executive MBA class — Steve Williams, Allison Van Guilder and Sarah Eddy.
The feasibility study showed the board members there was enough community and grower support to launch a farmers’ market again.
“The feasibility study went hand in hand with what we were hearing and gave credibility to the idea,” said City Council member Mary Jackson, who also serves as a board member. “It backed up what we all felt.”
“Many people have been asking about a farmers’ market in Turlock and a great group of volunteers have joined together to make this happen for the Turlock community,” Jackson said. “We have representatives from the city of Turlock, the Turlock Downtown Property Owners Association, CSU Stanislaus professors and students, local growers, and interested community members willing to roll up their sleeves to make this happen.”
Joining in the farmers’ market effort is Emanuel Medical Center, who will serve as the Sustainable Steward partner in the project.
“Emanuel’s mission is to create a healthier community,” said John Sigsbury, president and chief executive officer of Emanuel Medical Center. “The market’s focus on produce makes this an ideal passageway to further our mission. A healthy lifestyle begins with a healthy diet.”
Vendors interested in participating in the Turlock Certified Farmers’ Market are asked to call Walley at 634-6459 or e-mail twalley@turlockdowntown.com.
To contact Sabra Stafford, e-mail sstafford@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2002.
The new farmers’ market will operate on Fridays, rain or shine, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 7 through Nov. 26 on north Broadway, between Main and Olive streets.
A downtown farmers’ market was previously held on Main Street on Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings, but closed in 2006 because of a lack of vendors offering produce and low attendance.
Trina Walley, executive director of the Turlock Downtown Property Owners Association and one of the 13 volunteer board members who have been working on the farmers’ market plan, said they believe they have found a way to make this market a successful venture for all involved.
“The committee took their time in deciding the best date and time that would let the most vendors participate,” Walley said. “It was decided Friday was the best option because there are no other regional markets operating that day.”
The board feels the new concept for the farmers’ market is one that will support area growers, as well as bring together local artisans and business owners.
“We will have a good selection of vendors at the first market of the season with the number growing as the season progresses,” Walley said. “We aim to provide top-quality, locally-grown produce from family farms. We plan to provide our customers with farm fresh fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, flowers and nuts; along with artisan products and baked goods.”
The inspiration to resurrect a downtown farmers’ market was brought about by the numerous community members who were clamoring for a local option for fresh produce. The call was boosted by a feasibility study that was conducted by three members of California State University, Stanislaus’ Executive MBA class — Steve Williams, Allison Van Guilder and Sarah Eddy.
The feasibility study showed the board members there was enough community and grower support to launch a farmers’ market again.
“The feasibility study went hand in hand with what we were hearing and gave credibility to the idea,” said City Council member Mary Jackson, who also serves as a board member. “It backed up what we all felt.”
“Many people have been asking about a farmers’ market in Turlock and a great group of volunteers have joined together to make this happen for the Turlock community,” Jackson said. “We have representatives from the city of Turlock, the Turlock Downtown Property Owners Association, CSU Stanislaus professors and students, local growers, and interested community members willing to roll up their sleeves to make this happen.”
Joining in the farmers’ market effort is Emanuel Medical Center, who will serve as the Sustainable Steward partner in the project.
“Emanuel’s mission is to create a healthier community,” said John Sigsbury, president and chief executive officer of Emanuel Medical Center. “The market’s focus on produce makes this an ideal passageway to further our mission. A healthy lifestyle begins with a healthy diet.”
Vendors interested in participating in the Turlock Certified Farmers’ Market are asked to call Walley at 634-6459 or e-mail twalley@turlockdowntown.com.
To contact Sabra Stafford, e-mail sstafford@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2002.
