I support the Turlock Certified Farmers Market as it has connected my family and me with many local farmers. I love knowing about the food I buy, who grew it, what’s in season — and, knowing that I’m supporting local farmers.
Peter Cipponeri is promoting a year-round market that brings vendors from throughout California to compete with our local farmers; I don’t think that’s what the city should be supporting, at least not in our downtown. Small local business owners have built our downtown.
I also understand that his for-profit market plan promises to be bigger than the existing market. I want the market to be more than big, more than year-round; I want to support those community members who have worked six years to create the best farmers market in the region. Best is better than big.
Because I have enjoyed and supported the market, I became a board member. There are always ideas and plans in the works for bringing in new non-profit booths, planning a theme day, etc. As a parent of young children, I appreciate the kids-friendly atmosphere that the market offers. I know I speak for the community when I say this market is working very well.
— Junko Broadwater