2009 Farmers' Market Week Winners

National Farmers' Market week was August 2-8, 2009. The Pacific Coast Farmers' Market Association challenged shoppers at its 61 weekly farmers' markets to tell us why their farmers' market is important to them, their families, and their communities. The response was overwhelming with nearly 300 responses received. On behalf of all of the farmers, food producers and staff at the Pacific Coast Farmers' Market Association we thank each of them for sharing their stories with us.

It was a difficult decision, but from all of the entries three grand prize winners were selected. We are happy to share with you their statements about why their farmers' market is important. Congratulations to each of them!

First Place Winner: Marilyn L. Roaf
Alum Rock Village Farmers' Market

There’s the personal reason: The health component. This has been particularly great in changing my husband’s eating habits..The social routine of going there on Sunday morning and having our favorite vendors (he has a fruit guy, I have a fish lady and the organic mushroom lady) helped bred down the barriers to healthy eating for him by putting some fun into it. We go home and mane omelets with the veggies and mushrooms (and our own chicken eggs).

The competition: I don’t usually think of the farmers’ market in this vein, but the reappearance of raw peanuts last week brought it back to mind. Those peanut tables were busier than the craps tables in a popular Vegas casino.

There’s the cultural: I have found it rewarding – intellectually and “flavorfully” to experience the strong Asian component of our market! There are so many new fruits and vegetables we have experienced.

There’s the socio-economic: This actually trumps the personal for me. I am proud that our neighborhood (Alum Rock) and local school (James Lick) are the location for the market and that it is successful enough to be here year-round! We have so many challenges.

Learn more about the Alum Rock Village Farmers' Market.

Second Place Winner: Terra Wood-Taylor
San Jose City Hall Farmers' Market

I couldn’t survive without farmers’ markets. Okay, maybe that a stretch, but I couldn’t have the bounty of local and organic food in my ‘fridge and cupboards every week, twice a week!! When I miss a market I feel like something is missing from my week, like when I forget to do something important (they –the farmers - notice when I’m gone!). The market is extremely important to me – I’ve established relationships with vendors and know their families and backgrounds. I’ve been here less than a year from Wisconsin and the market has helped me believe in the generosity, beauty and kindness in Californians. I only shop at the farmers’ markets and a couple of local shops in downtown San Jose.

I Live, play, and work here, just like the motto, but it’s even better because it’s true. I’ve gotten my friends and neighbors to come to the market and realize that their support does truly help in a bad economy. I’ve bought clothes, jewelry, tea, chocolate, coffee, olive oil, soap, art, honey, food and more, all LOCAL, all made with love and picked with love from my farmers’ market. After all, it’s yours, too!

Learn more about the San Jose City Hall Farmers' Market.

Third Place Winner: Jo Ellen Keith
Concord Farmers' Market

I love our farmers’ market and fell it is a very important part of our community. Food grown in our area can be picked and sold in a matter of hours, not days or weeks as is the case with much grocery store produce. There is no comparison in the flavor and the nutritional value. Shopping at the market is like a big party- we see old friends and meet new ones. It’s also great to be able to talk to the people who actually grow and harvest the food.

Now, in this time of financial trouble, we need to support our local families. If they are forced to go out of business, we will be the losers in the long run. By supporting our local farmers, we can help ensure that there will continue to be farms in our area, and that future generations will have access to the same wonderful produce we enjoy.

Learn more about the Concord Farmers' Market.