FRIDAY FIVE
California has some of the best—if not the best—farmers’ markets in the country. There are nearly 77,500 farms in the state that, in total, produce over 400 commodities. An estimated two-thirds of the country’s nuts and fruits come from the state, and about 25 percent of what’s produced here is exported internationally. Lucky for us, we get access to this delicious food in all its fresh glory at various farmers’ markets in the Bay Area all year round.
Buying from a farmers’ market means you’re buying directly from the grower, which benefits both the buyer (because it’s more cost-effective) and the local economy. Research has shown that farmers’ markets are important because they help rebuild local food economies and make farming profitable. There are farmers’ markets nearly every day in the Bay Area, but here’s a list of some of our favorites in the East Bay.
1. Grand Lake Farmers’ Market
Every Saturday from 9:00 am to 2:00 p.m., over 40 local farmers sell their delicious goods at Splash Pad Park. The Grand Lake Farmers’ Market is a ritual for many Oaklanders, who wake up early to peruse the park, nibble on the offerings from the foods trucks or enjoy lunch on the lawn. There’s often live music and kid-friendly activities, too, which makes it a great family affair. The farmers’ market is pretty big in size. As we mentioned, over 40 local farmers and 30 specialty-food purveyors make up the event, selling everything from local seafood to produce to fresh cut flowers. It’s a year-round event that happens rain or shine.
Lake Park Avenue (Oakland) | agriculturalinstitute.org
2. Fruitvale Village Farmers’ Market
Every Sunday at the Fruitvale Village, local growers offer a variety of seasonal produce. This farmers’ market is smaller in size; there’s only a handful of stands, but they offer freshly curated fruits and vegetables to the Fruitvale community. A unique part of this farmers’ market is that the growers accept WIC and EBT, allowing low-income residents to purchase healthy and fresh foods. The Fruitvale Farmers’ Market is hosted by the Unity Council, a nonprofit Social Equity Development Corporation that was established 50 years ago at the helm of the US civil rights movement.
Fruitvale Village Farmers’ Market (Oakland) | unitycouncil.org
3. Temescal Farmers’ Market
On every Sunday at the North Oakland DMV in the hip ’hood of Temescal, a lovely farmers’ market runs from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 pm. There are usually about 14 agricultural producers, seven meat and dairy vendors, two plant nurseries, four bakeries, a few food trucks and over a dozen organic-certified vendors. On every fourth Sunday of the month, market-goers can bring their knives and culinary tools to be expertly sharpened by Perfect Edge while they shop for produce. Similar to the Fruitvale Farmers’ Market, EBT holders can receive up to $10 free, a dollar spent matching a dollar to spend, on fruits and vegetables, which makes it an affordable market for low-income residents.
North Oakland DMV (Oakland) | uvfm.org
4. Downtown Berkeley Farmers’ Market
The downtown Berkeley Farmers’ Market is every Saturday from 10:30 am to 3:00 pm. Managed by the Ecology Center Farmers’ Market, this market provides visitors with everything from seasonal fruits and vegetables to handcrafted jams and fresh cut flowers. Some have described this market as festive because it also offers yoga and dance classes depending on the Saturday. Indeed, it is a community event that happens every weekend rain or shine. This market, which is one of three rotating markets in Berkeley each week, is focused on supporting small-scale farmers who exercise sustainable agriculture. It also accepts EBT and WIC coupons.
Center Street & M.L.King Jr. Driveway (Berkeley) | ecologycenter.org/fm
5. Jack London Square Farmers’ Market
What could be more picturesque than browsing a farmers’ market on the water? Sundays at Jack London Square provide you with just that from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Fun fact: the Jack London Square Farmers’ Market is one of the oldest around, having been in operation since 1989. Not only does it offer fresh produce, but also it provides consumers with free education programs, such as cooking demos and tastings. Over 40 vendors at the Jack London Square Farmers’ Market offer local produce, craft products and breakfast and lunch options.
Jack London Square Farmers’ Market (Oakland) | cuesa.org
