market history

The origins of the East Palo Alto Community Farmers' Market can be traced back to current Mayor Ruben Abrica's convening of the East Palo Alto Community Health Roundtable with over 25 health professionals with connections to EPA. This group worked on a master EPA health data report to be made available to the public in 2007.

This group also planned for EPA's first combined Health Expo, Cultural Festival, and Celebration of Youth. The intent of this event was to further promote the data found in the EPA health report; provide an opportunity for local agencies to advertise their programs; provide a platform for local collaboratives to talk about their initiatives through workshops on health and fitness; and have fun.

In planning for the Health Expo, many residents of East Palo Alto expressed interest in having a farmers' market established in the community. As a result, a committee called the East Palo Alto Farmers' Market Organizing Committee (FMOC) was formed within the Roundtable Group. This committee made a mini farmers' market available to people attending the Health Expo and Cultural Festival. Following this event, the FMOC worked toward creating a permanent farmers' market.

Local community members, residents, leaders, activists and health advocates on the Organizing Committee worked together to build the foundation for a solid and successful farmers' market. The group enlisted the financial and technical assistance of Collective Roots, a nonprofit based in East Palo Alto, which took on the farmers' market project as a key focus of its food system change work. After bringing together a diverse coalition of agencies, organizations and leaders, market volunteers opened the first season of the East Palo Alto Community Farmers' Market on June 1, 2008.

During this first season, the market was held for thirty consecutive Sundays outside of Saint Francis of Assisi Church. Over 7000 customer visits were recored, and through a special foundation-supported program, over $10,000 in produce was purchased from family farmers, and donated directly to organizations in East Palo Alto.

Because of the market's growth, it moved to a new site for its second season: East Palo Alto City Hall & Library, or 2415 University Avenue. In close proximity to a number of important community and governmental resources, the market's new location offers the opportunity to expand, develop new partnerships, and continue to further its mission to bring fresh, local and healthy produce into the community.