In the heart of Glen Park, across from the bustling BART station on a busy Sunday morning, hectic workers set up tents and tables, placing delicious jams, meat, fresh fruit and vegetables in various places. Slowly, people start to crowd into the lively farmers’ market.
Some vendors specialize in certain areas, like Alpine Blue Farms, who only sell blueberries. Others, like Garcia Farms, Resendiz Family Fruit Barn and Rodriguez Farm, sell an assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables. There are up to 30 vendors that participate in the Glen Park Famers’ Market.
The Glen Park Farmers’ Market is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays. During this time, diverse groups of people bustle in and out of the Market looking to buy products. Venders try to flag down customers.
When the Farmers’ Market ends, friends and family stay to catch up with one another. Melissa, a young woman who has lived in the Bernal Heights district for two years, expresses her love for the Farmers’ Market, “I’m so happy to see a Farmers’ Market is open on a Sunday! They have a good selection of vegetables, fruit, seafood and prepared food items.” Another shopper added her approval, “Love, love this Farmers’ Market. It has become my favorite! It is close to where I live in Bernal Heights, so I can walk here.”
While some express their love for the Glen Park Market, others share their concerns: “Compared to all other farmers’ markets in the city, this one is very small and quite pricey.” Another customer counters, “It does seem a bit pricey, but while taking advantage of the free samples you come to realize that most of the merchandise is quality.”
An article featured on the BART website toats, “This market provides Glen Park residents access to locally produced organic food which will supplement the extraordinary food and dining options already available in the community.”
The farmers’ market accepts CalFresh benefits (food stamps). It’s as easy as bringing your EMT card and talking to the manager. According to the Pacific Coast Farmers Market Association, “In 2012, this program helped to introduce farmers’ markets to over 1,700 new shoppers who rely on CalFresh for their food purchases.”
Other farmers’ markets in San Francisco, including the Alemany Farmers’ Market, offer meals, snacks and drinks to make your shopping more enjoyable.
Another big farmers’ market, the Ferry Plaza Farmers’ Market, has nearly 25,000 shoppers. The description from the Ferry building website of their Farmers’ Market states, “The Market offers fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, meats and eggs from small regional farmers and ranchers, many of whom are certified organic. A wealth of other products includes regional artisan specialties such as breads, cheeses and jams. The Thursday market features an array of artisan street food: wood-fired pizza, grilled meats, sandwiches and tacos, while the Saturday market also includes local restaurants serving a variety of hot, delicious meals.”
Anyone can go online to togetherinfood.wordpress.com/s-f-farmers-markets-the-full-list/ for a full list of all the Farmers’ Markets in San Francisco.
