The only nonprofit, all volunteer farmers’ market in Palo Alto
On May 9th, the Downtown Farmers’ Market opened its 35th season the same way it started back in 1981, with a group of volunteers setting up the stands, putting out the signs and getting the market ready for the regulars who would start arriving at 8am.
The Downtown Palo Alto Farmers’ Market is unique because it is a non-profit, all volunteer organization that gives away virtually all of its revenues when the season ends each December. The beneficiary of these funds- about $20,000 a year- is Avenidas, a local nonprofit that provides support to help over 6,500 older adults maintain their connections, independence, and vitality as long as possible.
The Farmers’ Market is run entirely by volunteers like these
A positive impact on the community
Why Avenidas? It all goes back to the Downtown Farmers’ Market’s unique history.
Back in 1981, farmers’ markets were virtually unheard of, and no one was concerned about ‘eating local’ or ‘farm to table cuisine.” But like many things in Palo Alto, the Downtown Farmers’ Market began not because of a trendy idea but to serve a practical need: bringing fresh food to downtown Palo Alto. The group of residents who were working to get the farmer’s market off the ground needed $1500 to front the cost of opening, and Aveninas stepped in to help. Thus began a wonderful relationship that has continued for 35 years.
Produce that changes with the seasons
Today, the Downtown Farmers’ Market stands out from other local markets due to its focus on fresh, 
seasonal, local produce and its intimate feeling. With over 50 vendors that rent stalls over the course of the season, the Downtown Market offers an ever-changing array of fruits and vegetables as the weather shifts and new produce comes into season on local farms. In the spring, you might find artichokes and peas from Cabrillo Farms, while summer brings berries from vendors such as Coke Farms, and Hale’s Apple Farm arrives in the fall with sweet apples.
Think locally for both produce and prepared foods
the selection of produce changes each week as the seasons shift
“Our focus on seasonal produce makes the Downtown Farmers’ Market different,” says board member Phil Carter. “Other farmers’ markets that are open year round offer produce that less tied to the seasons and more prepared foods. The Downtown Market serves people who love to eat and cook fresh, local fruits and vegetables.”
All the vendors who sell food at the Downtown Farmers’ Market must be local, including the prepared foods such as Her Coconess Confections from Belmont and Ester’s German Bakery from Mountain View.
With a dedicated group of regulars who never miss a Saturday, the Downtown Farmers’ Market has cultivated a long-standing relationship with Palo Alto and the same people can be seen navigating the small space each week, happy to run into friends and neighbors.
As grower Christine Coke of Coke Farms says on the Market’s website, “We feel privileged to know so many people at this market.
But while the Downtown Farmers’ Market remains true to its roots and mission, it has evolved to meet the changing needs of the community and of shoppers. In 2014, the Market expanded the area for prepared foods, adding vendors and space for people to enjoy crepes, Mexican food, smoothies and 
other appealing choices.
New for 2015: wine!
For 2105, the Market is offering wine tastings, which will rotate each week with one winery represented at a time. It’s a great way to help make the shopping experience even more fun.
This Downtown Farmers’ Market will also dedicate the 2015 season to Kathryn Green, a long time Board member who died this past April, and who gave many hours of her life to ensuring the Market could sustain and grow.
Get involved with the Downtown Farmers’ Market
If you want to get involved with this cool, local, all-volunteer Farmers’ Market, they are always looking for volunteers to help at the weekly Saturday market and serve on the board. High school students are welcome and there are a number of Gunn and Paly students who are regular volunteers each week. 
Visit the website to learn more.
The Downtown Farmers’ Market is located at Gilman St & Hamilton Ave in Palo Alto and open from 8 am – 1 pm every Saturday, rain or shine, from May 9 – Dec 12, 2015.
All photos courtesy of the Downtown Farmers’ Market
Like this article? Check out our profile of the Chocolate Garage, a cool Palo Alto business located just 
across the street from the Downtown Farmers’ Market!
