Cosecha Guadalupe Farmers Market Getting its Start with Upcoming Weekend Fundraiser
Jarrod Zinn
GUADALUPE, Calif. (KEYT) – The City of Guadalupe is inching closer to launching its first farmers market.
Organizers plan to open the “Cosecha Guadalupe Farmers Market” in January.
This project has been five years in the making.
The city has waived the rental fee at Le Roy Park for the first six months of the market.
“Our vision is to have a farmers market that serves our entire community, to have a whole number of booths at Le Roy Park where people can come and enjoy visiting the vendors and also making a family day of it,” says Stephanie Krouse, a committee member of the Guadalupe Business Association.
Now organizers need to raise funds for staff and equipment.
“We want to have a very strong foundation that it’s built upon so the community will be able to enjoy it for many years to come,” says the Guadalupe Business Association’s president Judy Wilson.
The application for state certification as a recognized farmers market is under review.Organizers say they are working to let residents use EBT benefits to buy produce.
“We’ve been to the city multiple times to make sure we’re doing this as a team, because ultimately this is a benefit to the City of Guadalupe, I’d like to think that we’re an asset, meeting and doing the background work to make this happen,” says Mireya Pina, a volunteer with the Guadalupe Business Association.
On Sunday, they’ll be holding a fundraiser for the market here at the Guadalupe Social Club, which will be open to the public.
Funds raised will fill in critical gaps to cover fees and expenses necessary for running the market for the first two years.
“Just really want to encourage anyone who has an interest for food equity, anyone that’s interested in being a part of this project and seeing it come to life, this is a perfect time to get involved,” says Pina.
Organizers say once it opens in January, the market will operate every Sunday.
This weekend’s fundraiser at the Guadalupe Social Club will also serve as a preview of the market with vendors exhibiting some of their produce, as well as information about getting more involved.
The Latest Breaking News, Weather Alerts, Sports and More Anytime On Our Mobile Apps. Keep Up With The Latest Articles by Signing Up for the News Channel 3-12 Newsletter.