Throughout the spring and summer months you can find a farmers market in Sacramento County almost every day. And it can be more than just a fun, family activity; shopping locally supports nearby growers and can add great variety to your dinner table.
“In the last fifteen years the locavore movement has grown immensely. Locavore’s eat food that is produced locally in a conscious effort to be more aware of the food they eat, and to support local producers; farmers markets are the best outlets for that,” said Juli Jensen, Agricultural Commissioner.
A locavore is a person who eats food that is produced within 100 miles of their home; Sacramento’s unique and rich agricultural industry makes that possible. Sacramento is ‘America's Farm-to-Fork Capital’ and we live up to that designation with the largest Certified Farmers Market in the state.
Farmers markets can vary in size, ranging from a few tables to several blocks. Many feature live music, crafts and baked goods. Although there are no two markets that are the same, what they all have in common is unique, locally grown produce and an opportunity to engage with the grower directly.
“You can find produce at a farmers market that you simply can’t find at a grocery store, such as the miniature kiwi, typically because they don’t travel well. Buying locally gives growers a broader opportunity to sell their produce and adds variety for consumers; it’s a win-win for both the producer and the customer,” added Jensen.
Sacramento County currently has 90 producers – all certified by the County Department of Agricultural Commission & Weights and Measures. Producers are operations that grow and sell their produce either on their own property or at farmers markets.
Popular Sacramento Farmers Markets:
Sacramento Central: 8th and W Streets under Highway 50/80 Sundays
Sacramento Freemont Park: Freemont Park, 16th and P Streets Tuesdays
Sacramento Chavez Plaza: Chavez Plaza – 10th and J Streets Wednesdays
Sacramento Florin: Florin Sears – Florin Road and 65th Street Thursdays
Elk Grove – Laguna: Laguna and Big Horn Boulevard Saturdays
For a complete list of certified farmers markets in Sacramento County, visit the California Famers’ Market website.
Writer: Danielle Spang, Communication and Media Intern