Farmers Market Week Urges Local Food Support: Find Your Lamorinda Growers

LAMORINDA, CA — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins signed a proclamation recognizing National Farmers Market Week and encouraging shoppers to visit local farmers markets during the Aug. 2-8 observance.

Rollins announced the proclamation Wednesday in Washington, D.C., saying farmers markets connect consumers with local producers while providing market opportunities for farmers and ranchers.

"National Farmers Market Week is about celebrating the farmers and ranchers who produce the safest, highest-quality food in the world and making sure Americans have every opportunity to support them," Rollins said.

Farmers markets have been part of the U.S. food system for centuries, with one of the nation's oldest continuously operating markets established in Lancaster, Penn., in 1730.

The modern farmers market movement gained momentum during the 1980s and 1990s.

Farmers markets offered growers an alternative to wholesale distribution, allowing them to sell directly to customers while keeping a larger share of each sale. At the same time, consumers developed a growing interest in buying food directly from local producers amid the growth of multinational corporations and food-born illnesses.

USDA data show the number of farmers markets increased from 1,755 in 1994 to nearly 8,800 by 2019, reflecting the continued growth of local food and distribution systems.

The USDA highlighted the Great American Farmers Market at the Great American State Fair, where farmers, ranchers, and producers from across the country participated in the event.

The proclamation by Rollins describes farmers markets as part of the nation's agricultural economy, providing sales opportunities for producers and helping consumers learn more about where their food comes from.

From the booths of Walnut Creek to the bustling crowds in Concord and Lafayette, East Bay farmers markets are will be filling shopping bags with peak-season cherries, peaches, squash, flowers, eggs, and warm pastries as residents turn weekly grocery runs into a neighborhood ritual. Here is a list to help find yours.

Lafayette

Lafayette Farmers Market

• Address: Lafayette Plaza Park, Moraga Road & Mt. Diablo Blvd.
• Schedule: Thursdays, May–September
• Time: 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. (Local Harvest)

Orinda

Orinda Farmers Market

• Address: Orinda Way in Orinda Village
• Schedule: Saturdays, year-round
• Time: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Moraga

Moraga Farmers' Market

• Address: Moraga Way & Moraga Road, Moraga Center
• Schedule: Sundays, year-round
• Time: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Walnut Creek

Walnut Creek Farmers Market

• Address: Locust Street between Cole Street and Lacassie Avenue, Walnut Creek
• Schedule: Sundays, year-round
• Time: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Diablo Valley Farmers' Market

• Address: N. Wiget Lane at Mitchell Drive, Shadelands Business Park
• Schedule: Saturdays, year-round
• Time: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Walnut Creek Farmers Market

• Address: 1365 Treat Blvd, Walnut Creek
• Schedule: Wednesdays
• Time: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Concord

Concord Farmers' Market

• Address: Todos Santos Plaza, 2175 Willow Pass Rd.
• Schedule: Tuesdays, year-round
• Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Summer Evening Market at Todos Santos Plaza

• Address: Todos Santos Plaza
• Schedule: Thursdays, June–September
• Time: 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Do you have an update, favorite farmers market, or hidden food stand you want others to know about? Send your suggestion to AngelaWoodall@patch.com.