| History of
Contra Costa Certified Farmers Markets:
The humble beginnings of the Contra Costa Certified Farmers' Markets
Inc. organization started 27 years ago in 1982 with an inspired, passionate
and motivated group of Master Gardening Students taking classes at the University
of California Cooperative Extension Office in Pleasant Hill. The idea of starting
a Farmers Market was developed with the help of several members of the community
who were involved in social causes in Contra Costa County. These groups included
Head Start, Project Glean, and the Hope Center. The group was given seed grant
money to begin the planning process of organizing a Board of Directors, seeking
farmers to participate and finding the perfect location that was centrally
located, thus resulting in the Pleasant Hill and Walnut Creek Markets. The
Board comprised of Farmers and Community Members to balance the needs of both. Today, Contra Costa Certified Farmers' Market Inc., a 501c 4 non profit continues to be a community based organization which has grown to include additional markets in Orinda, Martinez and Lafayette. The CCCFM organization has developed education components at the markets to help consumers of all ages develop taste preferences to fresh healthy food by... teaching them how to grow, harvest, prepare and enjoy fruits and vegetables.
The Mission Statement for Contra Costa Certified Farmers Markets:
Our Mission is to:
Provide our customers
with fresh, high quality produce that is grown for you by
caring, trustworthy, farmers who are dedicated to providing
you with nutritious healthy produce. Our farmers' markets
provide an outdoor gathering place where local customers
can meet local produce providers. This direct connection
benefits both groups. Everybody wins when consumers communicate
directly with farmers and gain an understanding of the importance
of fresh, locally grown food, and when farmers adapt their
production to the needs of the market place. We are proud
to be the oldest community based farmers' market organization
in Contra Costa County that has been committed to working
with surrounding communities, non-profits and charities for
the betterment of all our lives.
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