CCCFM is proud to be the first non-profit organization to launch a farmers’ market program in Contra Costa County. Conceived by a small group of Master Gardeners and horticulture students from Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, CCCFM was the result of grassroots efforts by community members inspired by the local food movement and driven by the desire to bridge the gap between food producers and consumers. CCCFM opened its first farmers’ market in1982 at Hill Crest Shopping Center in Pleasant Hill.

For 27 years, CCCFM served farmers and shoppers who made weekly trips to the market, and who followed the market through seven relocations. Always mindful of the need to give back to the community, CCCFM also reached out to neighboring schools. Thanks to its non-profit status, the organization secured grant funding for two school gardens in Pleasant Hill. The first was the Troy Spencer Memorial Garden at Pleasant Hill Middle School. The second was a garden at Pleasant Hill High School. In 2005, a salad bar was established at Strandwood Elementary so that children could have access to healthy food at school. The final location of CCCFM’s Pleasant Hill farmers’ market was at the award-winning City Hall.

The Walnut Creek Farmers’ Market

The year-round Sunday Walnut Creek farmers’ market opened in conjunction with the Pleasant Hill market. Located in the main library parking lot beside the city’s namesake creek, the market received the same careful attention as its sister market in Pleasant Hill. But the idyllic setting proved too much of a good thing. Nearly hidden from view by majestic oak trees, the market relocated to the front of the library and flourished. In January 2008, the market permanently relocated to North Locust Street. Every Sunday, hundreds of shoppers flock to the Walnut Creek market to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables and sample artisan food.

The Orinda Farmers’ Market

In 1997, the Orinda Farmers’ market was established in Orinda Village. Bolstered by city support, the market has grown into a beloved weekly presence embraced by vendors and shoppers. Loyal customers and newcomers are drawn to the market by the sound of music and are greeted by farmers and artisan food purveyors offering a bounty of fresh, seasonal, locally grown produce and fish, beef, artisan baked goods and preserves.  Information on nutrition and sustainable agriculture is available at the market managers’ table and special events and children's activities enhance the festive atmosphere. A place where families and friends linger to enjoy the music and food, the weekly market is a popular gathering spot.

CCCCFM also founded two farmers’ markets in the city of Martinez. The first was the Thursday Farmers Market on Main Street, which was established  in 1998. In 2001, CCCFM returned to Martinez to open a downtown Sunday farmers’ market. Members of the newly created Main Street Martinez organization recognized the potential of CCCFM’s community-based business model and witnessed how the Sunday market sparked a renewed interest in the city’s quiet downtown area. For nine seasons, the farmers’ market turned historic Main Street into a destination spot. CCCFM is very proud of the hard work it took to establish the Sunday farmers’ market. It was a true labor of love.

Thirty years after its humble beginning, CCCFM continues to embrace its original vision of supporting small family farms and educating people about the benefits of eating healthy food. We have enjoyed the many years of serving the community and watching the farmer’s markets grow. We encourage all to continue to support local farmers, food producers and the markets we operate.