Shopping For A Farmers Market In Foster City

Here in Northern California, we are blessed with arguably the best produce in the world.  We have year-round crops of fresh, leafy greens from the coastal farms and bright citrus from the Central Valley. 

But in Foster City, many of us have access to this bounty only after it has passed through the warehouses of major supermarket chains.   

A farmers market in Foster City would bring residents closer to their food, giving them the chance to purchase nutritious produce from local farms and support regional agriculture. 

Produce would be fresh and would come in greater variety. Small farms selling at farmers markets often grow a diversity of crops, including heirloom varieties that are richer in flavor than hybridized varieties and less common fruits and vegetables that don't make it to supermarket shelves geared for mass appeal. 

Recent press reports and books such as Michael Pollan's The Omnivore's Dilemma highlight the growing interest in knowing the source of our food. Public markets would give residents the opportunity to understand what goes into their mouths. By bringing together farmers and consumers, it provides a special way for them to learn about each other's needs.   

In addition to being a great source of farm-fresh produce, a farmers market would foster social gathering and community activity by giving neighbors a chance to mingle. 

Currently, Foster City residents have to travel elsewhere to purchase locally-grown produce. Most neighboring cities hold regular farmers markets, including San Mateo, Belmont, Redwood City, Millbrae and San Carlos. 

Following the footsteps of these towns, Foster City is looking into starting a farmers market of its own, though it doesn't appear the city will sponsor one itself.

The Peninsula Jewish Community Center held a stand-alone farmers market last May and is interested in starting one up again. 

"We are working with Urban Table to make it happen, the same agency who we did it with earlier this year," said Michele Solomon of the PJCC. "It was a huge success, so we are hoping it goes through."

Urban Table helped organize the one-time farmers market at the PJCC last May, and also organizes the weekly downtown San Mateo farmers market.  The proposed market would take place Sunday mornings between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. between April and November, on Balclutha Drive.

"As of right now we have submitted our proposal," said Solomon. "It will be reviewed in October at the city council meeting." 

"Our staff is working with the PJCC on the temporary use permit to make sure  any potential impacts related to the market are addressed," says Andra Lorenz, Foster City management analyst.

Given the health and social benefits, it's in everyone's best interest to move forward with a farmers market, and to create not just a one-time event, but an ongoing asset to the community.