Hollister
– The fruits of San Benito County agriculture will be returning
to downtown Hollister on Wednesday.
Hollister – The fruits of San Benito County agriculture will be returning to downtown Hollister on Wednesday.
The market, organized by the Hollister Downtown Association, will offer fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, chicken and beef, as well as entertainment.
Bonnie Swank, co-owner of Swank Farms, said farmer’s markets – Swank Farms will be appearing at about 18 markets throughout the Bay Area each week this summer – are a huge part of the farm’s revenue.
Swank Farms offers “just about everything” at its stall, she said, including lettuce, tomatoes, cherries, corn, green beans, sugar snaps, gourds and more.
“It’s been a good market for us,” said Swank, who sits on the market’s board of directors. “It used to be one of our better markets.”
However, Swank said that’s not the case anymore, as the market experiences “growing pains.” Swank praised the work of Sharlene Van Rooy, who started managing the market in 2006, but she said it’s tough to spread the word, and to convince locals to forsake the convenience of Safeway or Albertson’s. For example, Swank recalled running into one woman who forgot about the farmer’s market every week, despite working just across the street.
Swank has also heard many complaints about the market’s timing.
“A lot of people asked, ‘Why don’t you have it on Saturday?'” Swank said. “Well, we can’t come out on Saturday; we’re at other markets.”
Hollister resident Debbie Boothe said she tries to make it out to the market every week, but she estimated her actual attendance is closer to twice a month. Boothe said she buys most of her produce at the supermarket, but she does purchase specialty treats at the farmer’s market. When asked why she doesn’t do more shopping at the farmer’s market, Boothe pointed to its high prices.
“I call it a yuppie market,” she said.
This year, the market will be offering more options for pickier shoppers like Boothe, Swank said, so if you don’t like one tomato seller’s prices or the selection, you’ll be able to check out their competitors.
Swank added that local need to realize that the produce offered at most supermarkets isn’t as fresh as that found at your local farmer’s market.
Paul Hain, who sells organic chicken, eggs and walnuts at the market, said Hollisterites should come out to support local farmers.
“As one of my friends said, ‘You can’t eat your landscape,'” Hain said. “If you like your orchards and your fields, and you don’t just want to see a bunch of rooftops, then come to the farmer’s market.”
And despite her complaints, Boothe is still grateful Hollister has its own market.
“At least we’ve got something,” she said.
Anthony Ha covers local government for the Free Lance. Reach him at 831-637-5566 ext. 330 or [email protected].
