The Farmers’ Market offers local residents a great opportunity
to support the local economy, purchase farm-fresh foods and enjoy
historic downtown Hollister.
The Farmers’ Market offers local residents a great opportunity to support the local economy, purchase farm-fresh foods and enjoy historic downtown Hollister.
Many locals in our community are so caught up with the fast pace of the commuter lifestyle that they are missing one the best things downtown Hollister has to offer. The Farmers’ Market is a weekly opportunity to sample and bring home healthy, fresh food that was produced locally. The taste alone of fresh produce is reason enough to get out of the checkout line at the supermarket and stroll in the afternoon sun for some fresh strawberries, corn on the cob, mushrooms or olive oil.
Shopping at the Farmers’ Market also supports local businesses. Most of the friendly vendors at the market grow their products right here in San Benito County. Purchasing locally grown produce supports the local economy and generates revenue for local government. That money can be used to build local roads and hire more police officers.
There are also other benefits to buying from local farmers. Many local farmers are small business owners who have lived here for many generations. They are stewards of the lands. Caring for that land and making sure San Benito County agriculture remains sustainable for generations to come is part of their core philosophy.
In addition to giving locals an opportunity to buy high-quality foods, the Farmers’ Market draws shoppers to the downtown area. That is another big plus for our community.
Wednesday was a slow opening day for the Farmers’ Market. And attendance has dropped in recent years. This is a trend we must reverse. If people don’t shop at the market, the farmers and vendors will stop coming. Simple business sense can tell us what would happen next: There would be no more market.
The Farmers’ Market is one of those things that many won’t miss until it’s gone. And that is a shame. We need to support this local tradition and make sure it continues. It would be shame to produce $268 million in agricultural revenues each year, but be forced to drive to Salinas to buy locally grown, farm-fresh food.
As local organic poultry producer and walnut grower Paul Hain told the Free Lance this week: “You’re probably getting something that’s higher quality than what’s in the store. You’re recycling your money into the local economy.”
The Farmers’ Market runs from 3pm to 7pm Wednesdays during the summer months. It’s a great opportunity to get good food, support the local economy and help downtown Hollister. If we don’t support it, the Farmers’ Market will go away.
