Pasadena Farmers’ Market at Villa Park (Photo – pasadenafarmersmarket)
The Pasadena Farmers’ Market is celebrating more than four decades of providing fresh and local products, connecting farmers with consumers, and giving back to the community.
By News Desk
The Pasadena Farmers’ Market operates at two locations: Villa Parke, 363 E. Villa St., on Tuesday mornings and Victory Park, 2575 Paloma St., on Saturday mornings. The first location at Villa Parke opened in 1980, offering a variety of local goods to the greater Pasadena community. In response to its success, a second location opened in 1984 at Victory Park to include weekend shopping.
“Farmers’ markets introduce us to the hardworking farmers who grow food for our families,” said Gretchen Sterling, manager of the Pasadena Certified Farmers’ Markets. “Farmers work long days, deal with changing weather conditions, and travel a long way to be at our markets weekly.”
In addition to boosting the local economy, Pasadena Farmers’ Market has contributed to a wide range of community needs. Some of the organization’s charitable donations include clothing and school supplies for students, summer camp and swim lesson fees, and transportation to special events. Through this assistance, generations of youth in Pasadena are given access to educational and extracurricular opportunities.
In 1995, the City of Pasadena Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS) Department took over sole operations of the farmers’ markets. The success of this program has resulted in surplus funding which provides support to recreation programs within the City’s four community centers.
“PRCS is proud to support such a meaningful and long-standing program,” said PRCS Director Koko Panossian. “The Pasadena Farmers’ Market aligns with our mission to offer affordable resources, encourage healthy choices, and foster connections within the community.”
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