By Verbal Adam | OBSERVER Correspondent

City Counclimember Caity Maple and Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen pose with community members holding the $500,000 donation made on June 10, 2023, for the Oak Park Farmers Market.  Naya Douglas HOUSE VERBAL
City Counclimember Caity Maple and Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen pose with community members holding the $500,000 donation made on June 10, 2023, for the Oak Park Farmers Market.  Naya Douglas HOUSE VERBAL

For many years the Oak Park Farmers Market has been a community staple. Created in 2010 by Joany Titherington, the market has provided Oak Park residents and neighbors access to fresh produce. In 2022, the market closed when the nonprofit hosting the market could no longer afford to continue.

The Food Literacy Center adopted the market in May, and Assemblymember Kevin McCarty and City Councilmember Caity Maple secured a $500,000 grant allowing the market to reopen regularly.

Parks and Recreation Commissioner Joe Flores snaps a selfie with Oak Park Neighborhood Association President Adrian Rhein. Naya Douglas HOUSE VERBAL
Parks and Recreation Commissioner Joe Flores snaps a selfie with Oak Park Neighborhood Association President Adrian Rhein. Naya Douglas HOUSE VERBAL

“The Oak Park Farmers Market has been an important hub in the Oak Park community, and I am proud to deliver $500,000 to support its reopening,” said McCarty, who pushed for the grant funding in the most recent state budget. “By investing in it, we foster a stronger sense of community and ensure access to affordable, fresh, nutritious food for residents. I am looking forward to attending the market and seeing the community come together.”

Attendees were able to receive free haircuts from students of the Mixed Institute of Cosmetology & Barber.  Naya Douglas HOUSE VERBAL
Attendees were able to receive free haircuts from students of the Mixed Institute of Cosmetology & Barber.  Naya Douglas HOUSE VERBAL

Councilmember Caity Maple, who represents Oak Park as part of District 5 in the City of Sacramento, emceed the press conference. “A project this impactful shows what we can accomplish when we work together,” Maple said. “Leaders at every level – on the ground in the community, at the city, and at the state – fought to make this market a reality and bring healthy, accessible food back to Oak Park. Thank you to everyone who made this possible.”

The Farmers Market serves about 1,500 residents weekly and accepts EBT payments. Hours are 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays at McClatchy Park, 35th and Fifth avenues. For more information, visit  nwsac.org/oakparkfarmersmarket/, email farmersmarket@nwsac.org or call 916-704-2843.