Recognizing the Importance of Your Local Farmers Market 

It’s Saturday morning, and the heat of summer hasn’t fully set in. Tossing on your sandals, you head out, basket in hand, to the shaded embrace of downtown. A feast for the senses awaits: warm tones of tie-dye hang from racks, shade and sun negotiate the space around you. The scent of summer blossoms wafts from their table displays as you sip from the pour-over you just ordered from the coffee cart. You’re on a mission to stock up on a berry mix from your favorite vendor. Music, conversation, and commerce steadily grow with the influx of familiar shoppers. This is your local Farmers Market. And how lucky we are that it occurs weekly throughout the year! 

National Farmers Market Week 

Farmers Markets are long-standing, abundant sources of food, connection, and collective action. National Farmers Market Week, (created by the US Department of Agriculture) is an annual celebration held during the first full week of August. This year will mark the twenty-fifth year. This week highlights their vital role in local communities and the broader food system. Farmers Markets offer fresh, locally grown produce, promote healthier eating habits, and reduce the environmental impact associated with long-distance food transportation. They also provide equitable access through programs like Market Match, which help Calfresh/EBT recipients stretch their funds to purchase local produce. 

National Farmers Market Week not only raises awareness about the benefits of buying local food but also encourages communities to come together, support sustainable agriculture, enjoy the diverse offerings of regional farmers, and boost the local economy. 

Vendors We Love 

CHC is a regular fixture at Farmers Markets around Butte County each week supporting the community through Market Match and EBT token distribution. We wanted to take a minute to highlight just two of the many local vendors we love; encouraging you to stop by and see for yourself the amazing work they do. 

Yoon Chao’s Farm 

Manager: Lai Saechao 

What They Sell: berries, seasonal vegetables 

Yoon Chao’s Farm, of Marysville can be found at several Farmers Markets in Butte County mainly through the months of April to August. Known for their colorful displays and a delicious berry selection, they’ve branched out to include seasonal vegetables in their mix of produce. Yoon Chao’s also accepts Market Match! Visit their stand this weekend at Chico Certified Farmers Market (CCFM) and keep up with them on Facebook. 

Harvests & Habitats 

Owner: Sherri Scott, of Chico 

What She Sells: plant starts, culinary and medicinal herbs, fruit and veggies, permaculture plants, California Native plants 

Harvests and Habitats, owned and operated by Sherri Scott in Chico, is a treasure trove for plant enthusiasts. She offers a wide variety of plants, plant starts, culinary and medicinal herbs, seasonally appropriate fruits and vegetables, permaculture plants, and California Native plants. You might recognize her at the Saturday Farmers Market in Chico, accompanied by her trusty sidekick Verna and their white truck adorned with a vibrant array of greenery. Beyond the market, Sherri shares a storefront with 1078 Gallery and Equilateral Coffee at 1710 Park Avenue, Chico. Visit Sherri and explore a beautiful selection of plants and start growing your own produce, herbs, and more. 

How to Support Local Farmers 

These markets are not just for buying fresh produce; they are places to connect with neighbors, support local farmers, and promote a sustainable food system. Whether picking up berries from Yoon Chao Farms or exploring plants at Harvests & Habitats, every visit contributes to a healthier lifestyle and a stronger community. See you at the market! 

Find a Farmers Market Near You 

• USDA National Farmers Market Directory: The USDA maintains a comprehensive directory of farmers markets across the United States. You can search by location, available products, and market days. Visit USDA Farmers Market Directory to find a market near you. 
• Market Match: Visit marketmatch.org and click “Find a Market” to find markets participating with the Market Match program. 
• Visit Chico Certified Farmers Market (CCFM) for more information on our Chico area markets.