Diablo Valley Farmers’ Market Recognized as #1 by Walnut Creek City Council
The consistently bustling Diablo Valley Farmers’ Market (DVFM), a member of the California Farmers’ Market Association (CFMA), was recently named the 2023 #1 Favorite Farmers’ Market in the State of California by the American Farmland Trust. On Tuesday, September 3, 2024, the City of Walnut Creek recognized this achievement with a special Proclamation read by Mayor Loella Haskew and presented at the City Council meeting in Council chambers.
In recognition of Diablo Valley Farmers' Market being named #1 Favorite Farmers' Market in California, the City of Walnut Creek celebrated with a Proclamation at the September 3, 2024, Walnut Creek City Council meeting. (l-r) Councilmember Cindy Silva; Walnut Creek City Mayor Loella Haskew; California Farmers' Market Association President Doug Hayden; California Farmers' Market Association Director Gail Hayden; Diablo Valley Farmers' Market Market Manager Warren Cox; Councilmember Matt Francois; Councilmember Kevin Wilk; (remote) Councilmember Cindy Darling.
Held every Saturday, rain or shine, 9am to 1pm, in the Kaiser Permanente Park Shadelands Medical Offices parking lot at N. Wiget Lane and Mitchell Drive, DVFM has for many years ranked in the top ten best farmers’ markets in the state. This year marks the first year it has been named #1 Best in the State of California out of more than 700 markets.
Founded in 2009, the Diablo Valley Farmers’ Market is a certified farmers’ market, which means that the farmers are licensed by the Department of Agriculture and sell only what they grow—farm-fresh produce ripened at the source and other ag and non-ag food products with no third party re-selling.
Rain or shine, shoppers have fresh, seasonal produce at their fingertips every Saturday, 9am to 1pm, at the Diablo Valley Farmers' Market.
Gail Hayden, CFMA director, Doug Hayden, CFMA president, and Warren Cox, DVFM market manager, were on hand in Council chambers to gratefully receive the proclamation and speak about the market.
"As part of the California Farmers’ Market Association, we’ve got a 30-year history of running markets,” said Warren, who has directed DVFM’s explosive growth in offerings and popularity the past four years. “We have the experience to put on good markets that appeal to everyone interested in healthy food choices and a variety of farm and non-ag offerings."
Speaking about the Shadelands farmers’ market, Gail said, “The combination of fresh, local produce, plenty of shade and free parking, and family-friendly events every Saturday, rain or shine, enhance and promote a direct connection between producers and consumers, while allowing for and enabling conscientious food choices for families and communities who are choosing the food less traveled.”
Every week, Diablo Valley Farmers' Market chooses a lucky winner to take home a basket of farm-fresh produce from the market.
Mayor Haskew ended her comments by saying, “We recognize Diablo Valley Farmers’ Market on its 15th anniversary and extend our appreciation for the positive impact this weekly event has on our community and family farmers.”
“Diablo Valley Farmer’s Market has consistently ranked in the top ten through the American Farmland Trust,” said Warren, “and we’re beyond thrilled to be voted #1. Ranking is determined by customer votes and this goes to show how much the community loves and supports this market and appreciates the work we do out there. Thank you to the City of Walnut Creek for this recognition and to the entire community for coming out each week and supporting your Diablo Valley Farmers’ Market!”
You'll find cabbage and Cabbage Patch darlings at the Diablo Valley Farmers' Market Harvest Festival & Costume Parade.
Visit the Diablo Valley Farmers’ Market Saturdays, 9am to 1pm. Check out the market’s photos and stories on Facebook. And treat the kids to the annual DVFM Harvest Festival & Costume Parade, October 26. Too cute!
Corner of N. Wiget Lane & Mitchell Drive
Kaiser Permanente Park Shadelands Medical Offices parking lot
Saturdays, 9am to 1pm, rain or shine