Community Food Security - read the Hunger Commission's food access study and download free food access study materials including curriculum for nutrition education workshops.

Long Range Recommendations (continued)

Increasing Access to Farmers' Markets

Most residents expressed extreme dissatisfaction with the quality of produce in the area. In an effort to find good quality, affordable fresh fruits and vegetables, some residents of North Sacramento and Del Paso Heights are traveling as far as Roseville, more than 10 miles away, as there is no Farmers' Market in either the 95815 or 95838 zip codes. One participant in the community input meetings remarked, "The quality of fresh fruits and vegetables is not good. We have to either go to another area, or have to go without." Another stated, “There is no fresh produce, so we are forced to buy what's available.” The cost of perishable items in the community is also an issue. The Hunger Commission's Supermarket Comparison confirms the disparity in the quality and cost of produce in some North Sacramento area grocery stores as compared to stores in other areas of Sacramento County. For instance the cost of apples varies widely depending on what store you have access to in the area.

Establish a Farmers' Market in North Sacramento

Work with the Certified Farmers' Markets to pursue the economic feasibility of a North Sacramento Farmers' Market. The Certified Farmer's Market like any retail entity would have to verify the economic feasibility of a North Sacramento Farmers' Market. It will be a challenge to find a location that will draw a large enough number of shoppers to make the market economically viable for the farmers. Because the same farmers often attend several Farmer's Markets a week, it may be difficult to arrange a good day and time of the week to give shoppers the best opportunity to attend. A possible option may be to look for potential sites that would be convenient for several neighborhoods in North Sacramento. For instance, a site close to the Arden-Garden connector would draw shoppers from North Sacramento, Del Paso Heights, Natomas and surrounding areas, possibly as far away as Rio Linda. A North Sacramento Farmers' Market would provide residents a great opportunity to buy locally grown, high quality, fresh fruit and vegetables in season. In addition, a Farmers' Market is a great backdrop for social interaction among community members and a strong component of neighborhood revitalization.

Carpools to Farmers' Markets

Work with neighborhood associations to schedule carpools to and from current Farmer's Markets. The closest Farmers' Market is 3 miles away at the Country Club Centre at Watt and El Camino. It is open on Tuesdays from 8:am-11: 30am, a time when many people are at work. The next closest Farmers' Market is in Downtown Sacramento under the WX freeway approximately 4 miles away and is open on Sundays. Unfortunately, people who do not have access to a car have a hard time attending this market due to limited bus service on weekends. One resident quipped, “If you have to catch the bus on Sunday morning, you might as well plan to come back Monday afternoon.” Carpools to Farmer's Markets may not be attractive to everyone, but would provide a way to get produce in the summers for people without cars.

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