Overview: North Park Farmers Market

“It’s shift from various locations has been a challenge, but its new home on North Park Way has been a great move,” Rodriguez remarked. “Under new management, the market has expanded and provides the best produce, gift items, and food. My favorite part is the customers. They return on a weekly basis, dedicated to supporting local businesses.”

If you’re looking for something to do on Thursdays from 3 to 7:30 p.m., a stop by the North Park Farmers Market might just be the ticket.

The venue bustles late Thursday afternoons into the evening hours, with a myriad of items for sale and more.

North Park Farmers Market manager and vendor coordinator Jason Noble noted that the weekly event has been ongoing for approximately 20 years.

“For the first five or so years, it was in the CVS parking lot before moving to its current location (North Park Way between Ray St. and Granada Ave.),” Noble said. “After a short break during COVID, we expanded the market to a third block in 2022.”

For anyone attending North Park Farmers Market for the first time, Noble said there is plenty to do and see.

“You can find farm fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, fish, eggs, cheeses, groceries, plants, and locally made crafts,” Noble said.

“We have hot food from all over the world, live music, kids’ activities, and monthly chef demos. We accept WIC, SFMNP, and EBT. We just started a Market Match Program where EBT customers can get up to $15 free per market for fresh fruits and vegetables.

“We also have free tote bags and a rewards program for frequent shoppers.”

Like any community event, bringing the people who live and visit there together is a major goal.

“The North Park Farmers Market is a great place for our community to come together,” Noble added. “Every Thursday, people from all walks of life come out to shop, eat, and socialize. It’s harvest season, so we’ll have tons of local fresh produce.”

With the fall season here and the holidays right around the corner, there are plenty of events to partake in.

North Park Farmers Market is partnering with San Diego Pride and Whips-N- Furs Costume Shop to put on a costume contest with prizes from local businesses on Oct. 30.

On Nov. 6, the venue will feature a performance from the Navy Band Southwest as part of the Fleet Week celebration. “They’ve played the market a couple of times and are a ton of fun,” Noble said. 

On Dec. 11 and 18, North Park Farmers Market will be doing its Holiday Markets, with holiday-themed vendors, free toys, and Santa Claus.

Vendors bring much to the table 

Like any farmers’ market, the participating vendors have much to do with how successful it will be.

One vendor is Luv Mylk, an all-natural, plant-based milk derived from hemp seeds. They craft small-batch hemp milk in various unique flavors like strawberry, horchata, or pumpkin spice.

Luv Mylk was created for both health-conscious and eco-conscious consumers, as well as those preferring dairy-free alternatives. The business has been around since 2022, and they have been focused on creating high-quality, sustainable products that bring joy and nutrition to every pour.

“Being a part of the North Park Farmers Market allows us to connect directly with our community, receive immediate feedback from customers, and grow awareness of plant-based options in the area.,” Luv Mylk’s owner Vincent Dotson said.

“The market provides an ideal platform to introduce new flavors, foster repeat customers, and create lasting relationships with customers and other local businesses.”

Luv Mylk has been at North Park Farmers Market for three years, the first market the brand has been involved with.

“Each market experience has been an opportunity to educate consumers, expand our customer base, and share the story and values of Luv Mylk,” Dotson added.

Another vendor who has found the market beneficial to their business is J.R. Organics Family Farm from the Escondido area. 

J.R. Organics sales and farmers market manager Goyo Rodriguez said the business was established in the 1980s by Joe Rodriguez Jr., also known as J.R. Jr., or just Farmer Joe.

“Before becoming certified organic, the farm was a conventional trucking farm which specialized in tomatoes and squash,” Rodriguez said

After years of feeling exhausted from mixing chemicals and pesticides, Farmer Joe decided to turn twenty acres into organic farming, then converted the entire farm, Rodriguez added.

” With over 200 families/customers in our CSA (Community-Supported Agriculture) program on a weekly basis, the company has become one of the most recognizable names in the industry.”

The farm is family-owned and operated, with four generations of experience, Rodriguez said.

J.R. Organics has been involved with the North Park Farmers Market for many years. “Its shift from various locations has been a challenge, but its new home on North Park Way has been a great move,” Rodriguez said.

“Under new management, the market has expanded and provides the best produce, gift items, and food. My favorite part is the customers. They return on a weekly basis, dedicated to supporting local businesses.”

The North Park Farmers Market runs every Thursday from 3 to 7:30 p.m. More information can be found here.

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