HISTORICAL TIMELINE
The Downtown Palo Alto Farmers' Market has a long history of providing civic service to the community of Palo Alto and surrounding areas. After the last downtown grocery closed, a group of Palo Alto residents, known as the Downtown Market Citizens' Committee (DMCC), convened to brainstorm a way to provide access to fresh produce for downtown seniors and young families. . Led by members of the Avenidas' community and the City of Palo Alto, the DMCC envisioned a Farmers Market to provide the solution.
1981: Market Opens
With outdoor space donated by the Wells Fargo Bank branch on Hamilton and Waverley, legal sponsorship and a $1,500 seed loan from Avenidas, an all-volunteer board comprised of community members (mostly from Avenidas), the Market opened on June 27th. The eleven farmers who participated on the first day were overwhelmed by the 800 customers that came to the Market. Almost all were sold out by 3pm.
1982: Donations to Avenidas Begin
With receipts in excess of $3,100, the Market pays off its seed loan from Avenidas and makes its first annual donation to Avenidas: $300.
1983: Market Moves, Food Donations Begin
The Market moves to its current location on Gilman Street. The Lion's Club begins collecting unsold produce at the end of the Market, to be distributed to the Food Closet, a practice that continues today.
1986: Market Incorporates
With pro-bono legal assistance from Wilson, Sonsini, Goodrich, and Rosati, the Market incorporates as a separate legal entity, a non-profit 501(c)4 social welfare organization. The mission and program of the Market remain unchanged.
1988: Community Participation Continues
The Market begins its annual tradition of marching in Palo Alto's May Fete Parade. Annual donations to Avenidas exceed $12,000.
1990-2004: Market Helps Local Food Businesses Start
The Market provides a bootstrap wiyth early retail outlets for such local businesses as Harley Farms Goat Cheese, Esther's German Bakery, The Oaxacan Kitchen, Hodo Soy Beanery, and Green Oaks Creek Farm.
2000-2003: Recognition
Sunset Magazine features a commendation of the Market as one of its "favorites across the West" in September 2000. Avenidas recognizes the Market with an award for its contributions to the well-being of area seniors and their families in 2003.
2006: Market Celebrates its 25th Year
A season of Market festivity is marked by a proclamation from the City of Palo Alto, signed by Mayor Judy Kleinberg, commending the Market "for its valuable contributions that are so vital to the well-being of our community."
2009: Community Roots, Community Benefits
Hundreds of area residents, from San Carlos to Santa Cruz, continue to find outstanding, fresh, local food from over 50 local vendors at the Market. Annual Market donations to Avenidas reach $20,000 and cumulative community donations exceed $350,000.
