The Eater’s Guide to Local Foodcaff.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/CAFF_SJV.pdf · The Eater’s...

COMMUNITY ALLIANCE WITH FAMILY FARMERS • WWW.CAFF.ORG

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY

A publication of CAFF and CCROPP with a contribution by David Mas Masumoto

The Eater’s Guide to Local FoodS A N J OAQ U I N VA L L E Y, 1 S T E D I T I O N 2011

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2 Community Alliance with Family Farmers WWW.CAFF.ORG

A B O U T T H I S G U I D E The first edition of the Buy Fresh Buy Local San

Joaquin Valley Eater’s Guide is designed to be auseful tool in identifying local, fresh, and afford-

able foods from our rich agricultural region. The guidewas developed by the Community Alliance with FamilyFarmers (CAFF) and the Central California RegionalObesity Prevention Program (CCROPP) in an effort tohelp improve access to healthy food and raise awarenessabout the importance of buying local. This guide high-lights the diverse produce vendors who accept supple-mental nutrition assistance programs, such as theWomen, Infants, and Children program (WIC) and CalFresh (or Electronic Benefits Transfer, EBT).Throughout the guide, you will find valuable informa-tion to help advance your commitment to eating fresh,local foods, such as:

• A San Joaquin Valley seasonality chart highlighting thediverse fruit and vegetable crops that are producedthroughout the year

• The schedule and location information on the 53 farmers markets that operate weekly or seasonallythroughout the region

• A list of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs

• Editorials about the region’s food system, the diversi-ty of farming in the San Joaquin Valley, and uniqueefforts that are underway to improve access tohealthy food

• A list of organizations and websites within the SanJoaquin Valley region that support healthy food and asustainable food system

• A list of CCROPP partners who are working in differentcounties throughout the region on obesity preventionefforts

HUNGRY FOR MORE? All the information in this guideand more is available online, including listings for otherregions of California. Please visit www.caff.org for moreinformation or to be included in future editions of theEater’s Guide.

FOOD ROUTES NETWORKThe California Buy Fresh Buy Local program is a project of CAFF in collabora-tion with the national FoodRoutes Network. For moreinformation, please visitwww.foodroutes.org

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA REGIONAL OBESITYPREVENTION PROGRAM (CCROPP)The Central California Regional Obesity Prevention Program (CCROPP)works to ensure that communities are healthy and that good nutritionand physical activity opportunities are available for children and commu-nity residents. Historically, obesity prevention has been addressedthrough interventions that focus on individual change. Individual changeis important, however, we cannot overlook the influence that environ-ments and policies have on our choices and overall health.

CCROPP is working to improve access to healthy food and physicalactivity opportunities by establishing farmers markets, community gar-dens, and school farm stands with fresh foods in low-income neighbor-hoods; establishing supplemental nutrition assistance program paymentoptions (i.e. WIC and EBT) at produce venues; supporting cornerstores in their conversion to healthy stores; increasing physical activityand physical education in schools and after school programs; promot-ing physical activity opportunities through access to school space;improving parks, sidewalks, and other opportunities for physical exer-cise; supporting healthy food and physical activity policies in the work-place; promoting mixed-use transportation and planning strategies tohelp create healthier communities; and much more!

CCROPP’s mission is being carried out by partnerships between pub-lic health departments, community-based organizations, grassroots com-munity members and youth in Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Merced,San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Tulare counties. The program was devel-oped by the Central California Public Health Partnership and is housedunder the College of Health and Human Services at California StateUniversity, Fresno. Funding for this initiative was made possible by TheCalifornia Endowment and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

For more information, please call 559-228-2140 or visit www.ccropp.org.

COMMUNITY ALLIANCEWITH FAMILY FARMERSGrowing food, growing farms, growing communities

The Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) advocates forCalifornia family farmers and sustainable agriculture.

CAFF is cultivating strong partnerships between family farmers andtheir communities by building on shared values around food and agri-culture and working together in practical, on-the-ground programs.These relationships create local economic vitality, improved human andenvironmental health, and long-term sustainability.

This guide is a project of CAFF’s Buy Fresh Buy Local program, which opens new opportunities for family farmers by educat-ing consumers and food businesses about the benefits of buying locally.Other CAFF programs and projects include Farm to School, BiologicalAgriculture, and Policy.

For more information about CAFF’s programs, please visit www.caff.org.

CAFF Bay Area2150 Allston Way, Suite 320Berkeley, CA 94704510-832-4625

CAFF_SJV 4/15/11 2:39 PM

WWW.CCROPP.ORG Central California Regional Obesity Prevention Program 3

CREDITS AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTSEDITORS Ariane Michas, Allyse Heartwell

CONTRIBUTORS Brandie Banks-Bey, Rebecca Eiseman,Allyse Heartwell, Maika Horjus, Edith Jessup, ColleenLynch, Ariane Michas, Vatche Moukhtarian, RichardMolinar, Karyn Smith, Yamilette Rodriguez

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kate Murphy, Sacramento News andReview

PRODUCTION ASSISTANCE Brandie Banks-Bey, RebeccaEiseman, Ruth Holbrook, Maika Horjus, CindyLashbrook, Colleen Lynch, Jonathan Mathis and HannahErin Williams

SPECIAL THANKS TO Sharon Alexander, RosemarieAmaral, Brandie Banks-Bey, Desirey Carreno, JamesCollier, Claudia Corchado, Ingrid Daffner-Krasnow, AnnDuncan, Sonja Herbert, Maybo Heu, Genoveva Islas-Hooker, Ryan Jacobsen, Edith Jessup, Cindy Lashbrook,Alyssa Lozano, Renee Martin, Vatche Moukhtarian, FelixMuzquiz, David Mas Masumoto, Jonathan Mathis, LilaMcIver, Richard Molinar, Bill Nunes, Jennifer Perkins,Fernando Quintero, Yamilette Rodriguez, Will Scott,Tom and denesse Willey, and all of the amazing organi-zations on page 31 for their support and dedicatedwork in the San Joaquin Valley and beyond.

Production of this guide was made possible by the gen-erous support of CCROPP and the Columbia Foundation.The Buy Fresh Buy Local brand and all its illustrationsare property and trademarks of the Food RoutesNetwork and its chapter affiliate, CAFF. Illustrations byDesign for Social Impact.

C O N T E N T S3 David Mas Masumoto,

Letter to the Valley4 Farmers Market Locations6 Seasonal Availability Chart7 Fresno8 Community Supported Agriculture11 Cooking Seasonally with

Cracked Pepper Bistro12 Youth Building Healthy Communities13 Kern14 Healthy Eating for Every Budget15 Kings16 Grow Your Own17 Madera20 Merced23 San Joaquin25 Stanislaus26 CCROPP Partners28 How-To Community Resources29 Tulare30 Tradition & Diversity in Central

Valley Farming31 Organizations and Institutions

Memories OF A PeachS uch is the simple memory of eating a wonderful peach. First

your eyes detect a subtle glow. “Background color,” farmerscall it; an amber radiance as the early morning sunlight is

captured in the fuzz. Translucent.Raise to the mouth and an aroma enchants, stirring anticipation.

Insert in mouth and bite: juices splash and squirt, then drip downthe cheeks and dangle on the chin. Flavors explode and the nectardances across the taste buds. Swallow, and an aftertaste lingers andstays. You smack your lips and then pause before another bite,savoring the moment – slowly.

I continue to walk through the peach orchard; searching for per-fection. Early morning is the best time; the ripening fruit glows, thelight captured in peach fuzz, the sun alive in each piece. After yearson the farm, I know where the earliest maturing branches are. I pickonly the best and bring them home to share with the family. Westand around the butcher-block island in the kitchen, salivating asthe first great peach of the year is sliced, shared and savored.

I think of our peaches as art and want them to tell a story worthremembering: How we planted one orchard thirty years ago, liningup trees by sight – most rows straight, a few trees slightly crooked. I must have planted those. I’m reminded of them at each passthrough the fields on the tractor, swinging wide around my mis-takes.

My greatest fear, though, is that there is a generation with nohunger for memory, that whatever they find in a typical grocerystore is good enough. Who’s going to demand a peach that they’venever had?

Without memory, peaches become a commodity, con-sumers attracted by the cheap prices of fruit. Gone arethe words that help commit experience to memo-ry. We lack a language of taste, one of themain ingredients for creating lasting fla-vor and meaning. And when foodslack story, no one hears the farmer’svoice.

-DAVID MAS MASUMOTO,LETTER TO THE VALLEY

Excerpted with permission from the author

CAFF_SJV 4/15/11 2:34 PM

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CAFF_SJV 4/15/11 2:40 PM

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY SEASONAL SPECIALTIESApples

ApricotsArtichokes

ArugulaAsian PearsAsparagus

BasilBeans, snap

BeetsBlueberries

Bok ChoyBroccoliCabbageCarrots

CauliflowerChard

CherriesCollards

CornCucumber

EggplantFigs

GarlicGrapes

KaleLeeks

LemonsLettuces

MelonsNectarines

OnionsOrangesPeaches

PeasPeppers, bellPersimmons

PlumsPluot

PomegranatesPotatoes

RadishRaspberries

SnowpeasSpinach

StrawberriesSquash, summSquash, winter

TomatilloTomatoes

TurnipsWatermelon

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Special thanksto the UCCooperativeExtension,Fresno County,whose researchwas invaluablein developingthis chart!


CAFF_SJV 4/15/11 6:24 PM

•VEGETABLES •NURSERIES •FRUITS •MEAT

•NUTS, OIL, HONEY, GRAINS •EGGS •DAIRY

Fresno CountyFresno County is the leading agriculturalcounty in the nation. This region provideseasy access to major highways, leading tothe Sierra National Forest, Kings CanyonNational Park, and Northern and SouthernCalifornia. For decades now, family farmers have made a living producing a variety of nutritionally rich produce for

their local communities and thenation. Fresno County has the

largest number of small farmsof any county in Californiaand is known for its plums,

oranges, peaches, nectarines, and much more.

GROWERS & FARMSTANDSAguilar Produce ••Jorge & Danny AguilarBethel Trail AveKingsburg, CA 93631559-859-7898

Bee Bob •Bob NybergFresno, CA 93705559-227-5114

Bella Frutta •••8948 N Willow Ave Clovis, CA 93611559-298-8290

Blossom Bluff Orchards •Fran Loewen17564 E Clayton AveParlier, CA 93648559-287-5678www.blossombluff.comThe Loewens are proud owners of the family-oper-ated Blossom Bluff Orchards. They use organicpractices to tend a range of fruit trees. Their freshfruits are sold at several local farmers markets andthrough the T & D Willey CSA. They are a proudsupporter of Buy Fresh Buy Local.

Choinam’s Strawberry Farm •Choinam SaeternMcCall Ave & Belmont Ave Fresno, CA 93727559-453-1176

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9...


CAFF_SJV 4/15/11 2:55 PM


COM

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E KLINE-CUSHING ORGANIC PRODUCE, La Grange(Stanislaus) www.klineorganicproduce.comThis small CSA offers fresh, delicious produce for members inStanislaus County. They are CCOF-certified organic and spe-cialize in heirloom vegetables. No waiting list, so sign up now!

LUCERO ORGANIC FARMS, Lodi (San Joaquin)209-334-6136This is a small but growing CSA offering farm-fresh, deli-cious produce to the Lodi area.

MARIAN FARMS, Fresno (Fresno)www.marianfarmsbiodynamic.comMarian Farms is an eighty-acre, diversified, Demeter certifiedBiodynamic farm. They offer a winter CSA delivered bi-week-ly directly to your door.

NICOLAU FARMS, Modesto (Stanislaus)www.nicolaufarms.comNow you can get delicious Nicolau Farms farmstead goatcheese through a CSA! Contact them for more information.

SILVEIRA FARMS, Atwater (Merced)www.ranchopiccolo.com Also known as Rancho Piccolo, this sixty acre, CCOF-certi-fied family farm grows more than 60 crops. Their excellenttomatoes are particularly popular. CSA pickup locationsinclude Stockton, Modesto, Turlock, Merced, and Atwater.

SOUTH CENTRAL FARMERS COOPERATIVE,Bakersfield (Kern) • www.southcentralfarmers.orgThe South Central Farmers Cooperative offers monthly orweekly shares. Produce is certified organic, and drop off pointsare available around the Bakersfield and Los Angeles areas.

STELLA LUNA FARM, Auberry (Fresno)209-334-6136 Stella Luna is both organic and biodynamic certified. Theyoperate a small mixed vegetable CSA with pickup on thefarm in Auberry.

T & D WILLEY FARMS, Madera (Madera)www.tdwilleyfarms.comTom and denesse Willey are dedicated to producing CCOFcertified organic vegetables. Their Fresh & Local CSA offersyear round shares, multiple box sizes, and numerous pick-up points in Fresno and Merced counties.

Z & D FRAGO FAMILY FARM, Atwater (Merced)209-334-6136The Fragos run a small diversifiedCSA offering fresh produce, eggs,and honey. Pick-ups are everyother week in Modesto,Turlock, Atwater, andMerced.

ABUNDANT HARVEST ORGANICS, Kingsburg (Fresno) www.abundantharvestorganics.comAbundant Harvest is a “bundled CSA” offering 100% certifiedorganic produce from multiple Central Valley farmers.Abundant Harvest offers several box sizes to choose from, aswell as add-on options like dairy and eggs. Over thirty week-ly pick up sites are located throughout the state, from FairOaks to Irvine.

BAUER FAMILY FARMS, Snelling (Merced)www.bauerfamilyfarms.comBauer Family Farms’ CSA offers multiple vegetable boxsizes, with meat, eggs, and honey available as add-ons.They will do home delivery to the immediate Merced,Atwater, and Winton areas. Wednesday Merced pick-upalso available.

CONTENTED ACRES PRODUCE, Gustine (Merced)209-535-0484Contented Acres is a small two-acre farm growing mixedvegetables and specializing in greens, heirloom tomatoes,and melons. Shares for their 25 week CSA are deliveredweekly to Modesto and Turlock.

FAMILY FARM FRESH, Ivanhoe (Tulare)www.familyfarmfresh.comFamily Farm Fresh is a unique CSA providing fresh fruits,vegetables, and specialty products. They conveniently deliv-er locally grown produce to homes and offices in the SouthValley. These high quality products are selected specificallyfrom area farmers.

FARMER AND THE DALE, Reedley (Fresno)www.farmerandthedale.comFarmer and the Dale is a family-owned farm providing a widevariety of produce through its CSA. From citrus to stone fruit,vegetables to nuts, the farm grows it all. CSA customers selecttheir preferred produce for delivery within a week.

FRESH EDIBLES COMMUNITY FARM,Stockton (San Joaquin) • www.freshedibles.orgFresh Edibles offers weekly deliveries of natural fruits andvegetables, fresh from the farm to your fridge! Multipleshare sizes available. Weekly deliveries to Stockton, Lodi,Manteca, Ripon, and Tracy.

HAMILTON FARMS, Fresno (Fresno)www.wholefarmsonline.comHamilton Farms offers farm-fresh organic produce for theaccessible price of $10. They focus on providing healthy,fresh food to low-income families and seniors and do acceptWIC/EBT. Free delivery to home or work. Hamilton Farmsalso works with companies to deliver weekly produce baskets for employees.

KERN FAMILY FARM, North Fork (Madera)559-877-5800Kern Family Farm offers fresh, organically grown produceto farm members. They operate a variation on a CSA,where customers can join as members of the farm andshop at a self-serve location in North Fork, choosing andpaying for what they want.

CAFF_SJV 4/15/11 6:28 PM

Circle K Ranch ••Andrew Kazarian8640 E Manning Ave Selma, CA 93662559-834-1571

Ellsmere FarmAndrew MunnOrange Cove, CA 93646Ellsmere Farm is a proud supporter of BuyFresh Buy Local.

Esco Farms ••Milton Arias21643 E Clayton AveReedley, CA 93654

Farmer and the Dale •••Nick Salazar12158 MacDonough RdReedley, CA 93654559-240-7643

Fresno State Student-Operated Organic Farm •2910 E Barstow AveFresno, CA 93740559-278-2828

Friesen Family Farms •15496 E Saginaw AveKingsburg, CA 93631559-859-0842

Fry Family Strawberry Patch •Ger Travis Fry Conejo Ave, 1/2 mile west of Hwy 99Kingsburg, CA 93631559-897-0325

Hamilton Farms ••Tara Hamilton2326 N Monroe AveFresno, CA 93723559-284-4803

Honey Crisp Farm •Dr. Art LangeReedley, CA 93654

Intermountain Nursery •30443 N Auberry RdPrather, CA 93651559-855-3113

J & K Farley Farms •Keren Farley512 N 7th Ave

Kingsburg, CA 93631559-897-7112

James Saelee Fresh Strawberry Farm •James SaeleeManning Ave, 11/4 mile east ofButtonwillow AveReedley, CA 93702

Jensen Ranch & Purple Plum Fruit Stand6872 S Academy AveParlier, CA 93648559-646-2406

Jerry M. Seibert FarmsJerry SeibertFresno, CA 93723Jerry M. Seibert Farms is a proud supporter of Buy Fresh Buy Local.

K.M.K Organic Farms •••Kyle & Michele Reynolds11493 E Stroud AveKingsburg, CA 93631559-289-5753

Kao Saechao’s Strawberry Farm •Kao SaechaoMcCall Ave, 1/4 mile north of Dinuba AveSelma, CA 93276559-799-8265

Kong’s Fresh Strawberry Farm •Kong YangShepherd Ave, 1/4 mile east of Minnewawa AveFresno, CA 93727559-776-4305

Koy’s Fresh Strawberry Farm •Koy SaechaoMountain View Ave & Academy AveKingsburg, CA 93292

Koy’s Fresh Strawberry Farm •Koy SaechaoManning Ave, 1/4 mile west of Newmark AveParlier, CA 93292

Lee’s Farm •Ghniayer LeeBelmont Ave, near Brawley AveFresno, CA 93722559-779-6342

Lone Willow Ranch ••••John Teixeira11356 Rd 5 Firebaugh, CA 93622559-694-0017

Marian Farms ••Gena NoniniPO Box 9176 Fresno, CA 93790559-276-6185

Masumoto Farm •David Mas Masumoto9336 E LincolnDel Rey, CA 93730

May Saelee’s Strawberry Farm •May SaeleeHwy 43, west of Hwy 99Selma, CA 3727

Ming’s Strawberry Farm •Ming SaeternHerndon Ave & Willow Ave, 1/4 mile east of Willow AveClovis, CA 93720559-709-7155

MOA Health Oasis Garden •Bruno Luconi5790 Indianola AveClovis, CA 93619559-324-0465

Nelson Yang’s StrawberryFarm •Nelson YangKings Canyon Hwy, 1/4 mile west of LocanFresno, CA 559-251-5327

Olson Family Farms ••PO Box 337Kingsburg, CA 93631559-897-5114

Organic Pastures Dairy Company ••••Mark & Marcy McAfee7221 S Jameson AveFresno, CA 93706877-729-6455

Page River Bottom Farm ••C Jay Page17780 E Vino AveReedley, CA 93654559-638-3124



The emergence of four school farmstands in southeastFresno is helping to put nutrition in the hands of the peo-ple by increasing community access to fresh fruits andvegetables. The following sites have weekly farm standsand are open to the public from 2:00 - 4:30 pm: Aynesworth Elementary • 4765 E Burns Ave • ThursJane Addams Elementary • 2117 W McKinley • ThursJohn Burroughs Elementary • 166 N Sierra Vista • WedWolters Elementary • 5174 N First Street • Fri

••

CAFF_SJV 4/15/11 3:11 PM

Quality Growers Mushrooms •248 S Quality AveSanger, CA 93657559-875-4216

Rising C Ranches •Eric Christensen43294 Rd 120Orosi, CA [email protected] C Ranches sells all kinds of deliciouscitrus. Stop by their farmstand or find themonline. Rising C Ranches is a proud support-er of Buy Fresh Buy Local.

Saechao’s Fresh Strawberry Farm •Kao SaechaoArmstrong Ave, near Olive AveFresno, CA 93727

Chestnut Ave, near Florence AveFresno, CA 93727

Marks Ave, northwest of Clinton AveFresno, CA 93705

Saephan’s Farm •Choyfou SaephanElm Ave, near Central AveEaston, CA 93657

Saetern’s Fresh Strawberry Farm •Kao SaeternShaw Ave, 1/4 mile east of ChateauFresno AveFresno, CA 93727559-265-2996

Shaw Ave, 1/2 mile west of De Wolf AveFresno, CA 93706559-237-1534

Sarabian Farms •Michael Sarabian2816 S Leonard AveSanger, CA 93657559-493-2900

Scott Family Farm ••Will Scott, Jr3171 W Kearney BlvdFresno, CA 93706559-970-8020

Simonian Farms ••Dennis Simonian & Stacey Grote 2629 S Clovis Ave Fresno, CA 93725559-237-2294

Siong’s Strawberry Farm •Heulong SiongTemperance Ave & Shepherd AveClovis, CA 93611559-917-3465

Behymer Ave, northeast of Willow AveClovis, CA 93611559-917-3465

Stella Luna Farm •Chris Velez 30961 Blue Heron LnAuberry, CA 93602559-593-0710

Sun Smiling Valley Farm ••Nina Abe & Jiro Watanuki10452 E Kings Canyon Rd Sanger, CA 93657559-876-6160

Tchieng’s Fresh Strawberry Farm •Tchieng FongFowler Ave & Floradora AveFresno, CA 93727559-708-8947

Thao’s Strawberry Farm •Cherxeng ThaoDakota Ave, near Brawley AveFresno, CA 93722559-275-7906

The Apple Place •Judy Taylor54950 Hwy 245Miramonte, CA 93641559-336-2608

Three Sisters Organic ••Joe & Johnni Soghomonian8264 S ChestnutFresno, CA 93725559-834-2772

Triple Delight Blueberries •Mark & Kimberly Sorensen12155 S East AveFresno, CA 93725559-287-3965kim@tdberries.comwww.tripledelightberries.comFifth generation farmers Mark & KimberlySorensen named their farm after their three“delightful” daughters. They sell their unbe-

lievably flavorful berries and lip-smackingjams at farmers markets throughout Centraland Northern California, and they love meet-ing the people who enjoy them. Triple DelightBlueberries is a proud supporter of Buy FreshBuy Local.

Vang’s Strawberry Farm ••Chongcha VangClovis Ave & North AveFresno, CA 93727559-307-7714

4627 E Woodward AveFresno, CA 93702559-824-0709

Wang’s Fresh Strawbery Farm •Andy Wang (See Vue)Herndon Ave, 1/10 mile east of Tollhouse RdClovis, CA 93722

Youngstown Farm •Brian & Mike Forest1625 G StReedley, CA 93654559-638-2271

GROCERS & PRODUCE STANDSAynesworth Elementary School Farm Stand4765 E Burns AveFresno, CA 93725559-457-6278

Bingo Grocery2143 E Belmont AveFresno, CA 93701559-498-0857

Jane Addams Elementary School Farm Stand2117 W McKinley AveFresno, CA 93728559-485-1416

John Burroughs Elementary School Farm Stand166 N Sierra Vista AveFresno, CA 93702559-485-1416

Rue & Gwen Gibson FarmMarket at Fresno State5370 E Chestnut AveFresno, CA 93740559-278-4511

West Fresno Elementary School Farm Stand2910 S Ivy AveFresno, CA 93706559-485-1416


Fresno County’s Blossom Trail offers a unique self-guided tour of vast orchards in full blossom, featur-ing the beauty of the region’s treasured agriculture.www.gofresnocounty.com/blossomtrail/blossomin-dex.asp

CAFF_SJV 4/15/11 3:13 PM

Whole Foods Market650 W Shaw AveFresno, CA 93704559-241-0300

Wolters Elementary School Farm Stand5174 N First StFresno, CA 559-485-1416

SPECIALTY & FOOD ARTISANSBest Butcher120 Fulton StFresno, CA 93721559-264-4900

Poindexter Nut Company & Country Store 5414 E Floral AveSelma, CA 93662559-834-1555

RESTAURANTS & CAFÉSChipotle5128 North Palm AveFresno, CA 93704559-225-1166

1210 Shaw Ave, Ste PBIClovis, CA 93612559-298-4708

Cracked Pepper Bistro389 E Shaw AveFresno, CA 559-222-9119

Slates Restaurant7455 N Fresno StFresno, CA 93720559-256-4141

Trelio Restaurant438 Clovis Ave, Ste 4Clovis, CA 93612559-297-0783

COMMUNITY GARDENSAl Radka Park Community Garden 5897 E Belmont AveFresno, CA 93727559-485-1416

Peach & Butler Community Garden2021 S Peach AveFresno, CA 93727559-485-1416

Local Organic Mixed Greens & Strawberry Salad withSweet Ginger Vinaigrette

8 oz local, organic mixed greens, rinsed and dried

2 pints of strawberries, stems removed and sliced

for the vinaigrette:2 cups sugar2 cups water1 one inch piece ginger,

peeled and minced1/4 cup soy sauce1/4 cup rice wine vinegar1/2 cup salad oil1 tablespoon sesame oil

Combine the sugar, water, and ginger in asmall pot and bring to a simmer. Once thesyrup has developed a strong ginger flavor,remove the ginger and cook until it startsto thicken. Transfer the syrup into a mix-ing bowl, and whisk in the remainingingredients for the vinaigrette. Toss thegreens with all but three tablespoons ofthe vinaigrette in a large bowl and thendivide among six salad plates. Arrange thestrawberries on top and drizzle with theremaining vinaigrette. Serves 6.

Zucchini Gratin6 tablespoons unsalted butter1 pound Vidalia onions,

quartered and sliced thin1/2 cup green garlic, sliced thin2 pounds zucchini,

sliced into thin rounds2 teaspoons kosher salt 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 cup heavy cream3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs3/4 cup grated Gruyere cheese

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Melt thebutter in a large sauté pan and cook theonions and green garlic over low heat for 20minutes, or until tender but not browned,stirring regularly. Add the zucchini andcook, covered, for 10 minutes, or until ten-der. Add the salt, pepper, and nutmeg andcook uncovered for 5 more minutes. Stir inthe flour. Meanwhile, heat the cream in asmall saucepan. When the cream is hot, addit to the onions and zucchini, and cook overlow heat for a few minutes, until it makes asauce. Pour the mixture into an 8 by 10-inchbaking dish. Combine the breadcrumbs andgrated Gruyere and sprinkle on top of thezucchini mixture. Bake for 20 minutes oruntil bubbly and browned on top. Serves 8.

One of the best things you can do for your health is to eat fresh foods in

season. If you’re eating with the seasons, chances are the food has been grown

locally too. But with our busy lives today, many people feel they don’t have

the time to cook, or perhaps have never learned how. The two dishes below

are from chef Vatche Moukhtarian of the acclaimed restaurant Cracked Pepper

Bistro, in Fresno. They are easy, quick, delicious, and nutritious!

Cooking Seasonally withCracked Pepper Bistro!

For more ideas on what to eat in season, see our chart on page6. And if your skills need a boost, be sure to check out the

cooking demonstrations that run for six weeks in theSpring and Fall at the Vineyard Farmers Market.

Cooking courses are offered through TrelioRestaurant in Clovis, as well as The Chef’s Tablein Fresno. Fresno Adult School also offers afford-

able classes featuring great local chefs.


CAFF_SJV 4/15/11 3:14 PM


L ocated in the heart of California,Fresno County is one of the richestand most productive agricultural

regions in the nation. Yet many Fresno residents do not have access to affordable,high quality, local produce. Several neigh-borhoods in southeast and southwestFresno are considered “food deserts” withno grocery stores, farmers markets, commu-nity gardens, or other places to buy freshproduce. When these food deserts are coupled with limited transportationoptions, the local residents are left withsmall convenience stores that primarily sellalcohol, tobacco, soda, and snack foodsloaded with calories and little nutrition.Poor food access contributes to health disparities, including disproportionatelyhigh rates of obesity, diabetes, heart disease,|cancer and other health problems.

Local youth are confronting the lack ofaccess to healthy food in Fresno’s low-income neighborhoods in creative, newways. The Youth Leadership Institute’s(YLI), Central California Regional ObesityPrevention Program (CCROPP) youth coun-cil is working toward transforming neighbor-hood corner stores into community assetswhere residents can purchase local, afford-able fresh fruits and vegetables. The youthare leading this effort by creating collabora-tions between businesses, farmers, commu-nity members, and community organiza-tions.

Over a four-month period,the youth council assessed thefood environments in southeast and south-west Fresno. Through photos, observation,

mapping, and interviews with communityleaders, members of YLI documented thelack of access to quality and affordable,healthy and culturally appropriate foods.Moreover, they identified a dearth of storesoffering food available for purchase throughthe Women, Infants and Children (WIC)Program. Informed by their research, theyouth approached several corner stores insoutheast Fresno to see if there was interestin creating a healthier store. Two stores haveagreed to work with the youth council,which connects the retail outlets to theresources necessary to implement healthy

improvements. Creating a healthierstore will include the sale of local

produce, reducing the number ofalcohol and tobacco ads, andimproving the façade of thestore, among other community-

friendly modifications.On a personal level, youth council

members experienced deep satisfaction fromworking with the community at the grassroots. “The best part of doing this work isthe stories that we hear,” says YLI partici-pant Danielle Reyes. “When we spoke withthe store owners they… told us how great itwould be to provide produce to their com-

munities.” Likewise, participant RosalbaRamirez-Lopez says the project has beenespecially worthwhile because of the oppor-tunity to truly “listen to the people in thecommunity and hear how they envisionedtheir community.” Participant NancyHernandez-Carretero appreciates and values“the opportunity to influence positivechange in the community.” Working withother youth has been rewarding for youthcouncil members. Xee Vang describes that“working with a dedicated team of youngpeople, playing a part in improving thecommunity, and knowing that the work ofthe youth council will affect the lives ofmany” keeps the project fun and exciting.“Meeting and working with other youngpeople who share common goals has beeninspiring and satisfying,” added Don Thao.

The YLI CCROPP youth council in Fresnoincludes: Rosalba Lopez-Ramirez, Danielle Reyes,Nancy Hernandez-Carretero, Don Thao, andXee Vang. Youth Coordinator: April Hoogasian.

Youth Building Healthy Communities

“Meeting and working withother young people who sharecommon goals has been inspiring and satisfying,”

- DON THAO

CAFF_SJV 4/15/11 3:15 PM



Kern CountyKern County is located at the verysouthern end of California’s SanJoaquin Valley, surrounded by miles offertile farmland, stunning mountainranges, and natural deserts. KernCounty’s warm climate, rich soil, andcommitted growers and workers havecontributed to this region being one ofthe leading vegetable producing areasin the nation. Kern County is a topproducer of carrots and is widelyknown for cultivating other importantfood crops such as raisins, table andwine grapes, citrus fruits, almonds,potatoes, lettuce, garlic, onions, toma-toes, bell peppers, and watermelons.

GROWERS & FARMSTANDSMurray Farms ••Steve MurrayPO Box 70460Bakersfield, CA 93387661-330-0100

South Central Farmers Cooperative •Samuel Sanchez & Sarah NolanBakersfield, CA 90058800-249-5240

Tangleweed Farm ••John & Laurie Thorpe21192 Old Town RdTehachapi, CA 93561661-822-8806


CAFF_SJV 4/15/11 3:16 PM


Healthy Eating for Every Budget

I t may seem like buying healthy, localfood is impossible without spending a lot, but some savvy shopping and

creative cooking strategies can make goodeating affordable and delicious!

SHOP FOR WHAT IS IN SEASON. Produce inseason will be the least expensive and ismore likely to be locally grown. If you buygrapes during the winter, they probably traveled far to get to the grocery store andthat extra travel increases the cost. Shoppingin season will give you the opportunity totry different types of produce and test newrecipes. Aren’t sure what’s in season? Justrefer to our San Joaquin Valley seasonalitychart on page 6.

BUY WHOLE PRODUCTS, instead of preparedor processed foods. Think brown rice insteadof Rice-a-Roni, or whole potatoes instead ofTater Tots. Processing, like shipping, meansyou’re paying for something other thangood nutrition (and taste).

BUY WHOLE FOODS IN BULK to stretch yourfood dollars further. Buy produce in bulk,and learn how to preserve your fruits andvegetables. Blanching and freezing fresh veg-

etables is easy, and canning is another wayto keep your seasonal produce tasty year-round. Many items grown right here in thevalley have a long shelf life, such as wholegrains, beans, and nuts.

COOKING YOUR OWN MEALS rather than eat-ing out will save you money, and making afabulous fresh meal is even better when youhave leftovers. Prepare extra servings to eatthroughout the week and take to work.Eating lunch out often means eating at fastfood restaurants, so bringing your ownlunch cuts costs and is better for you. Whenyou cook, you control the budget. There aregreat ways to get delicious flavor withoutrelying on expensive ingredients. For recipeideas and information on local cookingclasses, go to page 11.

REMEMBER TO MAKE A LIST! It sounds sim-ple, but a shopping list can save you moneyin the supermarket by helping you avoidimpulse purchases like junk food and lettingyou plan your meals ahead.

GROWING YOUR OWN PRODUCE is a goodway to save on food and doesn’t requiremuch space. Take advantage of the Valley’swarm sun and rich topsoil to grow yourown. Even a tomato plant and some herbsin pots on a small patio

can be a fun and delicious money saver! See page 16 for gardening tips.

If you prefer shopping to growing, thereare lots of local markets where you can findfresh produce at a low or no cost.Throughout California, food banks havebeen working hard to expand the availabilityof fresh, local produce. Check out local food pantries for their fruit and vegetableofferings. Local farmers markets are anotheroption and are usually held weekly. If yougo to the market toward the end of the day,you can often find good deals on producethat farmers are trying to move out quickly.Many farmers markets now accept EBT andWIC benefits. See our farmers market charton page 4 or ask your local market managerif they accept WIC/EBT. If they don’t, askthem to consider it so that everyone canshop at the market.

Buying smart, cooking creatively, andknowing where fresh produce is available areall ways to help you eat healthy and local,no matter what your budget is.

In an effort to improve access to fruits and vegeta-bles in Kettleman City, the grassroots community,youth and a corner store owner completed amakeover of the Hla Hla Market. During the marketmakeover, healthier food items were moved to thefront of the store, some of the unhealthy food andbeverage signage was removed, and the store nowprovides fruits and vegetables to this rural communi-ty that lacks a full-scale grocery store.

CAFF_SJV 4/15/11 3:17 PM



Kings CountySteep mountains, vast fields, andabundant orchards and vineyardsmake Kings County a place of richscenic beauty. This region has alarge agricultural economy led bythe dairy industry. While home to adiverse selection of crops, KingsCounty is known for peaches, sweetnectarines, plums, garlic, tomatoes,corn, wheat, nuts, beef cattle, anddairy.


GROWERS & FARMSTANDSCouture Farms •••Christina & Steve CouturePO Box 569Kettleman City, CA 93239559-584-2702

Fagundes Old-World Cheese •John Fagundes IVHanford, CA 888-225-4878

Genesis Organic Farm ••Jeannie Williams7595 Central Valley HwyHanford, CA 93230559-410-3607

HHH Farms & Apiary

••••Angi HarroverHanford, CA 93230

Nichols FarmsJohnny Starling

13762 1st AveHanford, CA 93230559-584-6811www.nicholsfarms.comNichols Farms is a proud supporter ofBuy Fresh Buy Local.

Rancho Notso Grande ••John Olivas5051 12th AveHanford, CA 93230559-269-1152

CAFF_SJV 4/15/11 3:18 PM

Grow Your Own!FOOD, THAT IS. G ardening is back in vogue, if indeed it

ever left. In backyards and communitygarden plots around the Valley, more

and more eaters are becoming growers tooand getting down and dirty in hopes of

producing their first (or fiftieth) tomato.Harvesting fresh, seasonal, affordable,and safe crops from your own gardenis singularly satisfying, and it makes alot of sense these days. With foodprices, concerns about food safety,and awareness about the environmental

consequences of an industrial foodsystem all on the rise, many peo-ple are happily donning glovesand hoisting shovels.

According to the World WatchInstitute, the average meal travels1,500 miles from farm to plate.

The amount of fossil fuel burnedand CO2 emitted to preserve and

transport food all those miles is enoughto make you lose your appetite – while thegardener’s meal often travels less than 50 feet.

Even here in the Valley, wherewe are so close to our food,over one billion tons of

pesticides are dumped into theenvironment by conventional

agriculture each year, but those growing small, diverse gardens close to homeare likely to do so without the use of harmfulchemicals. Backyard and community gardenersare taking matters into their own hands andmaking change.

Gardens create happiness and health onmany levels, and some studies have evenshown that getting your hands in the dirt on a daily basis can increase your levels of serotonin, the chemical in our brains that regulates feelings of well-being. Communitygardening can also be a catalyst for building a

community, providing a sense of connectionso often missing from our busy, modernlives and strengthening a neighborhood’ssense of pride. Studies have shown that

community gardens can increase property values over the years, and some communitieshave even reported a decrease in crime.

Growing your own food is perhaps the bestway to fully understand and appreciate eatingwith the seasons. California’s relatively balmyclimate allows for a year-round growing season, and microclimates throughout theValley leave plenty of room for discovery.With a little trial and error, even the mostnovice gardeners can figure out how to wrestsome goodness from the ground.

Don’t think you have the space? Tomatoes,herbs, greens, and more all work great in pots.Try building a container garden on a patio,rooftop, or even a fire escape. For resourceson finding community gardens or startingyour own, try www.communitygarden.org orone of the local organizations on page 31,like the Fresno Community Garden Coalitionor Riverbank Community Gardens.

Need a jump-start? Gardening classes for allexperience levels abound. Check out yourlocal community college’s class offerings fornext semester, or look into your county’sMaster Gardening program. Both Fresno andSan Joaquin counties have active chaptersthat frequently host great programs open tothe public.

Backyard and communitygardeners are taking mattersinto their own hands andmaking change.


CAFF_SJV 4/15/11 3:19 PM

Madera CountyIn Madera County, rich crop lands andfarming thrive, contributing to a bountyof fresh produce. Located at the exactcenter of California, Madera County isat the heart of the Central Valley. It features two pristine national landmarks:the Sierra National Forest and YosemiteNational Park. Madera County is knownfor its production in milk, grapes,almonds, pistachios, walnuts, cattle, figs,poultry, and corn, and other diverseproducts such as kiwi fruit, fish, tomatoes, peaches, and eggplant.

GROWERS & FARMSTANDSBraga Farms ••Michael Braga10668 Rd 26 1/2Madera, CA 93637559-675-1743

J Marchini Farms •Mark Marchini & Lupe Mojica8736 S Minturn Rd Chowchilla, CA 93610

559-665-2944

Kern Family Farms ••Hansel & Sue KernPO Box 580North Fork, CA [email protected] Family Farm offers fresh,organically grown produce tofarm members. They operatea variation on a CSA, where

customers can join as membersof the farm and shop at a self-

serve location in North Fork,choosing and paying for what they

want. Kern Family Farm is a proud sup-porter of Buy Fresh Buy Local.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18...•VEGETABLES •NURSERIES •FRUITS •MEAT



CAFF_SJV 4/15/11 3:20 PM

Madera Whole Systems Agriculture •John WarnerMadera, CA 93636559-822-2216

R & G Produce •Gerald & Richie June28611 Ave 15 Madera, CA 93638559-674-7232

Saetern Cheng ••Cheng SaeternAve 15 1/2 & Hwy 145Madera, CA 93636559-301-6336

Sherman Thomas Ranch ••Lori Pond25810 Ave 11Madera, CA 93637559-674-6468

Sumner Peck Ranch, Inc •••Ken Lazarus14860 N Hwy 41Madera, CA 93636559-822-2525

T & D Willey Farms •Tom & denesse Willey13886 Rd 20Madera, CA [email protected] and denesse Willey have been growingon their 75 acre farm since 1980. They arededicated to producing CCOF certifiedorganic vegetables year-round. The farm’sproducts are sold in grocery stores throughoutCalifornia and through their CSA. They areproud supporters of Buy Fresh Buy Local.

GROCERS & PRODUCE STANDSValley Pistachio Country Store20865 Ave 20Madera, CA 93637800-694-0030

SPECIALTY STORES& FOOD ARTISANSAshjian’s Jams & Jellies41430 Ave 14Madera, CA 93636559-822-3369

Homegrown Cellars13702 Rd 20Madera, CA 93637 559-664-8599

RESTAURANTS & CAFÉSThe Vineyard Restaurant & BarHighway 99 at Route 145Madera, CA 93637559-674-0923

Houses

FruitStand

FarmersMarket

Healthy, locally grown food

is closer than you think!

Good Stuff Farmers MarketSierra Mono Museum33103 Road 228, North Fork, CAJuly 24 to October 16Fridays 2-4pm

3

3

Bass Lake Farmers MarketPines ResortMay 1 to October 15Wednesdays 3-8pm

2

2

Madera CertifiedFarmers MarketYosemite Ave. & Gateway Dr.July 18 to August 204-6:30pm

1

1

Farmers Markets and Fruit StandsMadera County

Rd 24

Ave 9Ave 9

Ave 11

Ave 12

Ave 15

Ave 25

Ave 13

Ave 24

Ave 30½ Ave 33½

Ave 15½

Ave 24½

Open in Early Spring

Design by Digital Mirrors - Illustrations by Steve Riley

The Madera Fruit Trail map highlights major access points for fresh fruitsand vegetables that are grown and sold locally.

CAFF_SJV 4/15/11 3:27 PM


F orty years ago, Tom and denesseWilley would not have imaginedthemselves living on a farm in

Madera, California amidst the bountiful75-acres that now sustains the Willeys anddozens of other families year-round.Originally a city boy from Los Angeles,Tom ambled into agriculture in the 1970s,looking for work with a positive impact.He began T&D Willey Farms in 1981 and,three decades later, he and his wife denesseare still growing strong.

Although the Willeys started with conven-tional growing methods, they began thetransition to organic production early onand have been officially certified byCalifornia Certified Organic Farmers(CCOF) since 1987. Tom reports that theyhad pragmatic as well as philosophical moti-vations for switching to organic production.“I noticed that the resiliency of my systemwas waning,” he says, noting that his cropsrequired more and more chemical inputsmerely to replicate previous output.Dissatisfied with this pattern, the Willeysbegan to look for an alternative.

A penchant for experimentation and anongoing search for better practices have ledTom and denesse to develop a model oforganic production characterized by anabundance of spatial and temporal diversi-

ty. “Most of the farms in this area aregrowing one or two crops over the year,”Tom explains, “ours is growing fifty.”Many farms produce just a single season,while the Willey family and their employ-ees taste, sell, and share the fruits of theirlabor year round.

The secret of this intensive productionsystem lies in the Willeys focus on main-taining rich, healthy soil that optimizesplant nutrition. The Willeys believe in nur-turing healthy ecosystems at every level,and Tom likes to describe the farm itself asan ecosystem, with its own ecology ofplants, soil, cell microbes, animals, andhuman beings.

In addition to supplying farmers mar-kets, retailers, and wholesalers, the Willeysmarket their produce through aCommunity Supported Agriculture (CSA)program. With over 800 members withinan hour’s drive of the farm, the Willeysadmit that the CSA involves a lot of com-plexity and sometimes tedious work, butthey are quick to highlight its manyrewards. “People show a lot of apprecia-tion,” Tom says, describing how his cus-

tomers value the trust they have in thequality and purity of their food. For theirpart, the Willeys appreciate the opportuni-ty to communicate with the people whoeat their food and fostering a more inti-mate relationship between farmer and cus-tomer. Along with their CSA box eachweek, CSA customers receive a newsletterwith recipes, tips for produce storage,updates from the farm, and other enrich-ing tidbits. Tom and denesse craft eachnewsletter with care, keeping an eye oneducating and involving consumers in thelife of their own food as well as broaderagricultural and food issues.

For all their success, the Willeys don’tconvey a mindset of having “arrived.”They say they are always looking for waysto improve and willing to try new things.After all, they say, “Agriculture is an experi-ment.” For the Willeys—and for those whoenjoy their first-rate organic produce—it’san experiment that has yielded satisfyingand palate-pleasing results.

T&D Willey FarmsGET TO KNOW.. .

For their part, the Wileys appreciatethe opportunity to communicate with

the people who eat their food and fostering a more intimate relationship

between farmer and customer.

Tom and denesse Willey

CAFF_SJV 4/15/11 4:46 PM


Merced CountyMerced County farmers and workersproduce over 110 diverse agriculturalproducts. There are hundreds of smallfarms in the county, and producegrown here is exported around theworld. Merced County is known forits beans, corn, rice, wheat, melons,peas, peppers, sweet potatoes, apricots,figs, kiwifruit, olives, pistachios,prunes, cherries, goat dairies, chickens,and turkeys.

GROWERS & FARMSTANDSAnderson Almonds •Glenn Anderson6401 Hultberg RdHilmar, CA 95324209-667-7494

Arnold FarmsGlenn ArnoldWinton, CA 95388

Athena’s Gift •Anne PicirilloPO Box 454Gustine, CA 95322209-631-1127

Bauer Family Farms ••Kelly & Mark Bauer17086 Los Cerritos RdSnelling, CA 95369209-563-6597

Bob Brandi Honey & Farming •Bob BrandiLos Banos, CA 93635Bob Brandi Honey & Farming is a proud supporter of Buy Fresh Buy Local.



CAFF_SJV 4/15/11 5:18 PM

Buchanan Hollow Nut Co ••Craig Robson6510 Minturn RdLe Grand, CA 95333209-389-4594

Chad RanchRobert ChadWinton, CA 95388Chad Ranch is a proud supporter of Buy Fresh Buy Local.

Chang Family Farm •Teng ChangShaffer Rd & Santa Fe DrMerced, CA 95348209-261-2827

Contented Acres Produce ••Bill Nunes3259 S Hwy 33 Gustine, CA 95322209-535-0484

Foothill Grassfed Meats •Rob & Candy White113 Keyes RdSnelling , CA 95369209-484-2249info@foothillgrassfed.comwww.foothillgrassfed.comFoothill Grassfed Meats is run by three gener-ations of the White family. The Whites raisefresh, wholesome, grassfed beef, pasturedpork, and pastured chickens in a beautifuland stress-free environment. They are proudsupporters of Buy Fresh Buy Local.

Kashiwase Farms •Steve Kashiwase9681 West LnWinton, CA 95388209-648-2293

Kirihara Farms •James Kirihara12209 W Eucalyptus AveLivingston, CA 95334209-394-3953

Marchini Sisters ••Fania WrightLeGrand, CA 559-298-7804

Mark J. Warda FarmsSarah WardaDelhi, CA 95315

Needmore Farms •Edith Clark30300 Eastin RdGustine, CA 95322

Nicholas Calf RanchWinton, CA 95388Nicholas Calf Ranch is a proud supporter of Buy Fresh Buy Local.

Passion Fruit Farms •Tonetta Gladwin6493 E Olive AveMerced, CA 95340209-725-3447

Pure Valley Honey Bees •Frankie Medeiros9643 Mariposa WayLe Grand, CA 95333209-631-6565frankiepvhbees@aol.comwww.purevalleyhoneybees.comPure Valley Honey Bees is a family businessthat offers 100% pure honey straight from thehive. With honey in nine different flavors aswell as delicious nuts and spread, Pure ValleyHoney is sure to have something for every-one! Pure Valley Honey is a proud supporterof Buy Fresh Buy Local.

Riverdance Farms ••Cindy Lashbrook12230 Livingston-Cressey RdLivingston, CA 95334209-394-1420riverdancefarms@gmail.comwww.pickandgather.wordpress.comFarmers Cindy & Bill practice eco-friendlyfarming that works with nature rather thanagainst it. They are also very active in theircommunity and their beautiful farm is host toseveral annual events throughout the year,including the well-loved Pick & Gather festi-val. Riverdance Farm is a proud supporter ofBuy Fresh Buy Local.

Shasky Farms •Jim Shasky11492 E Savana RdLe Grand, CA 95333209-389-0430

Silveira Farms •David Silveira1120 Commerce Ave, #7Atwater, CA 95301209-380-9104

Valenta Farms ••Tom Valenta3689 Bert Crane RdAtwater, CA 95301209-358-0576

Yang’s Farm ••Pao YangE Olive Ave & McKee RdMerced, CA 95340209-631-3213

Z & D Frago Family Farm

••••Zenon & Debra Frago3737 Dwight WayAtwater, CA 95301209-394-2446

GROCERS & PRODUCE STANDSApplegate Produce Market7077 White Crane RdAtwater, CA 95301209-358-6278

Merced Organics Health Food Market451 W 18th StMerced, CA 95340209-819-6957


Local vendors and farmers come to the Merced and Atwater flea markets sellingfruits and vegetables to nearby customers.In an effort to help improve access tohealthy food, the flea markets are author-ized to accept EBT as a payment option.


CAFF_SJV 4/15/11 5:19 PM


SPECIALTY STORES& FOOD ARTISANSForte Frozen Yogurt319 W Main Merced, CA 95340209-722-2947

RESTAURANTS & CAFÉS6th Street Diner925 6th StLos Banos, CA 93635209-826-1128

Bishop’s on the Square460 West Main StMerced, CA 95340209-726-6262

DeAngelo’s2000 E Childs AveMerced, CA 95341209-383-3020

Hot City BBQ1313 S 6th StLos Banos, CA 93236209-826-4300

J&R Tacos427 W Main StMerced, CA 95340209-384-2923

La Morenita 242 Livingston Cressey RoadLivingston, CA 95334209-394-3349

Piano Caffe3361 G StMerced, CA 95340209-724-9451

Sam’s Café235 W 12th StMerced, CA 95341209-383-5350

Sweet Temptations Bakery433 W Main StMerced, CA 95340209-723-6519

The Coffee Block525 W Main StMerced, CA 95340209-723-1996

Toni’s Courtyard Café and Bakery516 W 18th StMerced, CA 95340209-384-2580

“I became a ‘farmer’ in the mid seventies, growing my first gardens and studying Ag at Fresno State. It was an exciting time,” says CindyLashbrook, who owns and operates Riverdance Farms along with her

husband, Bill. Riverdance is a 70 acre small, family-owned organic farm inLivingston, California. The farm hugs the Merced River, which flows downfrom Yosemite, and meanders through Merced County, where it provides alush, vibrant ecology.

Although Cindy and Bill had farmed various locations for many years before,Riverdance Farms officially began in 1996. The name “Lashbrook” means awhip-shaped stream or brook. And, as luck would have it, the slice of landalong the river that Cindy and Bill farm is shaped like a whip “a deep horse-shoe bend. I think the landreally called me,” Cindyrecalls. Since then, Riverdancehas developed a strong pres-ence in the community as afamily and educational desti-nation and also as a leader insustainable practices.

The farm hosts a U-pickFestival the weekend afterMemorial Day, and is openmost weekends in late Mayand June for U-pick days.Visitors can come out andpick several varieties of stone fruit, including four varieties of cherries, thefamous Blenheim apricots, and blueberries. This gives the public a view of sis-tainable agriculture in action. The main festivities of the Pick & Gather Festivalare on the Saturday after Memorial Day, but continued fruit picking, an organicbreakfast, and enjoyment of the river take place Sunday. “Bring your family andenjoy it, but leave some money,” Cindy says with a laugh!

The farm’s main crops are organic blueberries, walnuts, cherries, lavender, andoat hay (feed for a local dairy). There are also smaller plantings of persimmons,pomegranates, pecans, and citrus. Future plans for Riverdance include provid-ing pasture for some grassfed beef cattle belonging to a neighbor, replanting analmond grove, planting a more diverse u-pick orchard and table grapes, and

incorporating pastured chickens for a cooperative ofegg producers.

It’s hard to sum up what Cindy and Bill enjoy mostabout farming, along with providing a living lab fortheir Ag Consulting business, but perhaps it’s theinterface between farm and nature. They enjoy thefact that part of their job requires taking a walkaround the property and along the edge of the river,

monitoring the life cycles at work on the farm. Growing foods that are healthy,nutritionally dense, and high on the antioxidant list is especially satisfying.

Cindy and Bill’s commitment to ecological land management practicesextends beyond the borders of their own farm. They’ve been farming organical-ly since 1990 and at Riverdance they utilize permaculture principles, such asplanting hedgerows and wildlife corridors with plants native to the Valley. Theyare also active within the East Merced Resource Conservation District Board,the Merced County Farm Bureau, and the Merced River Stakeholders Group,as well as the California Farmers Union, the Ecological Farming Association,and Community Alliance with Family Farmers. Cindy is a Merced CountyPlanning Commissioner with an eye to protecting farmland and the farm econ-omy as the population grows. Riverdance is also a member of CaliforniaCertified Organic Farmers, and Slow Food USA.

“Farmers need a partnership with the eaters in their communities,” Cindysays “and we all can benefit from that.”

GET TO KNOW…Cindy and Bill Lashbrook and Bill Thompson of

Riverdance Farms

“Farmers need a partner-ship with the eaters in

their communities... and weall can benefit from that.”

- CINDY LASHBROOK

CAFF_SJV 4/15/11 5:21 PM



San Joaquin CountySan Joaquin County is located east of the San Francisco Bay area. Like many of the other counties in the San JoaquinValley, a variety of food is grown or raisedin this region, including milk, grapes,almonds, cherries, tomatoes, walnuts, cattle, asparagus, blueberries, and muchmore. Every year, Stockton celebrates aworld-renowned Asparagus Festival. Manyresidents recognize the event as the startof spring! The festival has been in opera-tion for over 25 years, attracting hundredsthroughout the Central Valley to enjoylocally grown food and engage in a num-ber of festivities. And look for the DryBean festival in Tracy.

GROWERS & FARMSTANDSAlfieri Farms ••Ripon, CA 95366209-599-7382

Antoinette Celle Vineyards ••Antoinette Celle & Jim Roberts17803 E Baker RdLinden, CA 95236209-887-3368

Bava Family Grove •Philip Bava18429 Brennan RdEscalon, CA 95320209-609-2469farmerphil@sbcglobal.netwww.bavafamilygrove.comBava Family Grove is a 4th generation familyfarm producing a limited quantity of award-win-ning olive oil. They use sustainable farmingpractices and an organically certified mill. BavaFamily Grove, a proud supporter of Buy FreshBuy Local, is available at farmers markets, farmstands, and gourmet kitchen shops.

C & K Farms ••Charles & Kathleen Harris18600 N Ripon RdRipon, CA 95366209-599-3991



CAFF_SJV 4/15/11 5:22 PM


Chinchiolo Farms •Steve ChinchioloPO Box 606Ripon, CA 95366209-456-2314

Country Side Farms •6666 E Main StStockton, CA 95215209-943-1632

DePalma Farms ••18666 E Hwy 120Ripon, CA 95366209-838-7034

E Chiam Lee •N Lower Sacramento Rd & E Collier RdLodi, CA 95242

Ferrari Farms ••17071 E Baker RdLinden, CA 95236209-887-3906

Fresh Edibles Community Farm Bob Whitaker2339 West Hammer LnStockton, CA 95209209-406-3100

Great Valley Poultry ••Dana Corbin19780 Jack Tone RdManteca, CA 95366209-599-9102

John Eilers FarmsJohn EilersLinden, CA 95236John Eilers Farms is a proud supporter of Buy Fresh Buy Local.

Kae Liem Saechin •4598 W Peltier RdLodi, CA 95242

Koy Saevang •12860 E Brandt RdLodi, CA 95242

Lagier Ranches ••John Lagier16161 S Murphy RdEscalon, CA [email protected] Lagier is a 4th generation farmer.Continuing the family tradition of diversifyinghis farm, he grows organic cherries, blackber-ries, citrus, table grapes, almonds, and more.These fresh products are available at localstores, restaurants, farmers markets, andonline. Lagier Ranch is a proud supporter ofBuy Fresh Buy Local.

Locke Ranch LLCChristopher John LockeLockeford, CA 95237

Lorina’s Edible Garden ••Lorina Cajais17397 Enterprise RdEscalon, CA 95320209-838-1457

Luang Wuen •Hammer Ln & Don AveStockton, CA 95209209-639-3260

Lucero Organic Farms ••Karen, Ben, & Curt Lucero3050 E Morse RdLodi, CA 95241209-334-6136

Morrissey Egg Farm •Christine MorrisseyStockton, CA 95206209-639-6781

Old Dog Ranch ••Roger SitkinPO Box 989Linden, CA 95236209-887-2228Old Dog Ranch is a small farm in Linden,California. The farm has been in operationsince 1976. They produce fresh melons andare also growers of tasty walnuts. Old DogRanch is a proud supporter of Buy Fresh BuyLocal.

S & R Egg Ranch ••Peter Scheu10710 E Collier RdAcampo, CA 95220209-333-1415

Sandy Teurn •Sandy Teurn26195 Chrisman RdTracy, CA 95304916-599-6320

Smit Ranch •12601 N Clements RdLinden, CA 95236209-887-2237

The Fruit Bowl ••Ralph Lucchetti8767 E Waterloo RdStockton, CA [email protected] 1947 the Lucchetti Family has beengrowing and selling fresh fruit and vegetablesat the Fruit Bowl. They have cherries in Mayand June, 55 varieties of peaches all summer,along with nectarines, apricots, plums, pluots,tomatoes, corn, and melons. The Fruit Bowlis a proud supporter of Buy Fresh Buy Local.

The Long Ranch •Scott Long5203 W Ripon RoadManteca, CA 95337209-823-5515

RESTAURANTS & CAFÉSChipotle4940 Pacific AveStockton, CA 95207209-476-7217

1440 Hulsey WayManteca, CA 95336209-823-1017

Select San Joaquin is a program devel-oped by county administrators, local

grocers, and the agriculture industry toencourage San Joaquin County resi-dents to support local agriculture by

purchasing locally-grown produce. Theprogram highlights the benefits of local

agriculture and the benefits of eatingfreshly grown produce.

•••

CAFF_SJV 4/15/11 5:23 PM



CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE...

Stanislaus CountyStanislaus County is located in the heart ofCentral California, offering an array of freshproduce and farm products from which tochoose: milk, almonds, chickens, eggs,turkeys, cattle, walnuts, peaches, tomatoes,and much more. The county’s central loca-tion is within reach of beautiful beaches, themountains and some of the most renownedparks. Located throughout the region aresome of the finest farmers markets and produce stands. Every year, residentsthroughout the Valley come to visitStanislaus County to celebrate a variety of food festivals.

GROWERS & FARMSTANDSBeekman & Beekman •Bruce Beekman5236 Geer RdHughson, CA 95326209-667-5812

Bella Viva Orchards •Victor MartinoDenair, CA 95316209-883-4146

Better Digs Organic Farm ••Mike & Patty RuhlandHughson, CA 95326Better Digs Organic farm is a small farm commit-ted to using organic practices, limiting the use offossil fuels, and harvesting their potatoes andalmonds by hand as much as possible. They areproud supporters of Buy Fresh Buy Local.

Burroughs Family Farms

•••••Rose Marie Burroughs22329 E Monte Vista AveDenair, CA 95316209-874-1309



CAFF_SJV 4/15/11 5:24 PM


The Central California RegionalObesity Prevention Program has partners throughout the San JoaquinValley, working on creating greateraccess to fresh, healthy foods. If you'dlike more information and assistance,please be in contact.

FRESNO COUNTYRosemarie AmaralHealth EducatorFresno County Department of Public Health

1221 Fulton Mall, 2nd Floor • Fresno, [email protected] • www.co.fresno.ca.us/publichealth

Reyna VillalobosProject DirectorFresno Metro Ministry

1055 N Van Ness Ave, Ste H • Fresno, [email protected] • www.fresnometmin.org

KERN COUNTYAvtar Nijjer-SidhuSenior Health EducatorKern County Environmental Health Division

2700 M Street Ste 300 • Bakersfield, [email protected] • www.co.kern.ca.us/health

MADERA COUNTYNatalie SteinProgram ManagerMadera County Public Health Department

14215 Rd. 28 • Madera, 93638natalie.stein@madera-county.com559-675-7893www.madera-county.com/publichealth

Cristina Gomez-Vidal DiazCommunity Outreach/Advocacy Program ManagerCommunity Action Partnership Madera County

701 E. 5th Street • Madera, [email protected] • www.maderacap.org

MERCED COUNTYRichard RiosProgram Manager - Community Health ServicesMerced County Public Health Department

260 E. 15th St. • Merced, [email protected] • www.co.merced.ca.us/health

Claudia CorchadoProgram ManagerUnited Way of Merced County

658 W. Main Street • Merced, [email protected] • www.unitedwaymerced.org

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTYShené BowieCoordinator, Health Promotion & Chronic Disease PreventionSan Joaquin County Public Health Services

1601 E. Hazelton Ave • Stockton, [email protected] • www.sjcphs.org

LaCresia HawkinsProject CoordinatorCommunity Partnership for Families of San Joaquin

2044 Fair Street • Stockton, [email protected] • www.cpfsj.org

STANISLAUS COUNTYPhoebe LeungAssistant Director, Chronic Disease & Health PromotionStanislaus County Health Services Agency

820 Scenic Drive • Modesto, [email protected] • www.schsa.org

Lourdes PerezProgram SpecialistCeres Partnership for Healthy Children

2908 4th Street • Ceres, [email protected] • www.cphc.info

TULARE COUNTYRobert StewartCommunity Health Capacity Building SpecialistTulare County Health & Human Services Agency

5957 S. Mooney Blvd • Visalia, [email protected] • www.tularehhsa.org

Susan ElizabethProject CoordinatorTulare CCROPP-Healthy For LifePO Box 1348 • Visalia, [email protected]

California State University, Fresno

CCROPP REGIONAL STAFFGenoveva Islas-HookerRegional Program CoordinatorCentral California Regional Obesity Prevention Program

1625 E. Shaw Ave, Ste. 146 • Fresno, [email protected] • www.ccropp.org

Edie JessupProgram Development SpecialistCentral California Regional Obesity Prevention Program


Latricia WashingtonAdministrative Support CoordinatorCentral California Regional Obesity Prevention Program


Jonathan MathisWeb CoordinatorCentral California Regional Obesity Prevention Program


Brandie Banks-BeyCommunications SpecialistCentral California Regional Obesity Prevention Program


Sabina Gonzalez-ErañaProgram CoordinatorCCROPP Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities


CCROPP PARTNERS IN THE SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY

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E & B Gourmet Farms •••Ed & Becky Mendes4718 E Service RdCeres, CA 95307209-538-0312

Ellie & Charley’s Organic Produce

••Charles & Ellie Fernandez13736 Elm AvePatterson, CA 95363209-892-3611

F & W Nuts •Wendy & Frank DenisCeres, CA 95307F & W Nuts is a proud supporter of BuyFresh Buy Local.

First Look Ranch ••Michele Weber & Karl Reitz12218 Orange Blossom RdOakdale, CA [email protected] Look Ranch sells an array of fresh pro-duce at their roadside farmstand in Oakdale.They offer a broad range of vegetables, fruit,and berries and this produce is available for cus-tomers to enjoy year-round. First Look Ranch isa proud supporter of Buy Fresh Buy Local.

Fiscalini Cheese •Marylin Wear7206 Kiernan AveModesto, CA 95358800-610-3276

Francesca Fresh Produce ••Francesca & Vincent Cipponeri5700 Griffen RdHughson, CA 95326209-668-7829

In 2009, the Ceres Farmers Market held itsgrand opening in Courthouse Park. Whenin operation, the farmers market servesover 400 customers a week. The certifiedmarket has now established EBT and WICas a payment option to ensure that allcommunity members have access to freshhealthy food.



Kline-Cushing Organic Produce ••Brian Kline21713 Lake Rd La Grange, CA 95329

Monroe Orchards ••2301 Baldwin RdHughson, CA 95326209-538-2976

Nicolau Farms •Walter & Liz Nicolau4451 S Carpenter RdModesto, CA 95358209-538-4558

Norman A. Kline •Riverbank, CA 95367Norman A Kline farm sells dozens of varietiesof stone fruit, including peaches, plums, andnectarines. Norman A Kline is a proud sup-porter of Buy Fresh Buy Local.

Open Space Meats •Seth NitschkePO Box 209Newman, CA 95360209-262-8780

Payne Farms •••Bradley Payne3225 Shoemake AveModesto, CA 95358209-402-6268

Pioneer Farming ••Dennis Serpa4054 Crow RdOakdale, CA 95361209-531-5175

Riverhome RanchMargaret & Samuel BakerOakdale, CA 95361Riverhome Ranch is a proud supporter of Buy Fresh Buy Local.

Sciabica Oil •Jon Sciabica2150 Yosemite BlvdModesto, CA 95354209-577-5067

Stackhouse Brothers •Rodney Stackhouse13501 Cogswell RdHickman, CA 95323209-883-2663

Stewart & Jasper Orchards •Jim Jasper3500 Shiells RdNewman, CA 95360209-862-9600

Sturtevant RanchMargaret SturtevantHughson, CA 95326

Tyson Hill Farm •Indira Clark713 S Blossom RdWaterford, CA [email protected] Hill is a small family farm. They producefresh fruits which are sold at many different ven-ues. Tyson Hill sells at the Modesto, Tuolmne,Sonora, and Deer Valley farmers markets andprovides fruit shares for the Kline Organic’sCSA. They are a proud supporter of Buy FreshBuy Local.

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Community Resources10-Step Guide to Setting Up ElectronicBenef it Transfer (EBT) at Your LocalOutdoor Produce MarketMerced County CCROPP partners have released a helpful newtoolkit, “10-Step Guide to Establishing Electronic Benefit Transfer(EBT) at Your Local Produce Market.” This toolkit was developed

to help improve access to healthy,affordable food in communitiesthroughout the San Joaquin Valley.It is intended to serve as a usefulresource for farmers, growers, marketmanagers, produce vendors, schooladministrators, food service direc-tors, community organizations,faith-based groups, and others whomight be interested in establishingEBT at an outdoor fresh producemarket. EBT is an electronic systemthat allows recipients to authorizethe transfer of their government

benefits, such as CalFresh, from a Federal account to a retailaccount to pay for products. For more information or to view afull copy of the guide, please visit www.ccropp.org and click on“resources.”

10-Step Guide to Setting Up a School Fruit and Vegetable StandTulare County CCROPP partners have developed a detailedguide, “10 Steps To Setting Up A School Fruit And VegetableStand”, that can engage others in the process of developing a sim-ilar model with the aim of increasing access to fresh fruits andvegetables in small rural communities. The guide was developed

to help tell the story andhighlight important stepsthat took place in settingup the successful PixleySchool fruit and veg-etable stand. The modelhas proven to be benefi-cial to the students, com-munity, and the school.The school fruit and veg-etable stand involves stu-dents who participate inthe bagging of fruits andvegetables, parents whovolunteer their time tosell the produce. Allfunds are generated for

after school programs. The ultimate benefit is that the children,families, and community members are consuming more fruitsand vegetables. For more information or to view a full copy ofthe guide, visit www.ccropp.org and click on “resources.”

GROCERS & PRODUCE STANDSCaswell Elementary School Farm Stand1800 N Central AveCeres, CA 95307209-556-1620

Hidahl Elementary School Farm Stand2351 E Redwood RdCeres, CA 95307209-541-0101

O’Briens Supermarket839 W Roseburg AveModesto, CA 95350209-869-9050

4120 Dale RdModesto, CA 95356209-869-9050

6331 Oakdale RdRiverbank, CA 95367209-869-9050

SPECIALTY STORES& FOOD ARTISANSFontana Farms2743 E Keyes RdCeres, CA 95307888-856-9816

RESTAURANTS & CAFÉSChipotle3090 Countryside DriveTurlock, CA 95380209-656-7647

3401 Dale Road, Suite 650Modesto, CA 95356209-550-0540

COMMUNITY GARDENSModesto Church of the Brethren Seeds of PeaceCommunity Garden2301 Woodland AveModesto, CA 95358209-523-1438

“How to”

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Tulare CountyTulare County is home to the stunning Sequoiaand Kings Canyon national parks. But beyondparklands, Tulare is an incredibly productiveagricultural region, especially with respect tobeef cattle and dairy. Some of the county’s lead-ing products are milk and cheese, citrus, nec-tarines, corn, nuts, avocados, olives, grapes, andbeef. This region has helped to make Californiainto one of the top cheese producing states.

GROWERS & FARMSTANDSBee Green Farm •Bettina BirchThree Rivers, CA 93271559-804-6448

Berry Best Farms •David & Danetta Wendt1525 E Noble Ave, #225Visalia, CA 93292559-635-9041

California Sunshine Olive Oil •Paul Danielson234 S Blair RdWoodlake, CA 93286559-564-2926

Cornett Farms ••Charles & Mary Cornett39492 Rd 80Dinuba, CA 93618559-591-0859

Daniels Family Farm •Fred & LaVerne Daniels20036 Ave 160Porterville, CA 93257

559-784-9501

Delio Olive Co •34295 Rd 152Visalia, CA 93292

559-798-0762

Fife’s Family Farm •Ryan Fife35267 Rd 150Visalia, CA 93292

Flora Bella Farms ••James Birch41849 North Fork DrThree Rivers, CA 93271559-561-4855

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE...

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France RanchJohn France Porterville, CA 93258

Green Jeans Ranch ••Michael Corcoran35385 Lenard RdSpringville, CA 93265559-853-4550

Harmony Hill ••••Elena Broslovsky30709 Powell DrExeter, CA 93221559-594-5654

Haury Farms •Greg & Angela Haury14931 Ave 344Visalia, CA 93292559-798-5036

Lindcove Ranch •Greg & John Kirkpatrick 23114 Carson AveExeter, CA 93221559-592-3422

Miller’s Big Orange Fruitstand •Arlen Miller43294 Rd 120Orosi, CA 93647559-528-4486

Naylor Organics •Mike & Nori NaylorDinuba, CA 93618Naylor Organics grows certified organic fruit.They are proud supporters of Buy Fresh BuyLocal.

Peacock Family Farms ••••Lynda PeacockPO Box 486Dinuba, CA 93618559-591-5786

Ramirez Farm •Paul RamirezS Leggett RdPorterville, CA 93257559-359-2040

Smoking Possum Farm •Terry Oberg7012 Avenue 392Dinuba, CA 93618559-591-7028

Springville Ranch Grass Fed Beed •Jared Holve36400 Hwy 190Springville, CA 93265559-539-2893

Three Sisters Farmstead Cheese •Marisa Simoes24163 Rd 188Lindsay, CA 93247559-562-2132

Top of the Hill Produce •Ruth & Lance Wardwell41513 Rd 40Reedley, CA 93654559-901-0902

Van Foeken Farms •James Van Foeken16395 Ave 328Ivanhoe, CA 93235559-827-7498

Wilgenburg Greenhouses ••Hans Wilgenburg6761 Ave 416Dinuba, CA 93618559-591-0352

SPECIALTY STORES& FOOD ARTISANSBari Olive Oil Company •40063 Rd 56Dinuba, CA 93654877-638-3626

Bravo Farms Cheese Factory •36005 Hwy 99Traver, CA 93673559-897-4634

RESTAURANTS & CAFÉSChipotle4219 Mooney Bld, Ste BVisalia, CA 93277559-636-8475

Orange Blossom Junction20898 Ave 296Exeter, CA 93221559-592-6726

A diversity of crops, family farms, and cultural traditionsflourish in California’s heartland. Small farms are stillthe majority in the San Joaquin Valley, and family

farming here has many faces. This valley is tended by African American, Native

American, Asian, Punjabi, and Hispanic farmers, among oth-ers. Many relatively larger farms are still owned by the fami-lies that arrived a century or so ago, the descendants ofPortuguese, Dutch, Italian, and German immigrants. Wavesof settlers from Europe, Japan, the Philippine Islands, andother parts of the world have also established their homesand farms here. The valley drew émigrés from the Midwest,who settled California’s Central Valley as the “last frontier”and planted the first citrus and olive groves on its easternside. Many farmers count as their forbears the “Okies” whoarrived in the 1930s and 40s during the Great Depression,refugees from the dustbowl. More recent arrivals include theHmong, Thai, Mien, Lao, Punjabi, and Middle-Easterngroups. The Mexicans who farmed California before it wasCalifornia are now the majority of workers in the fields,where Spanish is the common language.

This diversity in the San Joaquin Valley’s agricultural sectorhas led to the emergence of several cultural farming organiza-tions, such as the National Hmong American Farmers(NHAF) and the African American Farmers of California.Over 100 immigrant groups have brought their languagesand culture to enrich this landscape and broaden our foodchoices, often raising culturally appropriate foods for theirown communities, which the larger public has come toappreciate. “You know, there is room at the table for all ofus,” says Chukou Thao, president of the NHAF. “No oneargues when they are eating! This is what we’re all about atNHAF — fresh, local food here in the Central Valley, andsharing with our neighbors these healthy foods.”

Over the course of generations, the Central Valley’s richcultural mix has created a place that is truly unique. “ThePunjabi farmers migrated here in the late 1960s,” reflectslocal farmer Harvey Singe. “Eventually they moved fromfarmworkers to farmers. Now the newer generations are inte-grating farming, the nature of farming, and education aboutsmart business practices into their operations. This is a goodplace.” By getting to know our farmers and farmworkers, wehave the opportunity to reclaim the “culture” in agriculture.

Tradition and Diversity in Central Valley FarmingBY EDIE JESSUP


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S NAME WEBSITEAbundant Harvest Organics www.abundantharvestorganics.comAfrican American Farmers Association noneAllied Grape Growers www.alliedgrapegrowers.orgCalifornia State University, Fresno

Sustainable Food & Agriculture www.csufresno.edu/drms/sustainability/foodCalifornia Table Grape Commission www.freshcaliforniagrapes.comCentral California Regional Obesity Prevention Program www.ccropp.orgCentral Valley Farmland Trust www.valleyfarmland.orgCommunity Alliance with Family Farmers www.caff.orgFood 4 Thought www.f4tc.comFresno County Department of Agriculture www.co.fresno.ca.usFresno County Farm Bureau www.fcfb.orgFresno Community Garden Coalition www.fresnometroministry.orgFresno Metro Ministry www.fresnometroministry.orgGo Green San Joaquin www.gogreensanjoaquin.orgGreat Valley Center www.greatvalley.orgGreen Fresno www.greenfresno.orgHeifer International www.heifer.orgKern County Department of Agriculture www.kernag.comKern County Farm Bureau www.kerncfb.comKings County Department of Agriculture www.countyofkings.com/ag commissionerKings County Farm Bureau www.kcfb.orgLocal Choices Central Valley www.localchoicescv.comMadera County Department of Agriculture www.madera-county.com/agcommissionerMadera County Farm Bureau www.maderafb.comMerced County Department of Agriculture www.co.merced.ca.usMerced County Farm Bureau www.mercedfarmbureau.comMerced Shares www.mercedshares.blogspot.comNational Hmong American Farmers Association www.nhaf.orgRiverbank Community Gardens noneRoots of Change www.rocfund.orgSan Joaquin County Department of Agriculture www.sjgov.org/agcommSan Joaquin County Farm Bureau www.sjfb.orgSlow Food Great Valley noneSlow Food Madera www.slowfoodmadera.orgStanislaus County Department of Agriculture www.stanag.orgStanislaus County Farm Bureau www.stanfarmbureau.comTulare County Department of Agriculture www.co.tulare.ca.us/government/agriculturalTulare County Farm Bureau www.tulcofb.orgUnited Farm Workers www.ufw.orgUniversity of California Cooperative Extension www.ucanr.orgValley Land Alliance www.valleylandalliance.org


CAFF_SJV 4/15/11 6:08 PM

Why buy local? Top 5 reasons for buying fresh produce.

Buying local promotes GOODHEALTH. Buying and eating fresh,local produce helps to ensure thatyou and your family are getting theproper nutrition you need. Eatingmore fresh fruits and vegetableshelps reduce the chances of obesityand related health conditions. As

more community members eatfresh, local produce, we will havehealthier communities.

Buying local food TASTES BET-TER. Local food is fresher andtastes better than food shippedfrom other parts of the nation.San Joaquin Valley farmers

offer a variety of abundant producecultivated for that great taste. Localfarmers often grow a large assort-ment of unique produce varieties toprovide the most flavorful choicesthroughout the season.

Buying local SUPPORTS the localeconomy and local farmers. Buyingfresh, local produce helps to ensurethat dollars circulating within yourcommunity and that farmers canreceive a fair retail value. Purchasinglocal produce helps to ensure thatfamily operated farms receive the sup-port needed to continue their valuablework in growing healthy food.

Buying local HELPS TO BUILDCOMMUNITY. Healthy, vibrant com-munities are created from a founda-tion of strong relationships between

residents. Shopping locally helpsbuild relationships between you andyour neighbors. Getting to know thefarmers who grow your food alsohelps to build and cultivate relation-ships.

Buying local PROTECTS THE ENVI-RONMENT. Local food doesn't haveto travel far. Less travel reduces car-bon dioxide emissions (carbon foot-print) and other packing/pro-duction materials. Fruits andvegetables in most super-markets are chosen fortheir ability to with-stand industrial har-vesting equipment andextended travel, not fortaste.

CAFF_SJV 4/15/11 6:10 PM

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