Kern Valley Farmers Market wins USDA Grant

Tasty produce and fine weather brought the Kern River Valley community together Saturday, October 15, to celebrate the one year anniversary of the Lakeshore Farmers Market.

Herbs, Squash, Tomatoes, Eggs, and Oranges were just some of the selections available to shoppers. Customers could also purchase fresh bread, homemade facial scrubs, jewelry, fossils, crystals and gemstones and a variety of art, sculpture and crafts. Patrons relaxed with a massage or received a lesson from David Laughing Horse Robinson on the use of a ceramics wheel to make bowls and plates. There was also a free raffle.

The highlight of the day was an announcement by Kern Valley Growers Association (KVGA) President, Sharon Bonorden. The Association sponsors the Farmers Market and just learned that the USDA has awarded KVGA a grant of $53, 903. Nationwide, 149 of these grants were distributed across 42 states and this local award is one of only 19 granted in California. The USDA website says the grant is awarded to increase the use of fresh, locally grown food in meals prepared by local residents and to increase the size of the farmers market in Wofford Heights to include more farmers and offer more choices to customers.

This award celebrates the monumental efforts of the founding members of the Lakeshore Farmers Market who have grown the market in it's first year. In addition to setting up their booths every Saturday morning, rain or shine, the market accepts EBT or SNAP benefits cards and the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program Checks distributed by the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

This summer, KVGA members also provided fresh produce for the valley's Meals-On-Wheels program. The successes of this past year show that the Kern Valley Community can look forward to more food and fun as the Lakeshore Farmers Market begins it's second year.

The Lakeshore Farmers Market is Kern County Certified and operates under the Rules and Regulations of the Kern County Board of Environmental Health. Local Kern Valley growers and the Organic Fruit and Produce are certified by Kern County.

The Lakeshore Farmers Market is open year-round on Saturdays, 9am to 1pm, across the street from St. Jude's Catholic Church in Wofford Heights, at the Lakeshore Lodge covered pavilion. The Market is also the Abundant Harvest Box-pickup for the valley.

For more information visit the KVGA website:
www.kernvalleygrowersassociation.com/

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Travel & Events

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