Our Roots & Mission
Founded in 1989, we’re proud to be one of the oldest year-round farmers markets in Sonoma County—open every Sunday, rain or shine.
With deep agricultural roots and one of our original founding farmers still on our market's board, the Sebastopol Farmers Market is built on a strong foundation of community and sustainability.
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More than just a place to shop, our market is a hub for food access, education, and connection. We’re committed to making fresh, locally grown produce available to everyone, supporting small farms that prioritize sustainable practices, and creating programs that serve families, seniors, and those facing food insecurity.
Food Access & Food Insecurity
At the heart of our farmers market is a mission to nourish both people and the planet. We are more than a market—we are a community hub working to increase access to healthy, seasonal, and locally sourced food for everyone, regardless of income.
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We address food insecurity head-on by participating in state-funded nutrition assistance programs that support low-income families and individuals. Through the administration and facilitation of EBT (CalFresh), WIC, Market Match, and CNIP, we help ensure that fresh, nutrient-dense produce is available to those who need it most.
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Each week, our staff and contractors dedicate many hours to managing these programs—time that translates directly into meaningful impact for our community. By removing financial barriers, we're not only making local, sustainable food more accessible, but also supporting environmentally conscious farmers and strengthening the local food system.
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We remain committed to expanding our outreach and educational programs that empower the public to understand and participate in a more equitable and sustainable food future.
Senior Buck Program
Fresh, healthy food should be accessible at every stage of life. Our Senior Buck Program was designed to support older adults in our community by providing $2 vouchers that could be used at farm stalls to purchase locally grown produce. These small vouchers made a big difference—helping seniors stretch their budgets while eating more fruits and vegetables.
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Unfortunately, the program is currently on pause due to the loss of grant funding. For a time, we kept it running through our own operating budget, but without sustainable funding, we were forced to suspend it.
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We are actively seeking a fiscal sponsor so we can revive the Senior Buck Program and continue serving our senior community members. We hope to bring this vital program back—and keep it going for good.
Youth & Community Development
Each month, we host educational cooking demonstrations led by students from Analy high school’s culinary arts program. These hands-on sessions teach market visitors how to prepare seasonal produce from our local farmers—promoting health, wellness, and seasonal eating.
The program also gives students real-world experience, class credit, and the opportunity to develop valuable skills in cooking, communication, and community service.
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In addition to these demonstrations, we’re proud to support young entrepreneurs, in their teens, who are part of our vendor community. These youth-led businesses reflect the creativity, hard work, and local spirit that make our market so special.
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Our Market Manager dedicates time each week to organizing and supporting these educational and developmental opportunities that connect the next generation with local food and community.