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Golden Gate Xpress

The Student News Site of San Francisco State University

Golden Gate Xpress

The Student News Site of San Francisco State University

Golden Gate Xpress

Stonestown farmers market brings fresh food to Lakeshore

Stonestown+farmers+market+brings+fresh+food+to+Lakeshore

Compare that to the produce at the Stonestown market, which sometimes was hanging on a tree the previous day.

The Stonestown market attracts a wide variety of vendors from the greater Bay Area and beyond. In an effort to maintain a market of local sellers, vendors must be based roughly within a 100 mile radius.

Even on a day that hosts more than 50 vendors, from farmers to craftsmen, Chapman pointed out that the market is nowhere near capacity. There is a cluster of empty parking spots at the edge of the market where Chapman sees only room to grow.

Organizers and vendors alike hope to attract more local customers who might not even know the market exists.

“We still get people who live here, even three blocks away, who don’t know about the market,” Chapman said.

Some of those people include students who live within shouting distance from the market in student housing. When asked about the number of students at the market, vendor Michelle Lane said that while she sees a few, it would be great to see more.

Lane is part of a small team of employees behind Teeny Cake. Teeny Cake is a small bake-to-order cupcake bakery. They are regular fixtures at the Stonestown market.

“I think there are a lot of great food options as well as a great selection of produce available,” Lane said.

Asha Kalonia, an art major who lives on campus, didn’t even know about the market.

“I usually buy groceries at Trader Joe’s or Safeway,” she said.

Even though the market seems to be one of the lesser known in San Francisco, the customers who come on a regular basis tend to build lasting relationships with vendors. It is this connection that market organizers seek to build.

“I’ve gotten to see kids growing up, families coming and going, celebrations and hard times,” Lane said. “It is lovely to have that relationship with my customers.”

The Stonestown market is uniquely different from others in the city. Whereas other markets are purely seasonal, the Stonestown market is year-round, and is filled with ample free parking, which no other farmers market in San Francisco can offer.

“Rain or shine,” said Chapman of the market’s year-round schedule.

Chapman wants to bring the market to new audiences. Students who live on campus are in an especially advantageous position to take advantage of vendors at the market.

Prices for fruit and vegetables at the market are consistently cheaper than what is carried at some chain supermarkets. Chapman makes the point that it is usually much fresher as well.

In the end, Chapman said the philosophy is simple.

“Eat good while doing good,” Chapman said.

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Stonestown farmers market brings fresh food to Lakeshore