The Sutter Davis Hospital Farmers Market is back – with precautions in place to protect the health and safety of its vendors and shoppers. The market is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays through Oct. 29.
Since 2010, the Sutter Davis Hospital Farmers Market has brought farm-fresh, local foods and produce to the hospital’s main entrance, 2000 Sutter Place in West Davis. Its soft opening was June 11.
Hospital and farmers market leaders worked together to develop a plan that accommodates about seven vendors and includes the same precautions that have worked for the Wednesday and Saturday markets in downtown Davis: requiring face coverings to attend the market, social distancing of vendors, sidewalk markings to help with social distancing of shoppers, and hand hygiene stations. Sellers wear gloves and masks, and typically select the produce for the customer.
Rachael McKinney, Sutter Davis Hospital CEO said, “For 10 years, Sutter Davis Hospital has partnered with the Davis Farmers Market to bring more fresh, healthy food and locally made items to our campus and our community. I am excited to continue building on that tradition.”
Vendors include Ahmad Farms with peaches, nectarines, apricots and plums; Chavez Farms with strawberries, eggs, cherry tomatoes and vegetables; Gotelli Farms with cherries; PURE Honey with assorted local varietals, caramel honey and flavored honeys; Nature’s Candy with almonds, pecans and dried fruit; Yanez Farms with veggies, potatoes, onions, garlic, strawberries and carrots; Upper Crust Baking Co., with breads and cookies; Kathmandu Kitchen with hot Indian foods, including vegan choices; and the Buckhorn food truck with tri-tip sandwiches. Starting July 2, Purple Tree Café will bring granola and vegan baked goods.
Certified Farmers Markets contribute to community food security. The hospital’s market accepts EBT cards, WIC and Senior coupons. Shoppers with no cash on hand may purchase Market Dollars using debit or credit cards.
Farmers markets are just one way Sutter Health strives to make its communities healthier. One of Sutter Health’s goals is to provide food that conserves and renews natural resources, protects the ecosystem on which all life depends, advances animal and human welfare, and increases local community resources. Practice Greenhealth, a nonprofit for institutions in healthcare, is collaborating with Sutter Health to support sustainable, eco-friendly practices.
The Davis Farmers Market manages the markets at two Sutter hospitals as part of a partnership to promote good health. The additional location is at Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento, and is expected to return July 16. It typically runs from 3 to 6 p.m. Thursdays year-round at 2825 Capitol Ave.
Davis is known for its farmers markets, especially its flagship market in Central Park, 301 C St. Its Saturday market runs year-round from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Its Wednesday market is 3 to 6 p.m. through March 2021. The summer Picnic in the Park and UC Davis Farmers Market are on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic.
