San Diego, CA (June 16, 2016) –Market on the Mesa, the newweekly farmers market to open in Serra Mesa, will celebrate its grand opening on Wednesday, July 6, 2016, from 3 to 7pm at 3333 Sandrock Rd. The market, to be held once a week on Wednesdays, will sell locally-grown fruits and vegetables along with specialty prepared foods, and will be the first place in years where Serra Mesa residents can buy fresh produce within their own community. Located between Qualcomm Stadium and Montgomery Field airport, Serra Mesa lost its last major supermarkets in the early 2000s and has seen smaller independently-owned markets come and go since then.
Debbie Lou, who moved to Serra Mesa in 2012, conceived of the idea for starting a farmers market to address the community’s frustration with not having any nearby grocery stores. Lou formed the Wholesome Neighborhood Project, a nonprofit consisting of Astrid Brown, Gloria Roma, Terri Strait, and Diana Wendel, that raised more than $11,000 via the online crowdfunding site Kickstarter and nearly $2000 via check donations for the market’s start-up fund. Market on the Mesa was selected by Kickstarter as a “Project We Love” – a special designation Kickstarter staff gives to projects they are especially enthusiastic about.
“Not only will we finally have a place to buy fresh produce within Serra Mesa, a community that sadly fits the definition of a food desert, I also envision the farmers market to be a fun and social gathering place where neighbors can strengthen and build new bonds” says Lou. We are immensely grateful for the help and contributions from so many Serra Mesa residents and are especially thankful for the support and sponsorship of the Serra Mesa Community Council, the Afghan Community Islamic Center, the Serra Mesa Recreation Council, and Gethsemane Church. We hope to see you there!
Market on the Mesa is contracting with Brian Beevers of Brian’s Farmers Markets to operate and manage the market. Brian’s markets offer both organic and conventionally grown produce, accept EBT payments, and offer memberships to an innovative CSA (community supported agriculture) program where you can sign up to get a fresh box of locally-grown, pesticide- and herbicide-free produce each week. For timely updates and moreinformation about Market on the Mesa, please visit https://www.facebook.com/serramesafarmersmarket/
