Downtown San Jose's Farmer's Market opens this Friday, June 5th

One of the benefits of working from home and having more flexibility with your schedule is the opportunity to get out to places and events that normally would be constrained by your day job. There is an excellent Farmer's Market in San Pedro Square that kicks off this Friday from 10am to 2pm and continues every following week until at least November 6th December 18th [yay!].

Of course, social distancing measures will be in place. You can see the list of COVID19 restrictions over here. The Downtown San Jose Farmer's Market includes California fruits and vegetable, flowers, gourmet foods, crafts, and clothing. For more information, the full press release is below.

SAN JOSE - After a month’s delay, the Downtown San Jose Farmers’ Market presented by Kaiser Permanente will return to San Pedro Street for its 28th season starting June 5.

“We made the decision to open the market in June because Farmers’ Markets are considered an essential service,” said Bree Von Faith, San Jose Downtown Association managing director.  “We will have social distancing and other tactics in place to ensure that everyone stays safe and healthy.”

In San Jose’s central area, only the market in the Rose Garden district has remained open during the COVID-19 outbreak.  Many people in the central part of San Jose rely on farmers’ markets for fresh-picked California fruits and vegetables.

Through Dec. 18, the Downtown Farmer’s Market, supported by Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association, will be open Fridays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. along San Pedro Street between Santa Clara and St. John streets.

Under the best conditions, the market includes fresh produce from California growers, fresh cut flowers, special gourmet foods and artisan booths full of clothing and crafts. 

Some modifications will occur due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.  During the shelter-in-place order, the market will be limited to agricultural products only, operate with social distancing measures; booths will be separated and hand-washing stations will be pervasive.  Customers must wear masks and keep their distance.

“The great thing about farmers’ markets at this time is that we’ve simplified the food chain,” Von Faith added.  “These are California growers selling directly to consumers.”

Artisan booths will not be added to the market until further notice.

The Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association (PCFMA) recruits up to 20 farmers and the San Jose Downtown Association oversees the street closures. The partnership dates back to spring 1993, when the market was originally located at First and San Fernando streets.

Admission is free. And while shelter in place in order, parking in the Market-San Pedro Garage is also free.

For more information, and a complete list of market changes to keep everyone healthy and comfortable, check PCFMA.org,  pcfma.org/pcfma-coronavirus/, the @PCFMA Facebook page and sjdowntown.com

The market will continue each week into November and could be extended into December this season.

This is the tenth year that Kaiser Permanente has teamed with the Downtown Association and PCFMA to serve as presenting sponsor of the market, educating attendees on healthful and “green” living that allow each individual to thrive.

  

Follow the Downtown Farmers’ Market on Twitter (@SJ_Downtown) and Facebook (/sjdowntown and /DowntownFarmers’Market).  The market website is sjdowntown.com/farmers-market-presented-by-kaiser-permanente/

Call (408) 279-1775 for information.

About the San Jose Downtown Association:  The San Jose Downtown Association is a non-profit group of business and property owners working to improve the vitality and livability of downtown San Jose.  Established in 1986, SJDA programs more than 100 days of events each year.

2020 FACT SHEET

Downtown San Jose Farmers’ Market, presented by Kaiser Permanente

Find the season's freshest fruits and vegetables, cut flowers, and gourmet treats from local certified growers and purveyors of fine food, plus unique gifts from local artisans, at the Downtown Farmers' Market, now in its 28th season.

When:  Every Friday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

         June 5 – Dec. 18, (no Market July 3)

Where:  The Downtown Farmers’ Market is located on San Pedro

          Street in San Jose, between St. John and Santa Clara streets

Admission:  The Market is free and open to the public

Attendance:  Weekly attendance in past seasons averages approximately 1,500

Audience:  While in shelter in place:  essential services workers and local residents. SIP Lifted:  Downtown office workers, out-of-town visitors, residents and possibly San Jose State University students and faculty

Event Producers:  The San Jose Downtown Association (SJDA), a local nonprofit business association, in partnership with Pacific Coast Farmers' Market Association (PCFMA)

                                                                                              

Seasonal produce:  Starting in June, find blackberries, boysenberries, melons, apricots, blueberries, cantaloupes, cherries, nectarines, peaches, plums, prunes and raspberries.  Year-round produce also available.

Sponsors/partners:  Kaiser Permanente is in its 10th year as presenting sponsor.

Websites:  www.sjdowntown.com and www.pcfma.com

Phone:  (408) 279-1775

Santana Row Farmer's Market

One of the few food-related events we can still enjoy in Silicon Valley are farmer's markets. Santana Row's Farmer's Market is already running and has been has been slightly modified to ensure social distancing is in place. Face masks are required and there are limitations around samplings and how many people can visit each stall at a time. The featured items are organic produce, fruit, pasta, pastries, and jams.

If you are interested in a bit of normalcy, the market runs today--and every other Wednesday until September--from 4pm to 8pm. For additional information, click here.

Downtown San Jose Farmers’ Market season begins May 3

The Downtown San Jose farmer's market is back tomorrow from 10am-2pm on San Pedro Street! Check out the full press release below.

Fresh produce, hot food, unique gifts available each Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at San Pedro Square

SAN JOSE - The Downtown San Jose Farmers’ Market, presented by Kaiser Permanente, will take place Fridays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. starting May 3 along San Pedro Street between Santa Clara and St. John streets.

The market includes fresh produce from California growers, fresh cut flowers, special gourmet foods and artisan booths full of clothing and crafts.  The energy of the market is lifted by live music, special food booths, San Pedro Square restaurants lining the street and thousands of downtown employees and residents who make the market part of their weekly routine.

The Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association (PCFMA) recruits 25-40 farmers and the San Jose Downtown Association oversees the street closures and other vendors. The partnership dates back to spring 1993, when the market was originally located at First and San Fernando streets. This is the 27th season.

Admission is free.

For more, check PCFMA.org, the @PCFMA Facebook page and sjdowntown.com

The market continues each week into November. On average, 2,500 residents, office workers and visitors head to the Farmers’ Market.  Customers are encouraged to bring their own reusable and washed bags.

Market partner Kaiser Permanente has teamed with the Downtown Association and PCFMA for nine years, educating attendees on healthful and “green” living that allow each individual to thrive.

In the spirit of thriving, many market shoppers walk to the market.  Those who drive can get parking validation for the Market-San Pedro Garage at the SJDA information table.  Visit www.parksj.org. Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) recommends riding light rail to the Santa Clara Street or St. James Street stations.  More at VTA.org.

Follow the Downtown Farmers’ Market on Twitter (@SJ_Downtown) and Facebook (/sjdowntown and /DowntownFarmers’Market).  The market website is https://sjdowntown.com/farmers-market-presented-by-kaiser-permanente/

About the San Jose Downtown Association:  The San Jose Downtown Association is a non-profit group of business and property owners working to improve the vitality and livability of downtown San Jose.  Established in 1986, SJDA programs more than 100 days of events each year.

Greater Rose Garden Certified Farmers Market

A new farmer's market near the Rose Garden will take place every Saturday from 10am to 2pm starting this weekend. There is no official end date, it will continue as long as the community is willing to support it.

The exact location is 577 Dana Avenue (a Lincoln High School parking lot). The official Grand Opening Celebration of the new market is on May 12th at 11am.

Thanks to Alex Shoor for sending this in!

Veggielution's 1st Saturday

This Saturday, May 5th, Veggielution is co-hosting their 1st Saturday event with the Open Space Authority. Veggielution is a great organization that is taking us back to the roots of the Valley of Heart's Delight by farming right here in San Jose. The event is kid-friendly and free.

You can find the schedule below. For more info head over to the Veggielution FB page.

Schedule:

9:00am - 10:00am YOGA by Jovanna at Vida Lifestyle Yoga in collaboration with Be The Change Yoga & Wellness (Bilingual English & Spanish/donation based)

10:00am - 11:00am Gardening 101 Workshops by La Mesa Verde (English & Spanish)

10:00am - 2:00pm Farm Stand

10:00am - 12:30pm Farm Volunteering

10:00am - 12:30pm Neighborhood Harvest (fruit gleaning off site)

10:00am - 12:30pm Youth Garden Volunteering & Activities

10:00am - 12:30pm Our Community Kitchen Food Truck will be serving FREE samples prepared by a Community Chef alongside the volunteer food truck team

10:00am - 12:30pm Cocina Cooking Class - Spanish Language Cooking Class - Contact Rosa Contreras at 408-753-6705 ext 7 to sign up (25 max capacity)

12:30pm - 1:30pm Community Lunch (food offered and potluck encouraged)

12:30pm - 3:30pm Live Music

1:30pm - 3:30pm Art in the Garden

Downtown Farmer's Market begins May 4th

Downtown San Jose Farmers’ Market season begins May 4

Fresh produce, hot food, unique gifts available each Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

SAN JOSE – The  Downtown San Jose Farmers’ Market, presented by Kaiser Permanente, opens for its 26th season on May 4 along San Pedro Street between Santa Clara and St. John streets.

Open each Friday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., the Farmers’ Market offers fresh-picked fruits and vegetables direct from California growers, gifts, goodies and garb from local artists, cut flowers and gourmet foods.  

The Farmers’ Market features from 25-40 vendors curated by the Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association (PCFMA).  The market also features live music, demonstrations, recipes and other special events throughout the season. On Opening Day, activities include live music by Amigos Music, games and prize wheel giveaways by Mix 106.5 FM, and a participatory art project by Local Color.

Admission is free.

The market continues each week into November.  On average, 2,500 residents, office workers and visitors head to the Farmers’ Market and San Pedro Square for lunch, activities, people-watching and shopping.  Customers are encouraged to bring their own reusable and washed bags.

Market partner Kaiser Permanente has teamed with the Downtown Association and PCFMA for eight years to focus attendees on healthful and “green” living.

Follow the Downtown Farmers’ Market on Twitter (@SJ_Downtown) and Facebook (/sjdowntown and /DowntownFarmers’Market).  The market website is https://sjdowntown.com/farmers-market-presented-by-kaiser-permanente/

Parking validations for Farmers’ Market shoppers are available for the Market-San Pedro Garage at the SJDA information table.  Visit www.parksj.org.

About the San Jose Downtown Association:  The San Jose Downtown Association is a non-profit group of business and property owners working to improve the vitality and livability of downtown San Jose.  Established in 1986, SJDA programs more than 100 days of events each year.

Le Marché Santana Row Farmers Market

Last week I attended the grand opening of the Le Marché Santana Row Farmers Market, located at the southern end of Santana Row. Le Marché is held every Wednesday from 4-8 p.m. and includes over 50 vendors offering vegetables and fruit, local cheeses, flowers, herbs, olives, and even whole rotisserie chickens! Le Marché passed all of my criteria for what qualifies as a great farmer’s market:

• “Food on the fly” or food ready to eat from local food trucks in case you’re hungry for a meal right then and there
• Fruits and veggies to make salads or sides for lunch and dinner during the week
• High percentage of local vendors
• Range of dessert, from pies to pastries

Some of my favorite purchases were the scallops from the Santa Cruz fishermen (all fish is sushi grade), the black raspberries from Borba Farms, and the olives from O’Live Healthy.  The live cooking show hosted in the center of the market was also a special treat! There is ample seating around the chef’s table so you may sit and listen to the chef during her show. While there weren’t any arts or craft tables, Le Marché has a smaller footprint than other local farmer’s markets. Le Marché is also very kid friendly as the site is closed off to vehicles and much of the plaza is dedicated to seating, socializing, and eating.

I would highly recommend getting to Le Marché before 6:30 p.m. as the parking garages were decently full by then. Although, a huge benefit to Le Marché at Santana Row is that there is always free parking! And a friendly reminder that due to health codes, dogs are not permitted in the market area. I was unaware of this rule and brought my dog with me, as shown by the picture below, but was never approached to leave the market. 

Overall, great food, great location, and a great time!

For more information, check out the Le Marché website:  http://www.santanarow.com/events/le-marche-on-the-row/

-Kimberly Vacca

Le Marche - Santana Row Farmers' Market

An upscale farmers' market with over 50 vendors will take place every Wednesday until September starting today at Santana Row. "Le Marche" features organic produce, gourmet foods, cooking demonstrations, rotisserie chicken, and lots of other delicious items. There are also plenty of prepared food options available, making it convenient to enjoy a quick snack on one of the many patios on the row. Left Bank Brasserie is even doing a farm-to-table prix fixe menu utilizing fresh ingreedients from Le Marche.

Today during grand opening of the farmers' market, LB Steak will be demoing their Corn Succotash and Maple Braised Pork Belly at 5:30pm. Le Marche is located towards the end of Santana Row between Olin Avenue and Olsen Drive.

Downtown Farmers’ Market’s 25th season begins May 5th

Fresh produce, hot food, unique gifts available 
each Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at San Pedro Square

SAN JOSE – The Downtown San Jose Farmers’ Market, presented by Kaiser Permanente, opens for its 25th season on May 5 along San Pedro Street between Santa Clara and St. John streets.

The market offers more than fresh-picked fruits and vegetables direct from more than certified organic growers. The market campaign, which continues into November, opens with avocados, citrus fruits, rhubarb and strawberries in late season, the early tree-ripened fruits and berries, plus artichokes, asparagus, peas, green garlic and dozens of other vegetable varieties.

Opening day features live music by Amigos Music and samples of locally made hummus, cheeses, Indian foods and dips, baked goods, jams and more.

The Downtown Farmers’ Market also offers artisan booths for unique gifts, cut flowers, and gourmet foods.

In the height of the season, the market may include up to 40 vendors.  On average, 2,500 residents, office workers and visitors head to the Farmers’ Market and San Pedro Square for lunch, activities, people-watching and shopping. Customers are encouraged to bring their own reusable and washed bags.

Market partner Kaiser Permanente has teamed with the Downtown Association and PCFMA for seven years to focus attendees on healthful and “green” living. Kaiser Permanente will schedule its Blender Bike for Smoothies on occasion, allowing shoppers to hop on the stationary bike and whip up a smoothie made from fresh Farmers’ Market fruit.

Parking validations for Farmers’ Market shoppers are available for the Market-San Pedro Garage at the SJDA information table. Visit sjdowntownparking.com.

Follow the Downtown Farmers’ Market on Twitter @SJ_Downtown and Facebook.com/sjdowntown. Check http://sjdowntown.com/farmers-market-presented-by-kaiser-permanente/. Call (408) 279-1775 for information.

About the San Jose Downtown Association:  The San Jose Downtown Association is a non-profit group of business and property owners working to improve the vitality and livability of downtown San Jose. Established in 1986, SJDA programs more than 100 days of events each year.

Downtown San Jose Farmer's Market kicks off today

The weekly farmer's market in San Pedro Square is returning to Downtown starting today. It takes place on San Pedro Street right between the parking structure and restaurant row. The market runs from 10am to 2pm every Friday except for July 1st.

Free two-hour parking validations are available at the market info table. Also available is a $1 coupon to any vendor if you take public transit and show your VTA pass. More details below:

Downtown San Jose Farmer's Market from WMS media Inc. on Vimeo.

SAN JOSE – The  Downtown San Jose Farmers’ Market, presented by Kaiser Permanente, opens for its 24th season on May 6 along San Pedro Street between Santa Clara and St. John streets.

The market offers more than fresh-picked fruits and vegetables direct from California growers.  Opening day, for example, features live music and Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association (PCFMA) chef demonstrations and recipe tastes.

Besides fresh fruits and veggies, the Downtown Farmers’ Market offers artisan booths for unique gifts, cut flowers, and gourmet foods, such as fresh and smoked fish, olives, breads and Kettle Korn.

Each week, the market may include up to 40 vendors.  On average, 2,500 residents, office workers and visitors head to the Farmers’ Market and San Pedro Square for lunch, activities, people-watching and shopping.  Customers are encouraged to bring their own reusable and washed bags.

Market partner Kaiser Permanente has teamed with the Downtown Association and PCFMA for six years to focus attendees on healthful and “green” living.  Kaiser Permanente will schedule its Blender Bike for Smoothies on occasion, allowing shoppers to hop on the stationary bike and whip up a smoothie made from fresh Farmers’ Market fruit.

Parking validations for Farmers’ Market shoppers are available for the Market-San Pedro Garage at the SJDA information table.  Visit sjdowntownparking.com.

Follow the Downtown Farmers’ Market on Twitter (@SJ_Downtown) and Facebook (sjdowntown).  Check sjdowntown.com/events/sjda-events/farmers-market-presented-by-kaiser-permanente/. Call (408) 279-1775 for information.

About the San Jose Downtown Association:  The San Jose Downtown Association is a non-profit group of business and property owners working to improve the vitality and livability of downtown San Jose.  Established in 1986, SJDA programs more than 100 days of events each year.


2016 FACT SHEET

Downtown San Jose Farmers’ Market, presented by Kaiser Permanente

Find the season's freshest fruits and vegetables, cut flowers, and gourmet treats from more than 30 local certified growers and purveyors of fine food, plus unique gifts from local artisans, at the Downtown Farmers' Market, now in its 23nd season.

When:  Every Friday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
              May 6, 2016 – November 20, (no Market July 1)
         
Where:  The Downtown Farmers’ Market is located on San Pedro
               Street in San Jose, between St. John and Santa Clara streets

Admission:  The Market is free and open to the public

Attendance:  Weekly attendance averages approximately 2,500

Audience:  Downtown office workers, out-of-town visitors, residents, and San Jose State University students and faculty

Event Producers:  The San Jose Downtown Association (SJDA), a local nonprofit business association, in partnership with Pacific Coast Farmers' Market Association (PCFMA)
                                                                                             
Seasonal produce:  Though a lot of vegetables are grown in California year-round, a lot of fruit ripens starting in May, including apricots, blueberries, cantaloupes, cherries, nectarines, peaches, plums, prunes and raspberries.  In June, find blackberries, boysenberries and other melons.

Gourmet foods:  The market has attracted purveyors of breads and baked goods, fresh fish, cheeses, honey products, olive oils and vinegars, wine, jams, sauces and ethnic treats, all locally grown and made.

Local artists:  Displaying crafts, jewelry, soaps, lotions, candles, scarves and clothing.

Sponsors/partners:  City of San Jose, VTA (Valley Transportation Authority), San Pedro Square, Republic Services; Metro Newspapers, El Observador, NBC Bay Area, Telemundo 48, MIX 106.5, 94.5 KBAY, KFOX 98.5

Websites:  www.sjdowntown.com and www.pcfma.com

Downtown Farmers’ Market Season Begins Tomorrow

The Downtown Farmer's Market kicks off tomorrow on San Pedro (between St. John and Santa Clara)! The Market will take place every Friday from 10am-2pm until November 20th (except for July 3rd). In addition to seasonal produce, gourmet foods, and arts/crafts, there are also a series of special events such as a cherry pit spitting contest (June 12th), a melon eating contest (July 31st), and a pumpkin giveaway (Oct 30th). Check out the press release below or the Farmer's Market site for more info.

SAN JOSE – The  Downtown San Jose Farmers’ Market, presented by Kaiser Permanente, opens for its 23rd season on May 1 along San Pedro Street between Santa Clara and St. John streets.

The market offers more than fresh-picked fruits and vegetables direct from California growers.  Opening day, for example, features live folk music and Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association (PCFMA) chef demonstrations and recipe tastes.

The Cookin’ at the Market feature will also take place June 5, Aug. 7, Aug. 14 and Aug. 21. During the season, the Downtown Farmers’ Market will also hold contests such as Cherry Pit-Spitting on June 12, Melon-eating on July 31 and Halloween costumes on Oct. 30.

On the second Friday of each month, San Jose Public Libraries will feature “Crafter-noons”  arts projects at the market.

Besides fresh fruits and veggies, the Downtown Farmers’ Market offers artisan booths for unique gifts, cut flowers, and gourmet foods, such as fresh and smoked fish, olives, breads and Kettle Korn.

Each week, the market may include up to 40 vendors.  On average, 2,500 residents, office workers and visitors head to the Farmers’ Market and San Pedro Square for lunch, activities, people-watching and shopping.  Customers are encouraged to bring their own reusable and washed bags. Market partner Kaiser Permanente has teamed with the Downtown Association and PCFMA for six years to focus attendees on healthful and “green” living.  Kaiser Permanente will schedule its Blender Bike for Smoothies on occasion, allowing shoppers to hop on the stationary bike and whip up a smoothie made from fresh Farmers’ Market fruit.

Parking validations for Farmers’ Market shoppers are available for the Market-San Pedro Garage at the SJDA information table.  Visit sjdowntownparking.com.

Follow the Downtown Farmers’ Market on Twitter (@SJ_Downtown) and Facebook (sjdowntown and DowntownFarmers’Market).  Check sjdowntown.com/events/sjda-events/farmers-market-presented-by-kaiser-permanente/. Call (408) 279-1775 for information.


About the San Jose Downtown Association:  The San Jose Downtown Association is a non-profit group of business and property owners working to improve the vitality and livability of downtown San Jose.  Established in 1986, SJDA programs more than 100 days of events each year.

New Farmers Market Coming to Westgate Center

Federal Realty is continuing to take concepts from their flagship property--Santana Row--and inject them into Westage Center. Instead of being a small mall, they are trying to turn it into much more of a community destination. The latest improvement to Westgate is a new weekly Saturday Farmer's Market run by the West Coast Farmers Market Association (same group that oversees the Cupertino, Carmel, and Half Moon Bay markets).

I'm really liking the direction Federal Realty is taking this shopping center! See the press release below for more information.

Seasonal produce, locally-baked treats and handcrafted, artisan goods offered every Saturday at the San Jose shopping center

San Jose, CA – Organic fruits and vegetables, specialty baked goods, prepared foods, handmade soaps, honey and glassware are among the vendors that will be setting up tables at Westgate Center beginning Saturday, March 21.

The shopping mall is launching its first farmers market, in association with the West Coast Farmers Market Association, which also oversees popular markets in Cupertino, Palo Alto, Half Moon Bay and Carmel.

Among the vendors and their wares:

• Cipponeri Farms - vegetables and strawberries
• Hamlow Ranches - stone fruit such as apricots and peaches
• Medina Berry Farm - blackberries, strawberries, blueberries
• Anguiano Farms (based in Santa Maria) - berries, avocado, other produce
• J&M Farms – organic greens
• Squash Blossom – baked goods
• Jenny Chu - baked goods
• Fish Princess – handmade soaps
• David Patrick Blown Glass

Details: The farmers market will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday beginning March 21 in the center food court area next to Gong Cha.

Other events at Westgate Center:

Santa Clara Orchid Show and Sale, Thursday, March 19 to Sunday, March 22
The Santa Clara Valley Orchid Society is showing and selling flowers from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on
Thursday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.

Photos with the Easter Bunny, Saturday and Sunday, March 21 and 22; and March 28 through April 4.
It's picture time with spring’s favorite furry friend! The bunny is ready for his close-up from 11 a.m.
or noon to 6 p.m. or 7 p.m. most days with breaks in the afternoon.
Please check www.ShopWestgateCenter.com for exact times, pricing and details.

Following an extensive $15 million renovation and the addition of new shops such as J. Crew Factory, Nike Factory Outlet and Gap Factory Outlet, restaurants such as Veggie Grill and a children’s soft play area, Westgate Center offers a convenient and dynamic shopping experience for the community.

About Westgate Center
Westgate Center, located in San Jose, California is a 645,000 square-foot community center offering a one-stop family destination for shopping, dining and entertainment. Westgate Center features over 50 shops and restaurants and is anchored by Target, Nordstrom Rack, Walmart Neighborhood Market, Nike Factory Store, Old Navy, Burlington Coat Factory, Michaels and Ross. Westgate Center is a property of Federal Realty Investment Trust www.federalrealty.com (NYSE:FRT), headquartered in Rockville, Maryland. For more information, please visit shopwestgatecenter.com.

About Federal Realty
Federal Realty is a recognized leader in the ownership, operation and redevelopment of high-quality retail based properties located primarily in major coastal markets from Washington, D.C. to Boston as well as San Francisco and Los Angeles.  Founded in 1962, our mission is to deliver long term, sustainable growth through investing in densely populated, affluent communities where retail demand exceeds supply.  Our expertise includes creating urban, mixed-use neighborhoods like Santana Row in San Jose, California, Pike & Rose in North Bethesda, Maryland and Assembly Row in Somerville, Massachusetts. These unique and vibrant environments that combine shopping, dining, living and working provide a destination experience valued by their respective communities.  Federal Realty’s 89 properties include over 2,600 tenants, in approximately 20.2 million square feet of retail space, and 1,500 residential units.

Federal Realty has paid quarterly dividends to its shareholders continuously since its founding in 1962, and has increased its dividend rate for 47 consecutive years, the longest record in the REIT industry. Federal Realty shares are traded on the NYSE under the symbol FRT. For additional information about Federal Realty and its properties, visit www.FederalRealty.com.

Veggielution Article

There was a great article in the Merc last week about Veggielution, San Jose's largest urban farm. Located at Emma Prusch (where Highways 101, 280, and 680 all meet), Veggielution volunteers grow a diverse range of organic veggies as well as eggs and honey. They also distributed more than 20,500 pounds of free produce in 2013 to serve the local homeless population. To read the article, head over here.

The Health Trust Launches Good. To Go. Initiative: Corner Stores Celebrate Healthy Makeovers

The Health Trust, its partners, and elected officials will celebrate the launch of the Good. To Go. 

initiative and showcase the first "conversion" of a San Jose corner store on September 17^th, 2014,10am-11am.  Emit Mini Mart is the first local food retailer to convert part of its floor space to provide fresh, fun and healthy food to a wide array of San Jose residents. See photos and descriptions of Good. To Go. Corner store conversions at our Facebook page.

This is a fundamental shift away from the increasing health hazards of processed, sugary foods delivered to the nation’s kids. We expect to have local elected officials on hand, as well as local Latino radio personalities. Good. To Go. is also part our overall effort to provide healthy food to deprived neighborhoods via Fresh Carts. That effort won The Health Trust The Google Bay Area Impact Challenge in June 2014. 

Many San Jose neighborhoods rely on local corner stores and mini marts for their food purchases – businesses where snack foods and sugary beverages are plentiful while fresh fruits and vegetables are scarce.  The Health Trust Good. To Go. initiative is changing this by increasing the number of places where fresh and healthy foods can be conveniently and affordably purchased and, equally importantly, by marketing these new “fun, fast, fresh” foods as a superior competitor to packaged convenience foods.  Emit Mini Mart is one of dozens of stores participating in the initiative through healthy makeovers.

Who: The Health Trust CEO Frederick J. Ferrer, Damian Trujillo, members of San Jose City Council, members of Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, participating Healthy Corner Store owners, Fresh Carts vendors, Good. To Go. partner organizations
When: September 17^th, 2014, 10am-11am
Where:  Emit Mini Mart, 1492 Almaden Road, San Jose, CA 95125

About Healthy Corner Stores The Healthy Corner Store campaign is being launched this year by Hispanic Chamber of Commerce- Silicon Valley (HCCSV) to provide equipment, upgrades, training, marketing materials, and business development assistance to store owners who agree to carry fresh produce and other healthy “grab-n-go” items. Forty stores will be converted over two years with help from HCCSV’s bilingual business advisors and managers, The Food Trust, Salter Mitchell, and The Health Trust.   For more information, visit http://healthtrust.org/our-work/eat-well.

About Good. To Go.Good. To Go. is a community-based campaign aimed at increasing San Jose residents’ purchase of produce and healthy foods.  The campaign is organized through a network of on-the-ground, trusted community vendors, including corner store retailers, Fresh Cart mobile produce vendors, and urban farmers. Participating vendors receive branded materials, marketing assistance, and media coverage to drive consumer demand for the new “fun, fast, fresh” items atGood. To Go. outlets. For more information, visit the Good. To Go.Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/gd2go.

About The Health TrustThe Health Trust is a nonprofit foundation that provides grants, services and advocacy to support its vision of Silicon Valley as the healthiest region in America through its three initiatives – Healthy Living, Healthy Eating, and Healthy Aging. The Health Trust Healthy Eating Initiative works to increase access to healthy foods through policy and system change. The Health Trust won Google’s Bay Area Impact Challenge in June for its proposal to create new distribution channels for affordable produce in Santa Clara County, receiving $500,000 to distribute 50,000 pounds of produce to 10,000 low-income residents in Santa Clara Valley.  For more information, visitwww.healthtrust.org.

Super Jardineros Greenhouse Project

Valley Verde is a small non-profit in San Jose that wants to improve access to homegrown organic vegetables while assisting low-income families. They started an Indiegogo project that will be used to fund supplies such as greenhouses that would be placed at the homes of "Super Jardineros." Valley Verde will train these gardeners on how to grow varieties of ethnic seedlings (finger eggplant, tomatillos, chayote, etc.). They will then sell these seedlings either back to Valley Verde or to local farmer's markets.

The end result should be easier (and theoretically less expensive) access to locally grown organic vegetables, all the while helping low income families with both a sustainable income stream and entrepreneurial skills.

Valley Verde is aiming to raise $10,000 which will be enough to provide 10 families with green houses, seeds, seedlings, trays, pots, domes, heating mats, and training. It's a great cause and you can learn more by watching the video below and visiting the Super Jardineros Greenhouse Project page.

Downtown San Jose Farmers’ Market Kicks Off 22nd Season Tomorrow!

SAN JOSE, CA – The 22nd year of the Downtown San Jose Farmers’ Market, presented by Kaiser Permanente, begins May 2, just as fruits including apricots, blueberries, cantaloupes, cherries, nectarines, peaches, plums, prunes and raspberries start to ripen in California.

From May 2 to Nov. 21, the Downtown San Jose Farmers’ Market opens each Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., on a vibrant block of San Pedro Square, at Santa Clara and San Pedro streets.  The location and combination of fun, sunshine, fresh goods, artist booths, lunchtime eateries and festival atmosphere attract residents, students, downtown employees and visitors.  With more than 2,000 people attending each week, the market features some of the best people-watching in the South Bay.

The Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association (PCFMA) has worked with the San Jose Downtown Association on the downtown market since the beginning in 1992.  PCFMA selects up to 35 vendors arrive each week with fresh-picked seasonal produce, artisan breads and baked goods, fresh fish, cheeses, honey products, olive oils and vinegars, wine, jams, sauces and ethnic treats, all locally grown and made.  They are joined by several local artists displaying crafts, jewelry, soaps, lotions, candles, scarves and clothing.

Throughout the season, the market includes:

• Live music
• Kids’ activities and arts and crafts
• Appearances by Mr. Carrot, the PCFMA mascot
• Cooking demonstrations and tastings with the Cookin’ the Market chefs
• “Green” days of eco-minded vendors and programs and reusable bag giveaways
• Fun promotional giveaways of recycled bags, pens, and mugs
• Enter-to-win contests, including bags of fresh fruits and vegetables.  Get ready for cherry-pit-spitting, melon-eating and pie-eating contests
• Validated parking in the adjacent Market-San Pedro Garage

Kaiser Permanente has teamed with the Downtown Association and PCFMA for the fifth consecutive year to present the market and focus on healthful and “green” living.  For opening day, Kaiser Permanente will have its Blender Bike for Smoothies available for attendees to hop on the stationary bike and whip up a smoothie made from fresh Farmers’ Market fruit.

Customers are encouraged to bring their own reusable and washed bags.  Call (408) 279-1775 or visit www.sjdowntown.com for more information.

About the San Jose Downtown Association:  The San Jose Downtown Association is a non-profit group of business and property owners working to improve the vitality and livability of downtown San Jose.  Established in 1986, SJDA programs more than 100 days of events each year.

San Pedro Square Farmer's Market Today

My favorite Farmer's Market is happening today, and every Saturday year-round. Everything is local and organic, plus you couldn't ask for a better venue. Check out the video below courtesy of WMS Media.