Spring farmers‑market surge
Farmers markets are ramping up for spring — expect early greens, asparagus, strawberries and local flowers as vendors return and CSAs expand into schools and families. Local markets are adding vendor demos and family activities, so arriving early still nets the best picks. (crescent-news.com) (x.com)
Alameda County lists 20 Certified Farmers’ Markets, with 14 operating year‑round and regular county inspections for direct‑marketing compliance and quality standards. (acgov.org) The Niles (Fremont) Farmers Market runs Saturdays, year‑round from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. at Niles Town Plaza and advertises acceptance of SNAP/CalFresh EBT and Veggie RX/produce‑prescription vouchers. (nilesfarmersmarket.org) Downtown/North Berkeley markets ran spring cooking‑demo programming this month under the “Farm Fresh Cooking to Prevent Food Waste” series, with sessions listed for March 7 and March 12, 2026. (happeningnext.com) The Grand Lake market lists more than 44 local farmers and about 30 specialty purveyors and is approved to accept Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program coupons, CalFresh EBT, and participates in Market Match. (bayareaolderadults.org) California’s Farm to School Incubator Grant Program has directed roughly $100 million across three grant cycles to expand school procurement of local food, and an evaluation reported 57% of participating farms sold to schools between April–September 2023, averaging 33% of those farms’ revenues. (californiafarmtoschooleval.org) Regional CSA guides note many East Bay CSAs start spring shares in April and offer neighborhood pickup or delivery across the East Bay, with farms such as Terra Firma listing regular East Bay delivery and multi‑week share seasons. (edibleeastbay.com)
