The Downtown Palo Alto Farmers’ Market is a non-profit run by volunteers that donates its proceeds back to the community.
What makes our market special?
Our customers, our vendors and growers and our volunteers.
The Downtown Palo Alto Farmers’ Market is unique in that it is a Palo Alto non-profit, run by an all-volunteer board of community members, that donates its proceeds back to the community.
The Market has donated over half a million dollars to Avenidas, a local nonprofit that helps over 6,500 older adults maintain their connections, independence, and vitality.
Why Avenidas? It all goes back to the Downtown Farmers’ Market’s unique history. Back in 1981, downtown Palo Alto unexpectedly became a food desert, as the last grocery store quit town. Community-minded members of the Avenidas board and staff took charge and created the Market, to address the critical need of bringing fresh food to Downtown residents. Although the Market was spun out as an independent non-profit in 1986, the Market and Avenidas have continued their wonderful relationship for 39 years. Over the years, the Downtown Market has donated over half a million dollars to Avenidas.
While the Downtown Market remains true to its roots and mission of connecting food lovers and farmers, it has evolved to meet changing needs, adding to it prepared foods selection, expanding its footprint to enable more food and more fun.
Where to find us:
We’re located in the city parking lots on Gilman Street, between Forest Ave and Hamilton Ave.
There is abundant free street parking and a small public parking lot immediately adjacent to our market.
FAQs
When is the market?
Saturday mornings from 8am-12pm year-round! We take a short break every winter during the holidays (typically 3 Saturdays off). This year we reopened on January 13th, 2024.
What vendors do you have at the market?
Check out our vendor list!
Where is the market?
We set up in downtown Palo Alto on Gilman Street, between Hamilton Ave and Forest Ave, behind the Downtown Post Office.
What is a California Certified Farmers’ Market (CFM)?
Certified Farmers’ Markets (CFMs) are organizations that are inspected and certified by state and county officials, to be in compliance with the California direct marketing code. Here, certified farmers sell agricultural products they have grown themselves, directly to the public. Our market is a California Certified Farmers Market!
How can I become a vendor at the Market?
Check out our Vendor Application!
Are dogs allowed?
Unfortunately not! California Health & Safety Code 114259.5 stipulates that live animals aren’t allowed in Certified Farmers’ Markets and permitted food facilities, with the exception of service animals. Fraudulently misrepresenting service animals is a misdemeanor (California Penal Code 365.7 [a]).
We’re happy to watch your pup at the volunteer table!
