Farmer’s Market 3.0: Third times a charm

Land Together held its third Farmer’s Market at Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) on May 17. In partnership with Impact Justice and Nutrition Policy Institute, this market was at the top of its game, with new elements for everyone.

Upon arrival, I reviewed the “Shopping List” and saw a mouth-watering list of items available to C Yard’s residents. The list of fruit choices included avocados, blueberries, lemons, strawberries, and peaches. The vegetables were rainbow carrots, artichokes, spring onions, zucchini, sugar snap peas, baby potatoes, sweet potatoes, cucumbers, green garlic, collard greens, red and gold beets, and kale. 

There were small bags of herbs containing thyme, sage, marjoram, and rosemary. And this time, there were multiple types of homemade soaps. Like previous markets, flower bouquets were handed to each resident. 

Donations were made for this Farmer’s Market by Triple Digit, Blossom Bluff Orchards, Bravante Produce, and discounted items were obtained through Rancho Notso Grande, Rancho Duradney, Laurel Botanicals, Basilwood Farm, Fleurie Flower Studio, Spork Hub, Oak Patch Vegetables, Thao Farms, Garcia Farms and Pie Mamas.

One new element was a largely increased number of outside volunteers. As I looked at the CCWF Farmer’s Market Seasonal Recipes booklet, I understood why. Organizations Impact Justice and Nutritional Policy Institute, Big Green, and Gardens of Alcatraz all participated. Market regulars Lauren Beatty, director of the Garden Program, and her husband, Charlie Harris, even brought Beatty’s father and sisters to volunteer. All four of them were extremely excited to come together, and said their other siblings and their mother all want to volunteer in the future. 

Another stunning new element was a “Food Demo” table. It was here that I met Leslie Soble and Heile Gantan from Impact Justice’s Food in Prison Project, who are also responsible for the Harvest of the Month program here at CCWF. 

Following a recipe in the Seasonal Recipes booklet, Gantan provided step-by-step instructions on how to steam artichokes. She impressed the crowd by cooking with an electric immersion heater, or stinger, as they are commonly known. It made the presentation more relatable because stingers and a microwave are the extent of our tools for cooking. 

Another new element that stood out was the sound of live music. Bill Reiland, a guest musician from the Fresno area and a member of the “Bill Reiland Trio” stood on the small stage, singing and playing a guitar. He was dressed in all black, a fedora stylishly tipped over his bearded face.

During a short break, I spoke with Reiland. He was excited to respond to a general request for local talent to perform at the market. When asked if he knew anyone system-impacted, he mentioned he had a relative who had been incarcerated in the past and understood the effect on those inside and outside. 

To the question about the day’s playlist, he smiled and said, “I just decided to mix it up and have fun.” 

With his own spin, he played songs by pretty much any artist you can think of, from Otis Redding to Taylor Swift.

As residents arrived, I asked many to use one word to describe how the Farmer’s Market made them feel. The most frequent responses were: excited, free, happy, grateful, refreshed, amazing, blessed, and “like home.” 

Resident Constance Addison reflected, then said, “Crazy!” and continued, “that someone would take the time and effort for us. Unseen and forgotten? You remembered us.” 

Despite this being the third market organized by Land Together, the gratitude of and impact on the residents was overwhelming. Resident Eileen Huber, who was arrested as a young adult, was in tears as she walked through and stopped at the different tables. 

“I could never have imagined or dreamed of something like this happening here,” she said. 

When events take place at CCWF, there tends to be a sense of urgency among residents based on a fear that something will happen to deny everyone an opportunity to participate. The presence of and attention given to each resident who participated from our inside volunteers and so many outside volunteers was beautiful to experience. The positivity that filled the gym touched every single resident and allowed us to feel seen, known, and loved for the individuals that we are.

Many have questioned if there are plans for future CCWF Farmers’ Markets. Sam Liapes, director of development for Land Together, said that they want to continue to provide farmers’ markets, but currently, there is not enough funding. 

But Liapes was optimistic, saying. “There’s nothing scheduled yet.”  

Their budget comes from donations from the government, foundations, and individual funders.  

Once all of the residents were gone and the day’s events drew to a close, Liapes read the following words to the inside and outside volunteers: “Earth, we thank you for this food. Workers and animals, too. Thank you, sky, for rain and sun, thank you, life, for those we love. Breath and body, work and play, thank you for another day.”