STAY HEALTHY DTLA! There’s a network of farmers’ markets connecting urban residents with the fresh, local produce of California’s farms and fostering a deeper appreciation for the farm-to-table movement. To all the green-thumbed ladies and gents who help to make this pipeline possible, Downtown Weekly Salutes You!
Everyday Freshness at GCM
What started off as Los Angeles’ largest and oldest public market opening its doors in 1917 has long become one of Downtown’s most frequented culinary attractions.
For over 100 years, Grand Central Market on 3rd and Broadway has been a home for legacy vendors, showcasing the diverse array of cultures and entrepreneurs. From juicers to fresh-shucked oysters, GCM is yet another daily opportunity for downtown to fortify itself with a vast variety of tasty nutrients.
Minerva Torres of Torres Produce, situated in the mid-market, says her fresh choices mimic the same market her family runs in Mexico, opening as early as 5 a.m. Her life consists of various vendors for fresh selections of pineapple, tomatillos, avocados, and chilis, making vendors and the visitors of GCM never run out of fresh, healthy selects. The market has daily operating hours of 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and is located at 317 S. Broadway.
Wealth of Connections at City Hall Farmers Markets
Just across from City Hall on Main Street is the City Hall Farmers Market.
Always welcoming new vendors, throwing raffles, and even a pumpkin-growing contest keep the excitement alive. The market is also known for teaming up with city and county officials to help build bridges to healthy food access. Entities like Market Match boost every $20 spent with EBT with an equal $20 voucher for added freshness.
Other recent partnerships include Hunger Action Los Angeles, PHFE WIC, and OrganicsLA, with occasional visits from supporting local leadership, including Mayor Bass and, most recently, council member Eunisness Hernandez, who. recently sparked Food Days with a celebration on the West Lawn of City Hall. Food Day is a national initiative aiming to inspire Americans to enjoy good food and to push for improved food policies. The market operates every Thursday from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. located at 200 N Main St.
LA River Farmers Market in Chinatown
Established on May 26, 2022, the LA River Farmers’ Market is brought to Downtown by Food Access LA, a non-profit organization building sustainable food systems to ensure everyone has equitable access to fresh, affordable, locally grown foods.
Just one of eight farmers markets, with others existing in Watts, Hollywood, Central Ave, Crenshaw, Compton, Echo Park, and Atwater Village, every Thursday, over 25 vendors welcome customers through the south entrance of LA Historic State Park in Chinatown, DTLA, to a healthy smorgasbord of nature’s sweetest rewards.
But it doesn’t stop there; LA River Farmer’s Market also provides curbside pick-up or delivery to the home or office, high-quality composting, hands-on nutrition and cooking classes, and professional coaching for urban growers. The market operates every Thursday from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is located at LA State Historic Park, 1245 N Spring Street, Chinatown.
TGIF at Echo Park Farmers Market
Stocking up on groceries, getting some fresh air, and supporting local businesses is what Echo Park Farmer’s Market is all about. Another market established by Food Access LA, since 2006, the Echo Park Farmers’ Market has grown steadily to become one of the most popular and well-attended certified farmers’ markets.
Every Friday, 15 local farmers set up tables and offer up Earth’s vibrant jewels alongside artisan jams and jellies, honey, and fresh farm-grown flowers, just to name a few, with free samples adding to the symphony of colors, aromas, and flavors fresh fruits and veggies have to offer. The market operates every Friday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 1146 Logan St, Los Angeles, CA 90026.
Social Saturdays at LA Social District’s Farmer’s Market
With change comes healthy choice options for LA Social District (formally known as South Park DTLA); this local farmers market is brought to the city by Farm Habit. An organization not shy about calling attention to negative impacts of unsustainable conditions, believing every time we buy food, we cast a vote for the kind of world we want to live in. With Farm Habit markets, rest assured veggies are grown in healthy soil and allowed to ripen in the field for a more nutritious and unforgettable flavor. Expect the good family vibes of LA Social District with regular visits by Pico the Dog, LA Social District’s official mascot.
Every Saturday, visitors can find a delightful array of locally grown produce, artisanal foods, handmade crafts, and the soothing sounds of acoustic music and holiday giveaways. The market operates every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is located at 1100 S Grand.
Sunday in the Historic DTLA Farmer’s Market
Sunday’s Historic Farmer’s Market is organized by the Southland Farmers’ Market Association and has over a decade of healthy fresh goodness for its supporting roots. Partnered with Kaiser Permanente, every Sunday, the DTLA market takes place between Broadway and Main on 5th.
Thank this association for helping to draft legislation that allowed bakers and food vendors at farmers’ markets, supporting the development of farmers’ markets located in low-income communities and changing the LA County Health Department policy to allow product sampling at Certified Farmers’ Markets. Grab a toothpick! It’s strawberry picking time!
Local favorites include homemade bagels, fresh produce, and a diverse cuisine alongside arts, crafts, and jewelry vendors. The market operates every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., located at 5th and Spring.
