Thank goodness for February, a month to reflect on who and what we love, and to spread love in all sorts of ways. In times like these, love isn’t just a feeling it’s an action, a choice, and a daily practice. Our market community continues to show us what that looks like week after week.
On January 30, we chose to respectfully remain open despite the call for a nationwide strike and pause in economic activity. We deeply respect the intention behind that moment and the values that motivated it. After thoughtful consideration, we decided the most responsible path for our organization was to stay open in solidarity with the more than 45 small, family-owned farms and artisan food makers we support—many of whom rely on the market as a critical source of weekly income—as well as the immigrant communities who are essential to our food system.
We encouraged customers to shop small and local, avoid large corporations that day, bring cash when possible, and put their dollars where they truly make a difference. The data backs this up: according to USDA research, in the conventional food system farmers receive only about 16 cents of every dollar consumers spend at grocery stores and restaurants. When you buy directly from a farmer at a farmers market, nearly all of what you pay goes straight to the producer. That is a powerful difference, and it shows how impactful individual purchasing choices can be.
That same Friday, we were honored to receive a special visit from the monks of Gaden Shartse Monastery Phukhang as part of their Sacred Harmony World Peace International Tour. Their presence brought a sense of calm and intention to the canyon. The monks shared sacred sound and blessings for peace and healing. Prior to their visit at the market, they had been creating a sand mandala at Pure Land Farms dedicated to the well-being of the world. Their visit was a beautiful reminder that even small local gatherings can be part of something much larger—a shared wish for peace, compassion, and understanding. Never a dull moment here in our beautiful canyon!
We also began a weekly food drive at the market on January 30 to support NELA Food Distribution, a community-based organization providing groceries to families in East Los Angeles who do not currently feel safe leaving their homes to shop for food. We were introduced to this important work by our close friend and longtime market volunteer Amy Favat, and felt immediately called to help.
Right now, access to food has been disrupted for many families in immigrant communities due to fear and uncertainty. Some parents are keeping children home from school, which can also mean missing the free breakfast and lunch programs they normally rely on. The groceries we are collecting at the market are intended to help fill that gap. Because it’s unclear how long current conditions will last, we plan to continue this effort in the weeks ahead. We believe every family deserves safe access to food, and when that isn’t possible, we feel a responsibility to step in where we can—after all, we are in the business of increasing access to high-quality, nourishing food. If you’d like to participate, please bring donations from the requested items list to the market on any Friday, and we will make sure they are delivered to families in need. Most-needed items include canned soups, canned vegetables and fruit, bread, cereal, oatmeal, applesauce, peanut butter, rice, beans, pasta and sauce, mac and cheese, oranges, apples, granola bars, raisins, small snacks, baby food, and household basics like toilet paper and paper towels.
Looking ahead, we have a joyful market planned for February 13 in honor of Valentine’s Day. We’ll be celebrating love, friendship, and the special connections that happen so naturally at a farmers market. We’re inviting community members to participate in a lighthearted connection activity: donate $5–$10 to the market and receive a strawberry heart pin to wear while you shop. Red pins signal openness to romantic connection, pink pins signal openness to friendship — and both are equally welcome.
Maybe you’ll meet someone new. Maybe you’ll run into an old friend. Either way, you’ll find beautiful flowers, handcrafted foods, incredible chocolate, and nourishing produce — all set against one of the most beautiful views in the Santa Monica Mountains.
At 11:00 am we’ll host an optional, low-pressure “Market Mingle”—a Topanga-style take on speed meeting—with short, guided conversations for anyone who wants to participate. It’s not just for singles, and all ages, orientations, and identities are welcome. You can join for one conversation or several, or simply wear your pin and enjoy the morning.
We believe in leading with love and compassion, and we remain hopeful that love will prevail. Our commitment is to keep the market a safe, welcoming gathering space for the canyon and the surrounding communities— a place where you can buy nourishing food from farmers you know by name and feel connected to the people around you.
Peace, Love, & Produce, Kate & Freddi
