Showing posts with label Salinas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Salinas. Show all posts

Thursday, March 4, 2021

Goodwill Central Coast expands e-commerce workforce, moves into larger facility in Salinas

  In July of 2017, Goodwill Central Coast opened its centralized e-commerce facility on Moffett Street in Salinas.

 Salinas, CA, March 04, 2021 — In July of 2017, Goodwill Central Coast opened its centralized e-commerce facility on Moffett Street in Salinas. In less than four years, the tri-county nonprofit’s online sector has grown from five employees to 26. 

These jobs involve varied work in photography, jewelry authentication, distribution/transportation, technology and management. And it’s not just the workforce that has expanded. The division has moved from its 11,000-square-foot facility to a new home with more than 18,000 square feet. This includes a state-of-the-art distribution center, new photography studio and a spacious new jewelry center. 


What’s more, its listing capacity has increased dramatically, as it currently adds nearly 1,000 new items online for donors and customers per day. Each day this team of specialists sorts through thousands of goods in an effort to gather and document coveted items to put up for sale at Shopgoodwill.com, Ebay.com and amazon.com. 

From a leadership standpoint, Goodwill Central Coast has appointed Amber Vick as Regional Director of Stores and E-commerce. Vick previously oversaw the retail store locations in Monterey and Santa Cruz. Vick joins the current e-commerce management team of Patrick Sagara (e-commerce manager), Dawn Lockwood and Jorge Huerta-Becerra (both assistant managers). 

“Together the updated management team brings a wealth of training, knowledge and experience to Goodwill Central Coast,” said Alan Martinson, vice president of retail. “This team is focused on career growth of their staff, and this is where we see the biggest benefits long term.” 

The expansion is aligned with Goodwill Central Coast’s mission to invest in technology and infrastructure to help create jobs of the future. 

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, retail e-commerce across the country reached $211.5 billion in the second quarter of 2020, up 31.8 percent from the first quarter, and 44.5 percent year-over-year. E-commerce also accounted for 16.1 percent of total retail sales in the second quarter, up from 11.8 percent in the first quarter. 

While much of this growth can be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, the future of e-commerce is one of strong, steady growth. 

Goodwill Central Coast is focused on our mission of creating jobs and removing barriers to employment,” Martinson said. “The GCC e-commerce division is a shining star in the nonprofit world, providing opportunity to learn skills in the technology job segment and provide growth for those who would like to learn.” 

GCC’s Information Technology department has deployed the latest advancements to enhance operations. This not only makes Goodwill Central Coast more efficient, it provides vast training for individuals with the desire to learn about e-commerce, and the opportunities within the industry. 

“Yes, it helps support GCC by shopping online or in our store locations, however it is the generous donations from our community that make it possible,” Martinson said. 

GCC’s online items represent a treasure trove of items that were generously donated to support programs. The e-commerce team has developed a short list of items to donate that help the most: jewelry, musical instruments, electronics, artwork, trading or game cards, video games and systems. 

“Items are usually in good condition,” Martinson said. “These items are carefully expedited and auctioned off to the highest bidder. We appreciate all donations and continued support of our job programs.” 

Goodwill designed its virtual marketplace to provide an engaging online shopping destination. Consumers enjoy what Martinson likes to call “guilt-free retail therapy,” knowing every purchase supports job training programs and promotes reuse, keeping items out of landfills and reducing the need for scarce natural resources. 

The Salinas team ships hundreds of items each day, from gold jewelry to clothing, musical instruments and more. The engaging site showcases new items and items leaving the gallery, it tracks a Hot 50, entices buyers with coupon codes and offers shipping deals as low as 1 cent. GCC has also resumed some customer pick-ups of online orders (with restrictions) at the facility, 1566 Moffett St., Salinas. 

Nationwide, Goodwill has generated more than $560 million in online sales since launching the site in 1999. Goodwill Central Coast’s e-commerce division sees roughly $2 million in annual revenue, but Martinson expects that to grow significantly next year. While the average price of an item in Goodwill’s brick-and-mortar stores is between $4-$5, the online platform sells items averaging in value between $30 and $40. 

All this added revenue helps fund a growing number of programs that have served tens of thousands of individuals facing barriers to employment. 

About Goodwill Central Coast

Goodwill Central Coast, a private 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, began in 1928 in the city of Santa Cruz and today has expanded into three counties: Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo. Goodwill Central Coast now employs more than 600 people, including employment training professionals, sales personnel, donation center attendants, warehouse and distribution workers, and administrators. Its programs strengthen communities by improving job growth, the lives of individuals and families, and the health of our environment. Each year Goodwill assists more than 9,000 job seekers get back to work and reclaim financial and personal independence. Goodwill provides a positive learning environment that creates brighter futures through connecting people to meaningful work.


Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
The Buzz PR LLC
Salinas, CA
(831) 747-7455
https://www.ccgoodwill.org/

Wednesday, August 5, 2020

GBA Coach Joey Ramos

A good coach can inspire a child for life, and no one believes that more than Joey Ramos.

Salinas, CA, August 05, 2020 - Born in Lapaz, in the Philippines, Ramos came to Soledad with his parents and three siblings when he was just 6 months old. “My parents wanted to give their children a better life with more opportunities,” he said.

An extremely shy child, Ramos discovered basketball in the fourth grade. “Our coach, Mr. Godoy, would coach us from his kind heart,” he said. “We practiced after school three days a week and he personally would drive us to Salinas to play on Saturdays.”


The experience had a huge impact on Ramos, who today lives in Salinas and coaches two GBA select girls teams.

“Playing with a team made me open up and feel comfortable with other people, and has made me become the person I am today,” he said. “It helped with my social skills. To this day, I’m always happy and excited to meet new people.”

In 2002 Ramos was asked to help as an assistant coach for his niece’s basketball team. “That’s where it opened up a new adventure for me to coach basketball,” he said. “It was what I needed to share my love of the game and help other kids that loved the game, too.”

In 2011 he coached his nephew’s team for Steinbeck Elementary in Salinas. Aside from his GBA work, Ramos currently coaches the 7th and 8th grade girls teams at Gavilan View Middle School.

His experience with GBA began nine years ago when he was introduced to GBA co-founder Jose Gil.

“Coach Gil opened up new experiences,” Ramos said. “I could not imagine working with large groups of kids, ranging from kindergarten to high school. It opened up new competitive experiences with GBA select travel teams. It’s all had an impact on how I coach.”

For Ramos, the most rewarding aspects of coaching have happened off the court.

“It’s all about preparing them for the next level of their game, sure, but also in life,” he said. “To use the same elements of respect, commitment, dedication, passion, and the hunger to learn more in everything you set your mind to.”

Ramos is grateful he’s able to support his community, and help open doors for a better future. “Their growth in becoming young adults earns them the same respect, commitment, dedication and the passion they have experienced learning the game and becoming leaders themselves,” he said.

In the end, it’s all about the love of a game that brings to participants many bonuses.

“The excitement I see in our youth, learning together, meeting new friends, having fun, has been the most rewarding,” he said. “Their big smiles are what fuels me!”

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
https://gilbasketballacademy.com/

Friday, July 10, 2020

Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’ Markets in Marina, Pacific Grove and Salinas Continue to Provide Safe Access to Healthy Food

Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’ Markets in Marina, Pacific Grove and Salinas are all open and going strong while adhering to all state and local health and safety guidelines.

Marina, CA, July 10, 2020 — Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’’ Markets in Marina, Pacific Grove and Salinas are all open and going strong while adhering to all state and local health and safety guidelines.

Everyone’s Harvest Markets are open Sundays in Marina, Mondays in Pacific Grove, Tuesdays in Alisal, Wednesdays at Natividad Medical Center and Fridays at Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System (SVMHS), all in Salinas, with fruits and vegetables, local honey, fresh eggs, and more.

Alisal’s market, which is located at Women, Infants And Children (WIC) offices at 632 East Alisal St., is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays, and features three farmers, WIC program for healthy families, and all markets now match P-EBT (special Pandemic EBT funds distributed recently) for Market Match, to increase EBT customers’ spending power.

Natividad’s market, open Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Natividad Medical Center at 1441 Constitution Blvd., has added Perfect Crumb Bakery, Frutas Frescas Barajas, and Locally Roasted Coffee back this week, joining Stackhouse Orchards of San Joaquin Valley, offering dried tree fruits and almonds; Gallardo’s Organic Farm in Salinas, offering vegetable row crops and strawberries; and Golden Flowers, offering fresh-cut flowers.

Both markets are smaller, modified markets with social distancing plans in place. All markets have strict social distancing and thorough sanitation plans in place.

SVMHS, open on Fridays from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m., at 450 East Romie Lane, brought back Mai Thai cuisine, Chava's Roasted Corn and Baked Potatoes, and this week, Maido Sushi and Teriyaki.

The Marina Certified Farmers’ Market is held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday at 215 Reservation Road, in Marina. The Pacific Grove Certified Farmers’ Market is held from 3 to 7 p.m. every Monday at the corner of Central and Grand avenues, in Pacific Grove.

Fruits and vegetables currently in season include peaches and nectarines, a few tomato varieties, summer squash, fresh strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, and avocados.

All markets are continually adding more vendors. The Pacific Grove market now includes:

>Chef Ron Mendoza’s Seaside-based Ad Astra Bread Co. — Offers fresh-baked sourdough, rustic breads, baguettes, flatbreads, pretzels, focaccia, coffee cake, and cinnamon rolls.

>Garlicville's Best Salsa — Offers fresh salsa made with Gilroy garlic in mild, medium, and hot.

>Also, Kirk Williams Avocados are back.

Marina market now includes:

>Honey from MockaBees Aromas Apiary in Aromas.

Both PG and Marina markets now include:

>Susan Carter’s The Perfect Crumb Bakery in Monterey — Offers a variety of breakfast and dessert pastries, from scones and croissants to cookies, brownies, pies and cupcakes.

>San Leandro-based Hummus Heaven — Brothers Mourad and Tarek Cherif source local and seasonal ingredients from farmers markets to offer 17 flavors of hummus and many accompanying food items, including tapenades, grape leaves, pita chips, and more. Traditional techniques and small-batch productions are employed at their kitchen to give their products a North-African and Mediterranean flavor.

New vendors at Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System:

>Ledesma Family Farms organics from Holllister, Gustine and Watsonville.

At all markets:

> Stackhouse Orchards in the San Joaquin Valley is back with peaches, nectarines, and almonds.

>Taco trucks.

Coordinating markets and the Fresh Rx program is new market program manager, Karen Gomez.

Gomez graduated last year from CSU-Monterey Bay with a degree in Collaborative Health & Human Services and an interdisciplinary concentration of Public Administration/Nonprofit Management and Community Health. She is now pursuing her master’s degree in Public Administration at San Jose State University.

Gomez has been involved with various nonprofits for the past few years, and has enjoyed being able to apply the skills and knowledge she learned in school to real world challenges. She hopes to continuously help her community and make a difference. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, hiking and taking spontaneous trips.

And for convenience, safety and avoiding lines, consumers can pre-order their goods from markets in Marina, Pacific Grove and Salinas by scanning a QR code with their smart phones located on the website at everyonesharvest.org. More info is also available at the green Everyone's Harvest info booth at each market.

As always, safety is a top concern at all Everyone’s Harvest markets.

“A healthy and safe farmers' market is our number-one priority,” said Everyone’s Harvest Executive Director Reid Norris. “Our farmers and vendors, like many small businesses in the community, rely on your continued support to bring you necessary services like fresh food and produce. We are doing this to support local farmers and give people a nutritious option for produce. So if you are able to, please keep supporting us.”

Everyone’s Harvest Farmers’ Markets are adhering to guidelines created in collaboration with Monterey County Health Department, California Department of Public Health, and California Alliance of Farmers' Markets, and are operating under an order from the County of Monterey Health Department determining that certified farmers’ markets are “essential businesses” exempt from the “Shelter in Place” order by the Health Department that went into effect on March 18, 2020.

“Everyone's Harvest is working closely with Monterey County Health Department and the cities of Marina, Pacific Grove and Salinas to best serve the community,” said Norris. “We are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation, and we have implemented a plan of action for our markets.”

The plan of action includes the following:

•All vendors will receive Monterey County's Guidelines for Retail Food Establishments and we will be closely monitoring vendor operations.

•Everyone’s Harvest asks that all vendors, farmers, and customers not attend the market if they are sick with fever, sneezing, or coughing.

• Best Practices: Market operations will be conducted in accordance with guidelines created in collaboration with Monterey County Health Department, California Department of Public Health, and California Alliance of Farmers' Markets for farmers’ markets operating during shelter in place. This document will be made available at the market as well, and it recommends heightened measures such as extra space between stands, whenever possible, and disallowing sampling or prepared foods at the markets.

•Helping with Prevention: Hand sanitizer will be offered at the Information Booth, and Everyone's Harvest will monitor and, if necessary, restrict attendance so that the market attendees can maintain “social distancing” recommended by the California Department of Public Health. Market attendees are encouraged to keep 6 feet of personal space between themselves. Sanitizing solution will be used regularly at the Information Booth for any frequently touched items or equipment.

•Vendors will wear gloves whenever possible and wash their hands frequently (handwashing is available at all EH markets). Sampling of products is discontinued until further notice.

•Everyone’s Harvest is following all updates given on COVID-19, including guidance from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Monterey County Health Department, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and local health officials.

•Everyone’s Harvest is changing its usual layout of its farmers’ markets in order to increase the amount of social distancing as much as possible. (See below.)

“We will continue to take the actions necessary to help protect the community,” said Norris. “Specifically, if we are notified of a staff member, vendor, or participant testing positive for COVID-19, they will be suspended from any of our certified farmers’ markets until they are medically cleared.”

In order to increase the amount of social distancing as much as possible, Everyone’s Harvest has changed its usual layout of its farmers’ markets.

The new layout splits the market into a waiting zone and a shopping/produce area.

There is a limit of 10 people maximum in the produce area and a limit to the number of people around a booth at one time, with the 6-foot social distancing parameters in effect. Unless a vendor has a two-tent setup, each vendor is limited to one customer at a time.

There are sanitizing station/table set up with wipes and hand sanitizer for customers to use before approaching vendor booths.

Each market will have a list of what produce is being sold by the vendors that day and displaying it at a writing station so shoppers can write their grocery list with the items available and then be in and out of the market as quickly as possible.

Market managers will be on hand to assist customers with their shopping, maintaining the 6-foot rule and making sure shoppers aren’t waiting too long in the waiting area.

Social distancing at Everyone’s Harvest Farmers’ Markets, per California Department of Public Health Guidelines:

Space booths accordingly to increase social distancing among patrons in line and walking about the market.
Ensure that social distancing of six feet per person for non-family members is maintained and make clear that family members [and households] can participate in activities together, stand in line together, etc.
Limit the number of customers at any given time as necessary to reduce outdoor/indoor crowding and lines to meet social distancing guidance.
Increase cleaning and sanitizing frequency of restroom and other high contact areas.
Train employees on best hygiene practices including washing their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Offer additional hand washing or sanitizing stations throughout the venue.
Eliminate events/marketing that target individuals that the CDPH has identified as higher risk of serious illness for COVID-19.
Encourage activities such as pre-bagging to expedite purchasing.
Suspend sampling activities.
Increase frequency of cleaning of tables, payment devices, and other surfaces.
Eliminate non-essential/non-related services, such as bands or other entertainment.
At the end of the market, continue to utilize local food recovery systems to feed/donate extra products to populations in need.
If applicable, continue accepting EBT payment.

For more information, go to www.everyonesharvest.org or call (831) 384-6961.

About Everyone’s Harvest
Everyone’s Harvest was founded in 2002 by Iris Peppard building on her capstone project as a student at California State University Monterey Bay. Since then, the small nonprofit has grown into a robust, values-driven 501(c)3 organization. It operates five certified farmers’ markets and is a catalyst for health-related programs across Monterey County.

The mission is to provide access to healthy, affordable fruits and vegetables through certified farmers’ markets and community food programs. The vision is for every community to have a fair and sustainable food system.

In 2008, Pacific Grove chose Everyone’s Harvest as the organization to run their community farmers’ market. This opportunity was a turning point for Everyone’s Harvest, leading to increased collaborations and partnerships.

More than 2,000 families are served weekly by Everyone’s Harvest markets in Salinas, Marina, and Pacific Grove – with more than 25 small and mid-scale farmers serving them. Everyone’s Harvest takes pride in the growing community of people who value organic food and rely on Everyone’s Harvest for access to local fresh fruits and vegetables.

The farmers’ market locations serve diverse communities and low-income people. Local hospitals host Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’ Markets at Natividad Medical Center and Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System. Everyone’s Harvest pioneered access to several public nutrition benefits at its farmers’ markets for everyone to access fresh, local, and organic foods.

In 2012, Everyone’s Harvest was presented with Edible Monterey Bay magazine’s nonprofit “Local Hero” award and in 2013 the Monterey County Weekly newspaper named Iris as one of the “25 for the Next 25” movers and shakers in Monterey County. Iris is always quick to point out, “My success is not just my own. It’s because of everyone involved. It’s about a movement. It’s about food justice.”

Today at Everyone’s Harvest:

Over 50 percent of Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’ Markets farmers are certified organic and come from within a 100-mile radius of Monterey County.
All five of our Certified Farmers’ Markets serve low-income communities and accept Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT), the modern day food stamp.
Two of our Certified Farmers’ Markets are partnerships with medical institutions – Natividad Medical Center and Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System – who both partner in the Fresh Rx program.
The organization offers free space to other nonprofits, community groups, and government entities at its markets for public outreach.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
https://everyonesharvest.org/Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’ Markets in Marina, Pacific Grove and Salinas are all open and going strong while adhering to all state and local health and safety guidelines.

Marina, CA, July 10, 2020 — Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’’ Markets in Marina, Pacific Grove and Salinas are all open and going strong while adhering to all state and local health and safety guidelines.

Everyone’s Harvest Markets are open Sundays in Marina, Mondays in Pacific Grove, Tuesdays in Alisal, Wednesdays at Natividad Medical Center and Fridays at Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System (SVMHS), all in Salinas, with fruits and vegetables, local honey, fresh eggs, and more.

Alisal’s market, which is located at Women, Infants And Children (WIC) offices at 632 East Alisal St., is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays, and features three farmers, WIC program for healthy families, and all markets now match P-EBT (special Pandemic EBT funds distributed recently) for Market Match, to increase EBT customers’ spending power.

Natividad’s market, open Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Natividad Medical Center at 1441 Constitution Blvd., has added Perfect Crumb Bakery, Frutas Frescas Barajas, and Locally Roasted Coffee back this week, joining Stackhouse Orchards of San Joaquin Valley, offering dried tree fruits and almonds; Gallardo’s Organic Farm in Salinas, offering vegetable row crops and strawberries; and Golden Flowers, offering fresh-cut flowers.

Both markets are smaller, modified markets with social distancing plans in place. All markets have strict social distancing and thorough sanitation plans in place.

SVMHS, open on Fridays from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m., at 450 East Romie Lane, brought back Mai Thai cuisine, Chava's Roasted Corn and Baked Potatoes, and this week, Maido Sushi and Teriyaki.

The Marina Certified Farmers’ Market is held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday at 215 Reservation Road, in Marina. The Pacific Grove Certified Farmers’ Market is held from 3 to 7 p.m. every Monday at the corner of Central and Grand avenues, in Pacific Grove.

Fruits and vegetables currently in season include peaches and nectarines, a few tomato varieties, summer squash, fresh strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, and avocados.

All markets are continually adding more vendors. The Pacific Grove market now includes:

>Chef Ron Mendoza’s Seaside-based Ad Astra Bread Co. — Offers fresh-baked sourdough, rustic breads, baguettes, flatbreads, pretzels, focaccia, coffee cake, and cinnamon rolls.

>Garlicville's Best Salsa — Offers fresh salsa made with Gilroy garlic in mild, medium, and hot.

>Also, Kirk Williams Avocados are back.

Marina market now includes:

>Honey from MockaBees Aromas Apiary in Aromas.

Both PG and Marina markets now include:

>Susan Carter’s The Perfect Crumb Bakery in Monterey — Offers a variety of breakfast and dessert pastries, from scones and croissants to cookies, brownies, pies and cupcakes.

>San Leandro-based Hummus Heaven — Brothers Mourad and Tarek Cherif source local and seasonal ingredients from farmers markets to offer 17 flavors of hummus and many accompanying food items, including tapenades, grape leaves, pita chips, and more. Traditional techniques and small-batch productions are employed at their kitchen to give their products a North-African and Mediterranean flavor.

New vendors at Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System:

>Ledesma Family Farms organics from Holllister, Gustine and Watsonville.

At all markets:

> Stackhouse Orchards in the San Joaquin Valley is back with peaches, nectarines, and almonds.

>Taco trucks.

Coordinating markets and the Fresh Rx program is new market program manager, Karen Gomez.

Gomez graduated last year from CSU-Monterey Bay with a degree in Collaborative Health & Human Services and an interdisciplinary concentration of Public Administration/Nonprofit Management and Community Health. She is now pursuing her master’s degree in Public Administration at San Jose State University.

Gomez has been involved with various nonprofits for the past few years, and has enjoyed being able to apply the skills and knowledge she learned in school to real world challenges. She hopes to continuously help her community and make a difference. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, hiking and taking spontaneous trips.

And for convenience, safety and avoiding lines, consumers can pre-order their goods from markets in Marina, Pacific Grove and Salinas by scanning a QR code with their smart phones located on the website at everyonesharvest.org. More info is also available at the green Everyone's Harvest info booth at each market.

As always, safety is a top concern at all Everyone’s Harvest markets.

“A healthy and safe farmers' market is our number-one priority,” said Everyone’s Harvest Executive Director Reid Norris. “Our farmers and vendors, like many small businesses in the community, rely on your continued support to bring you necessary services like fresh food and produce. We are doing this to support local farmers and give people a nutritious option for produce. So if you are able to, please keep supporting us.”

Everyone’s Harvest Farmers’ Markets are adhering to guidelines created in collaboration with Monterey County Health Department, California Department of Public Health, and California Alliance of Farmers' Markets, and are operating under an order from the County of Monterey Health Department determining that certified farmers’ markets are “essential businesses” exempt from the “Shelter in Place” order by the Health Department that went into effect on March 18, 2020.

“Everyone's Harvest is working closely with Monterey County Health Department and the cities of Marina, Pacific Grove and Salinas to best serve the community,” said Norris. “We are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation, and we have implemented a plan of action for our markets.”

The plan of action includes the following:

•All vendors will receive Monterey County's Guidelines for Retail Food Establishments and we will be closely monitoring vendor operations.

•Everyone’s Harvest asks that all vendors, farmers, and customers not attend the market if they are sick with fever, sneezing, or coughing.

• Best Practices: Market operations will be conducted in accordance with guidelines created in collaboration with Monterey County Health Department, California Department of Public Health, and California Alliance of Farmers' Markets for farmers’ markets operating during shelter in place. This document will be made available at the market as well, and it recommends heightened measures such as extra space between stands, whenever possible, and disallowing sampling or prepared foods at the markets.

•Helping with Prevention: Hand sanitizer will be offered at the Information Booth, and Everyone's Harvest will monitor and, if necessary, restrict attendance so that the market attendees can maintain “social distancing” recommended by the California Department of Public Health. Market attendees are encouraged to keep 6 feet of personal space between themselves. Sanitizing solution will be used regularly at the Information Booth for any frequently touched items or equipment.

•Vendors will wear gloves whenever possible and wash their hands frequently (handwashing is available at all EH markets). Sampling of products is discontinued until further notice.

•Everyone’s Harvest is following all updates given on COVID-19, including guidance from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Monterey County Health Department, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and local health officials.

•Everyone’s Harvest is changing its usual layout of its farmers’ markets in order to increase the amount of social distancing as much as possible. (See below.)

“We will continue to take the actions necessary to help protect the community,” said Norris. “Specifically, if we are notified of a staff member, vendor, or participant testing positive for COVID-19, they will be suspended from any of our certified farmers’ markets until they are medically cleared.”

In order to increase the amount of social distancing as much as possible, Everyone’s Harvest has changed its usual layout of its farmers’ markets.

The new layout splits the market into a waiting zone and a shopping/produce area.

There is a limit of 10 people maximum in the produce area and a limit to the number of people around a booth at one time, with the 6-foot social distancing parameters in effect. Unless a vendor has a two-tent setup, each vendor is limited to one customer at a time.

There are sanitizing station/table set up with wipes and hand sanitizer for customers to use before approaching vendor booths.

Each market will have a list of what produce is being sold by the vendors that day and displaying it at a writing station so shoppers can write their grocery list with the items available and then be in and out of the market as quickly as possible.

Market managers will be on hand to assist customers with their shopping, maintaining the 6-foot rule and making sure shoppers aren’t waiting too long in the waiting area.

Social distancing at Everyone’s Harvest Farmers’ Markets, per California Department of Public Health Guidelines:

Space booths accordingly to increase social distancing among patrons in line and walking about the market.
Ensure that social distancing of six feet per person for non-family members is maintained and make clear that family members [and households] can participate in activities together, stand in line together, etc.
Limit the number of customers at any given time as necessary to reduce outdoor/indoor crowding and lines to meet social distancing guidance.
Increase cleaning and sanitizing frequency of restroom and other high contact areas.
Train employees on best hygiene practices including washing their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Offer additional hand washing or sanitizing stations throughout the venue.
Eliminate events/marketing that target individuals that the CDPH has identified as higher risk of serious illness for COVID-19.
Encourage activities such as pre-bagging to expedite purchasing.
Suspend sampling activities.
Increase frequency of cleaning of tables, payment devices, and other surfaces.
Eliminate non-essential/non-related services, such as bands or other entertainment.
At the end of the market, continue to utilize local food recovery systems to feed/donate extra products to populations in need.
If applicable, continue accepting EBT payment.

For more information, go to www.everyonesharvest.org or call (831) 384-6961.

About Everyone’s Harvest
Everyone’s Harvest was founded in 2002 by Iris Peppard building on her capstone project as a student at California State University Monterey Bay. Since then, the small nonprofit has grown into a robust, values-driven 501(c)3 organization. It operates five certified farmers’ markets and is a catalyst for health-related programs across Monterey County.

The mission is to provide access to healthy, affordable fruits and vegetables through certified farmers’ markets and community food programs. The vision is for every community to have a fair and sustainable food system.

In 2008, Pacific Grove chose Everyone’s Harvest as the organization to run their community farmers’ market. This opportunity was a turning point for Everyone’s Harvest, leading to increased collaborations and partnerships.

More than 2,000 families are served weekly by Everyone’s Harvest markets in Salinas, Marina, and Pacific Grove – with more than 25 small and mid-scale farmers serving them. Everyone’s Harvest takes pride in the growing community of people who value organic food and rely on Everyone’s Harvest for access to local fresh fruits and vegetables.

The farmers’ market locations serve diverse communities and low-income people. Local hospitals host Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’ Markets at Natividad Medical Center and Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System. Everyone’s Harvest pioneered access to several public nutrition benefits at its farmers’ markets for everyone to access fresh, local, and organic foods.

In 2012, Everyone’s Harvest was presented with Edible Monterey Bay magazine’s nonprofit “Local Hero” award and in 2013 the Monterey County Weekly newspaper named Iris as one of the “25 for the Next 25” movers and shakers in Monterey County. Iris is always quick to point out, “My success is not just my own. It’s because of everyone involved. It’s about a movement. It’s about food justice.”

Today at Everyone’s Harvest:

Over 50 percent of Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’ Markets farmers are certified organic and come from within a 100-mile radius of Monterey County.
All five of our Certified Farmers’ Markets serveEveryone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’ Markets in Marina, Pacific Grove and Salinas are all open and going strong while adhering to all state and local health and safety guidelines.

Marina, CA, July 10, 2020 — Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’’ Markets in Marina, Pacific Grove and Salinas are all open and going strong while adhering to all state and local health and safety guidelines.

Everyone’s Harvest Markets are open Sundays in Marina, Mondays in Pacific Grove, Tuesdays in Alisal, Wednesdays at Natividad Medical Center and Fridays at Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System (SVMHS), all in Salinas, with fruits and vegetables, local honey, fresh eggs, and more.

Alisal’s market, which is located at Women, Infants And Children (WIC) offices at 632 East Alisal St., is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays, and features three farmers, WIC program for healthy families, and all markets now match P-EBT (special Pandemic EBT funds distributed recently) for Market Match, to increase EBT customers’ spending power.

Natividad’s market, open Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Natividad Medical Center at 1441 Constitution Blvd., has added Perfect Crumb Bakery, Frutas Frescas Barajas, and Locally Roasted Coffee back this week, joining Stackhouse Orchards of San Joaquin Valley, offering dried tree fruits and almonds; Gallardo’s Organic Farm in Salinas, offering vegetable row crops and strawberries; and Golden Flowers, offering fresh-cut flowers.

Both markets are smaller, modified markets with social distancing plans in place. All markets have strict social distancing and thorough sanitation plans in place.

SVMHS, open on Fridays from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m., at 450 East Romie Lane, brought back Mai Thai cuisine, Chava's Roasted Corn and Baked Potatoes, and this week, Maido Sushi and Teriyaki.

The Marina Certified Farmers’ Market is held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday at 215 Reservation Road, in Marina. The Pacific Grove Certified Farmers’ Market is held from 3 to 7 p.m. every Monday at the corner of Central and Grand avenues, in Pacific Grove.

Fruits and vegetables currently in season include peaches and nectarines, a few tomato varieties, summer squash, fresh strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, and avocados.

All markets are continually adding more vendors. The Pacific Grove market now includes:

>Chef Ron Mendoza’s Seaside-based Ad Astra Bread Co. — Offers fresh-baked sourdough, rustic breads, baguettes, flatbreads, pretzels, focaccia, coffee cake, and cinnamon rolls.

>Garlicville's Best Salsa — Offers fresh salsa made with Gilroy garlic in mild, medium, and hot.

>Also, Kirk Williams Avocados are back.

Marina market now includes:

>Honey from MockaBees Aromas Apiary in Aromas.

Both PG and Marina markets now include:

>Susan Carter’s The Perfect Crumb Bakery in Monterey — Offers a variety of breakfast and dessert pastries, from scones and croissants to cookies, brownies, pies and cupcakes.

>San Leandro-based Hummus Heaven — Brothers Mourad and Tarek Cherif source local and seasonal ingredients from farmers markets to offer 17 flavors of hummus and many accompanying food items, including tapenades, grape leaves, pita chips, and more. Traditional techniques and small-batch productions are employed at their kitchen to give their products a North-African and Mediterranean flavor.

New vendors at Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System:

>Ledesma Family Farms organics from Holllister, Gustine and Watsonville.

At all markets:

> Stackhouse Orchards in the San Joaquin Valley is back with peaches, nectarines, and almonds.

>Taco trucks.

Coordinating markets and the Fresh Rx program is new market program manager, Karen Gomez.

Gomez graduated last year from CSU-Monterey Bay with a degree in Collaborative Health & Human Services and an interdisciplinary concentration of Public Administration/Nonprofit Management and Community Health. She is now pursuing her master’s degree in Public Administration at San Jose State University.

Gomez has been involved with various nonprofits for the past few years, and has enjoyed being able to apply the skills and knowledge she learned in school to real world challenges. She hopes to continuously help her community and make a difference. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, hiking and taking spontaneous trips.

And for convenience, safety and avoiding lines, consumers can pre-order their goods from markets in Marina, Pacific Grove and Salinas by scanning a QR code with their smart phones located on the website at everyonesharvest.org. More info is also available at the green Everyone's Harvest info booth at each market.

As always, safety is a top concern at all Everyone’s Harvest markets.

“A healthy and safe farmers' market is our number-one priority,” said Everyone’s Harvest Executive Director Reid Norris. “Our farmers and vendors, like many small businesses in the community, rely on your continued support to bring you necessary services like fresh food and produce. We are doing this to support local farmers and give people a nutritious option for produce. So if you are able to, please keep supporting us.”

Everyone’s Harvest Farmers’ Markets are adhering to guidelines created in collaboration with Monterey County Health Department, California Department of Public Health, and California Alliance of Farmers' Markets, and are operating under an order from the County of Monterey Health Department determining that certified farmers’ markets are “essential businesses” exempt from the “Shelter in Place” order by the Health Department that went into effect on March 18, 2020.

“Everyone's Harvest is working closely with Monterey County Health Department and the cities of Marina, Pacific Grove and Salinas to best serve the community,” said Norris. “We are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation, and we have implemented a plan of action for our markets.”

The plan of action includes the following:

•All vendors will receive Monterey County's Guidelines for Retail Food Establishments and we will be closely monitoring vendor operations.

•Everyone’s Harvest asks that all vendors, farmers, and customers not attend the market if they are sick with fever, sneezing, or coughing.

• Best Practices: Market operations will be conducted in accordance with guidelines created in collaboration with Monterey County Health Department, California Department of Public Health, and California Alliance of Farmers' Markets for farmers’ markets operating during shelter in place. This document will be made available at the market as well, and it recommends heightened measures such as extra space between stands, whenever possible, and disallowing sampling or prepared foods at the markets.

•Helping with Prevention: Hand sanitizer will be offered at the Information Booth, and Everyone's Harvest will monitor and, if necessary, restrict attendance so that the market attendees can maintain “social distancing” recommended by the California Department of Public Health. Market attendees are encouraged to keep 6 feet of personal space between themselves. Sanitizing solution will be used regularly at the Information Booth for any frequently touched items or equipment.

•Vendors will wear gloves whenever possible and wash their hands frequently (handwashing is available at all EH markets). Sampling of products is discontinued until further notice.

•Everyone’s Harvest is following all updates given on COVID-19, including guidance from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Monterey County Health Department, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and local health officials.

•Everyone’s Harvest is changing its usual layout of its farmers’ markets in order to increase the amount of social distancing as much as possible. (See below.)

“We will continue to take the actions necessary to help protect the community,” said Norris. “Specifically, if we are notified of a staff member, vendor, or participant testing positive for COVID-19, they will be suspended from any of our certified farmers’ markets until they are medically cleared.”

In order to increase the amount of social distancing as much as possible, Everyone’s Harvest has changed its usual layout of its farmers’ markets.

The new layout splits the market into a waiting zone and a shopping/produce area.

There is a limit of 10 people maximum in the produce area and a limit to the number of people around a booth at one time, with the 6-foot social distancing parameters in effect. Unless a vendor has a two-tent setup, each vendor is limited to one customer at a time.

There are sanitizing station/table set up with wipes and hand sanitizer for customers to use before approaching vendor booths.

Each market will have a list of what produce is being sold by the vendors that day and displaying it at a writing station so shoppers can write their grocery list with the items available and then be in and out of the market as quickly as possible.

Market managers will be on hand to assist customers with their shopping, maintaining the 6-foot rule and making sure shoppers aren’t waiting too long in the waiting area.

Social distancing at Everyone’s Harvest Farmers’ Markets, per California Department of Public Health Guidelines:

Space booths accordingly to increase social distancing among patrons in line and walking about the market.
Ensure that social distancing of six feet per person for non-family members is maintained and make clear that family members [and households] can participate in activities together, stand in line together, etc.
Limit the number of customers at any given time as necessary to reduce outdoor/indoor crowding and lines to meet social distancing guidance.
Increase cleaning and sanitizing frequency of restroom and other high contact areas.
Train employees on best hygiene practices including washing their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Offer additional hand washing or sanitizing stations throughout the venue.
Eliminate events/marketing that target individuals that the CDPH has identified as higher risk of serious illness for COVID-19.
Encourage activities such as pre-bagging to expedite purchasing.
Suspend sampling activities.
Increase frequency of cleaning of tables, payment devices, and other surfaces.
Eliminate non-essential/non-related services, such as bands or other entertainment.
At the end of the market, continue to utilize local food recovery systems to feed/donate extra products to populations in need.
If applicable, continue accepting EBT payment.

For more information, go to www.everyonesharvest.org or call (831) 384-6961.

About Everyone’s Harvest
Everyone’s Harvest was founded in 2002 by Iris Peppard building on her capstone project as a student at California State University Monterey Bay. Since then, the small nonprofit has grown into a robust, values-driven 501(c)3 organization. It operates five certified farmers’ markets and is a catalyst for health-related programs across Monterey County.

The mission is to provide access to healthy, affordable fruits and vegetables through certified farmers’ markets and community food programs. The vision is for every community to have a fair and sustainable food system.

In 2008, Pacific Grove chose Everyone’s Harvest as the organization to run their community farmers’ market. This opportunity was a turning point for Everyone’s Harvest, leading to increased collaborations and partnerships.

More than 2,000 families are served weekly by Everyone’s Harvest markets in Salinas, Marina, and Pacific Grove – with more than 25 small and mid-scale farmers serving them. Everyone’s Harvest takes pride in the growing community of people who value organic food and rely on Everyone’s Harvest for access to local fresh fruits and vegetables.

The farmers’ market locations serve diverse communities and low-income people. Local hospitals host Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’ Markets at Natividad Medical Center and Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System. Everyone’s Harvest pioneered access to several public nutrition benefits at its farmers’ markets for everyone to access fresh, local, and organic foods.

In 2012, Everyone’s Harvest was presented with Edible Monterey Bay magazine’s nonprofit “Local Hero” award and in 2013 the Monterey County Weekly newspaper named Iris as one of the “25 for the Next 25” movers and shakers in Monterey County. Iris is always quick to point out, “My success is not just my own. It’s because of everyone involved. It’s about a movement. It’s about food justice.”
Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’ Markets in Marina, Pacific Grove and Salinas are all open and going strong while adhering to all state and local health and safety guidelines.

Marina, CA, July 10, 2020 — Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’’ Markets in Marina, Pacific Grove and Salinas are all open and going strong while adhering to all state and local health and safety guidelines.

Everyone’s Harvest Markets are open Sundays in Marina, Mondays in Pacific Grove, Tuesdays in Alisal, Wednesdays at Natividad Medical Center and Fridays at Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System (SVMHS), all in Salinas, with fruits and vegetables, local honey, fresh eggs, and more.

Alisal’s market, which is located at Women, Infants And Children (WIC) offices at 632 East Alisal St., is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays, and features three farmers, WIC program for healthy families, and all markets now match P-EBT (special Pandemic EBT funds distributed recently) for Market Match, to increase EBT customers’ spending power.

Natividad’s market, open Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Natividad Medical Center at 1441 Constitution Blvd., has added Perfect Crumb Bakery, Frutas Frescas Barajas, and Locally Roasted Coffee back this week, joining Stackhouse Orchards of San Joaquin Valley, offering dried tree fruits and almonds; Gallardo’s Organic Farm in Salinas, offering vegetable row crops and strawberries; and Golden Flowers, offering fresh-cut flowers.

Both markets are smaller, modified markets with social distancing plans in place. All markets have strict social distancing and thorough sanitation plans in place.

SVMHS, open on Fridays from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m., at 450 East Romie Lane, brought back Mai Thai cuisine, Chava's Roasted Corn and Baked Potatoes, and this week, Maido Sushi and Teriyaki.

The Marina Certified Farmers’ Market is held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday at 215 Reservation Road, in Marina. The Pacific Grove Certified Farmers’ Market is held from 3 to 7 p.m. every Monday at the corner of Central and Grand avenues, in Pacific Grove.

Fruits and vegetables currently in season include peaches and nectarines, a few tomato varieties, summer squash, fresh strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, and avocados.

All markets are continually adding more vendors. The Pacific Grove market now includes:

>Chef Ron Mendoza’s Seaside-based Ad Astra Bread Co. — Offers fresh-baked sourdough, rustic breads, baguettes, flatbreads, pretzels, focaccia, coffee cake, and cinnamon rolls.

>Garlicville's Best Salsa — Offers fresh salsa made with Gilroy garlic in mild, medium, and hot.

>Also, Kirk Williams Avocados are back.

Marina market now includes:

>Honey from MockaBees Aromas Apiary in Aromas.

Both PG and Marina markets now include:

>Susan Carter’s The Perfect Crumb Bakery in Monterey — Offers a variety of breakfast and dessert pastries, from scones and croissants to cookies, brownies, pies and cupcakes.

>San Leandro-based Hummus Heaven — Brothers Mourad and Tarek Cherif source local and seasonal ingredients from farmers markets to offer 17 flavors of hummus and many accompanying food items, including tapenades, grape leaves, pita chips, and more. Traditional techniques and small-batch productions are employed at their kitchen to give their products a North-African and Mediterranean flavor.

New vendors at Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System:

>Ledesma Family Farms organics from Holllister, Gustine and Watsonville.

At all markets:

> Stackhouse Orchards in the San Joaquin Valley is back with peaches, nectarines, and almonds.

>Taco trucks.

Coordinating markets and the Fresh Rx program is new market program manager, Karen Gomez.

Gomez graduated last year from CSU-Monterey Bay with a degree in Collaborative Health & Human Services and an interdisciplinary concentration of Public Administration/Nonprofit Management and Community Health. She is now pursuing her master’s degree in Public Administration at San Jose State University.

Gomez has been involved with various nonprofits for the past few years, and has enjoyed being able to apply the skills and knowledge she learned in school to real world challenges. She hopes to continuously help her community and make a difference. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, hiking and taking spontaneous trips.

And for convenience, safety and avoiding lines, consumers can pre-order their goods from markets in Marina, Pacific Grove and Salinas by scanning a QR code with their smart phones located on the website at everyonesharvest.org. More info is also available at the green Everyone's Harvest info booth at each market.

As always, safety is a top concern at all Everyone’s Harvest markets.

“A healthy and safe farmers' market is our number-one priority,” said Everyone’s Harvest Executive Director Reid Norris. “Our farmers and vendors, like many small businesses in the community, rely on your continued support to bring you necessary services like fresh food and produce. We are doing this to support local farmers and give people a nutritious option for produce. So if you are able to, please keep supporting us.”

Everyone’s Harvest Farmers’ Markets are adhering to guidelines created in collaboration with Monterey County Health Department, California Department of Public Health, and California Alliance of Farmers' Markets, and are operating under an order from the County of Monterey Health Department determining that certified farmers’ markets are “essential businesses” exempt from the “Shelter in Place” order by the Health Department that went into effect on March 18, 2020.

“Everyone's Harvest is working closely with Monterey County Health Department and the cities of Marina, Pacific Grove and Salinas to best serve the community,” said Norris. “We are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation, and we have implemented a plan of action for our markets.”

The plan of action includes the following:

•All vendors will receive Monterey County's Guidelines for Retail Food Establishments and we will be closely monitoring vendor operations.

•Everyone’s Harvest asks that all vendors, farmers, and customers not attend the market if they are sick with fever, sneezing, or coughing.

• Best Practices: Market operations will be conducted in accordance with guidelines created in collaboration with Monterey County Health Department, California Department of Public Health, and California Alliance of Farmers' Markets for farmers’ markets operating during shelter in place. This document will be made available at the market as well, and it recommends heightened measures such as extra space between stands, whenever possible, and disallowing sampling or prepared foods at the markets.

•Helping with Prevention: Hand sanitizer will be offered at the Information Booth, and Everyone's Harvest will monitor and, if necessary, restrict attendance so that the market attendees can maintain “social distancing” recommended by the California Department of Public Health. Market attendees are encouraged to keep 6 feet of personal space between themselves. Sanitizing solution will be used regularly at the Information Booth for any frequently touched items or equipment.

•Vendors will wear gloves whenever possible and wash their hands frequently (handwashing is available at all EH markets). Sampling of products is discontinued until further notice.

•Everyone’s Harvest is following all updates given on COVID-19, including guidance from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Monterey County Health Department, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and local health officials.

•Everyone’s Harvest is changing its usual layout of its farmers’ markets in order to increase the amount of social distancing as much as possible. (See below.)

“We will continue to take the actions necessary to help protect the community,” said Norris. “Specifically, if we are notified of a staff member, vendor, or participant testing positive for COVID-19, they will be suspended from any of our certified farmers’ markets until they are medically cleared.”

In order to increase the amount of social distancing as much as possible, Everyone’s Harvest has changed its usual layout of its farmers’ markets.

The new layout splits the market into a waiting zone and a shopping/produce area.

There is a limit of 10 people maximum in the produce area and a limit to the number of people around a booth at one time, with the 6-foot social distancing parameters in effect. Unless a vendor has a two-tent setup, each vendor is limited to one customer at a time.

There are sanitizing station/table set up with wipes and hand sanitizer for customers to use before approaching vendor booths.

Each market will have a list of what produce is being sold by the vendors that day and displaying it at a writing station so shoppers can write their grocery list with the items available and then be in and out of the market as quickly as possible.

Market managers will be on hand to assist customers with their shopping, maintaining the 6-foot rule and making sure shoppers aren’t waiting too long in the waiting area.

Social distancing at Everyone’s Harvest Farmers’ Markets, per California Department of Public Health Guidelines:

Space booths accordingly to increase social distancing among patrons in line and walking about the market.
Ensure that social distancing of six feet per person for non-family members is maintained and make clear that family members [and households] can participate in activities together, stand in line together, etc.
Limit the number of customers at any given time as necessary to reduce outdoor/indoor crowding and lines to meet social distancing guidance.
Increase cleaning and sanitizing frequency of restroom and other high contact areas.
Train employees on best hygiene practices including washing their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Offer additional hand washing or sanitizing stations throughout the venue.
Eliminate events/marketing that target individuals that the CDPH has identified as higher risk of serious illness for COVID-19.
Encourage activities such as pre-bagging to expedite purchasing.
Suspend sampling activities.
Increase frequency of cleaning of tables, payment devices, and other surfaces.
Eliminate non-essential/non-related services, such as bands or other entertainment.
At the end of the market, continue to utilize local food recovery systems to feed/donate extra products to populations in need.
If applicable, continue accepting EBT payment.

For more information, go to www.everyonesharvest.org or call (831) 384-6961.

About Everyone’s Harvest
Everyone’s Harvest was founded in 2002 by Iris Peppard building on her capstone project as a student at California State University Monterey Bay. Since then, the small nonprofit has grown into a robust, values-driven 501(c)3 organization. It operates five certified farmers’ markets and is a catalyst for health-related programs across Monterey County.

The mission is to provide access to healthy, affordable fruits and vegetables through certified farmers’ markets and community food programs. The vision is for every community to have a fair and sustainable food system.

In 2008, Pacific Grove chose Everyone’s Harvest as the organization to run their community farmers’ market. This opportunity was a turning point for Everyone’s Harvest, leading to increased collaborations and partnerships.

More than 2,000 families are served weekly by Everyone’s Harvest markets in Salinas, Marina, and Pacific Grove – with more than 25 small and mid-scale farmers serving them. Everyone’s Harvest takes pride in the growing community of people who value organic food and rely on Everyone’s Harvest for access to local fresh fruits and vegetables.

The farmers’ market locations serve diverse communities and low-income people. Local hospitals host Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’ Markets at Natividad Medical Center and Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System. Everyone’s Harvest pioneered access to several public nutrition benefits at its farmers’ markets for everyone to access fresh, local, and organic foods.

In 2012, Everyone’s Harvest was presented with Edible Monterey Bay magazine’s nonprofit “Local Hero” award and in 2013 the Monterey County Weekly newspaper named Iris as one of the “25 for the Next 25” movers and shakers in Monterey County. Iris is always quick to point out, “My success is not just my own. It’s because of everyone involved. It’s about a movement. It’s about food justice.”

Today at Everyone’s Harvest:Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’ Markets in Marina, Pacific Grove and Salinas are all open and going strong while adhering to all state and local health and safety guidelines.

Marina, CA, July 10, 2020 — Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’’ Markets in Marina, Pacific Grove and Salinas are all open and going strong while adhering to all state and local health and safety guidelines.

Everyone’s Harvest Markets are open Sundays in Marina, Mondays in Pacific Grove, Tuesdays in Alisal, Wednesdays at Natividad Medical Center and Fridays at Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System (SVMHS), all in Salinas, with fruits and vegetables, local honey, fresh eggs, and more.

Alisal’s market, which is located at Women, Infants And Children (WIC) offices at 632 East Alisal St., is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays, and features three farmers, WIC program for healthy families, and all markets now match P-EBT (special Pandemic EBT funds distributed recently) for Market Match, to increase EBT customers’ spending power.

Natividad’s market, open Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Natividad Medical Center at 1441 Constitution Blvd., has added Perfect Crumb Bakery, Frutas Frescas Barajas, and Locally Roasted Coffee back this week, joining Stackhouse Orchards of San Joaquin Valley, offering dried tree fruits and almonds; Gallardo’s Organic Farm in Salinas, offering vegetable row crops and strawberries; and Golden Flowers, offering fresh-cut flowers.

Both markets are smaller, modified markets with social distancing plans in place. All markets have strict social distancing and thorough sanitation plans in place.

SVMHS, open on Fridays from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m., at 450 East Romie Lane, brought back Mai Thai cuisine, Chava's Roasted Corn and Baked Potatoes, and this week, Maido Sushi and Teriyaki.

The Marina Certified Farmers’ Market is held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday at 215 Reservation Road, in Marina. The Pacific Grove Certified Farmers’ Market is held from 3 to 7 p.m. every Monday at the corner of Central and Grand avenues, in Pacific Grove.

Fruits and vegetables currently in season include peaches and nectarines, a few tomato varieties, summer squash, fresh strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, and avocados.

All markets are continually adding more vendors. The Pacific Grove market now includes:

>Chef Ron Mendoza’s Seaside-based Ad Astra Bread Co. — Offers fresh-baked sourdough, rustic breads, baguettes, flatbreads, pretzels, focaccia, coffee cake, and cinnamon rolls.

>Garlicville's Best Salsa — Offers fresh salsa made with Gilroy garlic in mild, medium, and hot.

>Also, Kirk Williams Avocados are back.

Marina market now includes:

>Honey from MockaBees Aromas Apiary in Aromas.

Both PG and Marina markets now include:

>Susan Carter’s The Perfect Crumb Bakery in Monterey — Offers a variety of breakfast and dessert pastries, from scones and croissants to cookies, brownies, pies and cupcakes.

>San Leandro-based Hummus Heaven — Brothers Mourad and Tarek Cherif source local and seasonal ingredients from farmers markets to offer 17 flavors of hummus and many accompanying food items, including tapenades, grape leaves, pita chips, and more. Traditional techniques and small-batch productions are employed at their kitchen to give their products a North-African and Mediterranean flavor.

New vendors at Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System:

>Ledesma Family Farms organics from Holllister, Gustine and Watsonville.

At all markets:

> Stackhouse Orchards in the San Joaquin Valley is back with peaches, nectarines, and almonds.

>Taco trucks.

Coordinating markets and the Fresh Rx program is new market program manager, Karen Gomez.

Gomez graduated last year from CSU-Monterey Bay with a degree in Collaborative Health & Human Services and an interdisciplinary concentration of Public Administration/Nonprofit Management and Community Health. She is now pursuing her master’s degree in Public Administration at San Jose State University.

Gomez has been involved with various nonprofits for the past few years, and has enjoyed being able to apply the skills and knowledge she learned in school to real world challenges. She hopes to continuously help her community and make a difference. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, hiking and taking spontaneous trips.

And for convenience, safety and avoiding lines, consumers can pre-order their goods from markets in Marina, Pacific Grove and Salinas by scanning a QR code with their smart phones located on the website at everyonesharvest.org. More info is also available at the green Everyone's Harvest info booth at each market.

As always, safety is a top concern at all Everyone’s Harvest markets.

“A healthy and safe farmers' market is our number-one priority,” said Everyone’s Harvest Executive Director Reid Norris. “Our farmers and vendors, like many small businesses in the community, rely on your continued support to bring you necessary services like fresh food and produce. We are doing this to support local farmers and give people a nutritious option for produce. So if you are able to, please keep supporting us.”

Everyone’s Harvest Farmers’ Markets are adhering to guidelines created in collaboration with Monterey County Health Department, California Department of Public Health, and California Alliance of Farmers' Markets, and are operating under an order from the County of Monterey Health Department determining that certified farmers’ markets are “essential businesses” exempt from the “Shelter in Place” order by the Health Department that went into effect on March 18, 2020.

“Everyone's Harvest is working closely with Monterey County Health Department and the cities of Marina, Pacific Grove and Salinas to best serve the community,” said Norris. “We are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation, and we have implemented a plan of action for our markets.”

The plan of action includes the following:

•All vendors will receive Monterey County's Guidelines for Retail Food Establishments and we will be closely monitoring vendor operations.

•Everyone’s Harvest asks that all vendors, farmers, and customers not attend the market if they are sick with fever, sneezing, or coughing.

• Best Practices: Market operations will be conducted in accordance with guidelines created in collaboration with Monterey County Health Department, California Department of Public Health, and California Alliance of Farmers' Markets for farmers’ markets operating during shelter in place. This document will be made available at the market as well, and it recommends heightened measures such as extra space between stands, whenever possible, and disallowing sampling or prepared foods at the markets.

•Helping with Prevention: Hand sanitizer will be offered at the Information Booth, and Everyone's Harvest will monitor and, if necessary, restrict attendance so that the market attendees can maintain “social distancing” recommended by the California Department of Public Health. Market attendees are encouraged to keep 6 feet of personal space between themselves. Sanitizing solution will be used regularly at the Information Booth for any frequently touched items or equipment.

•Vendors will wear gloves whenever possible and wash their hands frequently (handwashing is available at all EH markets). Sampling of products is discontinued until further notice.

•Everyone’s Harvest is following all updates given on COVID-19, including guidance from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Monterey County Health Department, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and local health officials.

•Everyone’s Harvest is changing its usual layout of its farmers’ markets in order to increase the amount of social distancing as much as possible. (See below.)

“We will continue to take the actions necessary to help protect the community,” said Norris. “Specifically, if we are notified of a staff member, vendor, or participant testing positive for COVID-19, they will be suspended from any of our certified farmers’ markets until they are medically cleared.”

In order to increase the amount of social distancing as much as possible, Everyone’s Harvest has changed its usual layout of its farmers’ markets.

The new layout splits the market into a waiting zone and a shopping/produce area.

There is a limit of 10 people maximum in the produce area and a limit to the number of people around a booth at one time, with the 6-foot social distancing parameters in effect. Unless a vendor has a two-tent setup, each vendor is limited to one customer at a time.

There are sanitizing station/table set up with wipes and hand sanitizer for customers to use before approaching vendor booths.

Each market will have a list of what produce is being sold by the vendors that day and displaying it at a writing station so shoppers can write their grocery list with the items available and then be in and out of the market as quickly as possible.

Market managers will be on hand to assist customers with their shopping, maintaining the 6-foot rule and making sure shoppers aren’t waiting too long in the waiting area.

Social distancing at Everyone’s Harvest Farmers’ Markets, per California Department of Public Health Guidelines:

Space booths accordingly to increase social distancing among patrons in line and walking about the market.
Ensure that social distancing of six feet per person for non-family members is maintained and make clear that family members [and households] can participate in activities together, stand in line together, etc.
Limit the number of customers at any given time as necessary to reduce outdoor/indoor crowding and lines to meet social distancing guidance.
Increase cleaning and sanitizing frequency of restroom and other high contact areas.
Train employees on best hygiene practices including washing their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Offer additional hand washing or sanitizing stations throughout the venue.
Eliminate events/marketing that target individuals that the CDPH has identified as higher risk of serious illness for COVID-19.
Encourage activities such as pre-bagging to expedite purchasing.
Suspend sampling activities.
Increase frequency of cleaning of tables, payment devices, and other surfaces.
Eliminate non-essential/non-related services, such as bands or other entertainment.
At the end of the market, continue to utilize local food recovery systems to feed/donate extra products to populations in need.
If applicable, continue accepting EBT payment.

For more information, go to www.everyonesharvest.org or call (831) 384-6961.

About Everyone’s Harvest
Everyone’s Harvest was founded in 2002 by Iris Peppard building on her capstone project as a student at California State University Monterey Bay. Since then, the small nonprofit has grown into a robust, values-driven 501(c)3 organization. It operates five certified farmers’ markets and is a catalyst for health-related programs across Monterey County.

The mission is to provide access to healthy, affordable fruits and vegetables through certified farmers’ markets and community food programs. The vision is for every community to have a fair and sustainable food system.

In 2008, Pacific Grove chose Everyone’s Harvest as the organization to run their community farmers’ market. This opportunity was a turning point for Everyone’s Harvest, leading to increased collaborations and partnerships.

More than 2,000 families are served weekly by Everyone’s Harvest markets in Salinas, Marina, and Pacific Grove – with more than 25 small and mid-scale farmers serving them. Everyone’s Harvest takes pride in the growing community of people who value organic food and rely on Everyone’s Harvest for access to local fresh fruits and vegetables.

The farmers’ market locations serve diverse communities and low-income people. Local hospitals host Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’ Markets at Natividad Medical Center and Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System. Everyone’s Harvest pioneered access to several public nutrition benefits at its farmers’ markets for everyone to access fresh, local, and organic foods.

In 2012, Everyone’s Harvest was presented with Edible Monterey Bay magazine’s nonprofit “Local Hero” award and in 2013 the Monterey County Weekly newspaper named Iris as one of the “25 for the Next 25” movers and shakers in Monterey County. Iris is always quick to point out, “My success is not just my own. It’s because of everyone involved. It’s about a movement. It’s about food justice.”

Today at Everyone’s Harvest:

Over 50 percent of Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’ Markets farmers are certified organic and come from within a 100-mile radius of Monterey County.
All five of our Certified Farmers’ Markets serve low-income communities and accept Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT), the modern day food stamp.
Two of our Certified Farmers’ Markets are partnerships with medical institutions – Natividad Medical Center and Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System – who both partner in the Fresh Rx program.
The organization offers free space to other nonprofits, community groups, and government entities at its markets for public outreach.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
https://everyonesharvest.org/

Over 50 percent of Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’ Markets farmers are certified organic and come from within a 100-mile radius of Monterey County.
All five of our Certified Farmers’ Markets serve low-income communities and accept Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT), the modern day food stamp.
Two of our Certified Farmers’ Markets are partnerships with medical institutions – Natividad Medical Center and Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System – who both partner in the Fresh Rx program.
The organization offers free space to other nonprofits, community groups, and government entities at its markets for public outreach.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
https://everyonesharvest.org/
Today at Everyone’s Harvest:

Over 50 percent of Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’ Markets farmers are certified organic and come from within a 100-mile radius of Monterey County.
All five of our Certified Farmers’ Markets serve low-income communities and accept Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT), the modern day food stamp.
Two of our Certified Farmers’ Markets are partnerships with medical institutions – Natividad Medical Center and Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System – who both partner in the Fresh Rx program.
The organization offers free space to other nonprofits, community groups, and government entities at its markets for public outreach.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
https://everyonesharvest.org/ low-income communities and accept Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT), the modern day food stamp.
Two of our Certified Farmers’ Markets are partnerships with medical institutions – Natividad Medical Center and Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System – who both partner in the Fresh Rx program.
The organization offers free space to other nonprofits, community groups, and government entities at its markets for public outreach.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
https://everyonesharvest.org/

Sunday, June 14, 2020

Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’ Markets at Natividad in Salinas Slated to Open June 17 Celebrate National Fruits and Vegetable Month at Natividad

Everyone's Harvest Certified Farmers' Markets at Natividad in Salinas opens Wednesday, June 17, in time to celebrate June as National Fruits and Vegetable Month.

Salinas, CA, June 14, 2020 — Everyone's Harvest Certified Farmers' Markets at Natividad in Salinas opens Wednesday, June 17, in time to celebrate June as National Fruits and Vegetable Month.

The market will open from 11:00 am to 3:30 pm with three vendors: Stackhouse Orchards of San Joaquin Valley, offering dried tree fruits and almonds; Gallardo's Organic Farm in Salinas, offering vegetable row crops and strawberries; and Golden Flowers, offering fresh-cut flowers.


The market will be open every Wednesday, and more vendors and farmers will be added as the summer goes on. Natividad is located at 1441 Constitution Blvd. in Salinas.

Everyone's Harvest Farmers' Markets adhere to guidelines created in collaboration with Monterey County Health Department, California Department of Public Health, and California Alliance of Farmers' Markets, and will be operating under an order from the County of Monterey Health Department determining that certified farmers' markets are "essential businesses."

For more information, go to www.everyonesharvest.org or call (831) 384-6961.

About Natividad
Natividad is a hospital and trauma center providing high-quality health care to everyone in Monterey County, regardless of ability to pay. Located in Salinas, Calif., Natividad is a public health care system offering a wide range of inpatient, outpatient, emergency, diagnostic and specialty medical care. Founded in 1886, the 172-bed medical center has more than 10,000 admissions and over 50,000 emergency visits annually. Home to the area's only Level II Trauma Center, the hospital's specialized personnel, equipment and services provide a vital local community service that saves lives and keeps patients close to home. Natividad's Baby-Friendly® facility delivered more than 2,200 babies last year and is affiliated with UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals. It also operates an accredited Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, giving the tiniest and most fragile babies — some as small as one pound — the best chance for a healthy start. Through its UCSF-affiliated Natividad Family Medicine Residency, Natividad is the only teaching hospital on the Central Coast. For more information, please call (831) 755-4111 or visit www.natividad.com.

About Everyone’s Harvest
Everyone’s Harvest was founded in 2002 by Iris Peppard building on her capstone project as a student at California State University Monterey Bay. Since then, the small nonprofit has grown into a robust, values-driven 501(c)3 organization. It operates five certified farmers’ markets and is a catalyst for health-related programs across Monterey County.

The mission is to provide access to healthy, affordable fruits and vegetables through certified farmers’ markets and community food programs. The vision is for every community to have a fair and sustainable food system.

In 2008, Pacific Grove chose Everyone’s Harvest as the organization to run their community farmers’ market. This opportunity was a turning point for Everyone’s Harvest, leading to increased collaborations and partnerships.

More than 2,000 families are served weekly by Everyone’s Harvest markets in Salinas, Marina, and Pacific Grove – with more than 25 small and mid-scale farmers serving them. Everyone’s Harvest takes pride in the growing community of people who value organic food and rely on Everyone’s Harvest for access to local fresh fruits and vegetables.

The farmers’ market locations serve diverse communities and low-income people. Local hospitals host Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’ Markets at Natividad and Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System. Everyone’s Harvest pioneered access to several public nutrition benefits at its farmers’ markets for everyone to access fresh, local, and organic foods.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.everyonesharvest.org

Friday, June 5, 2020

Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’ Markets in Marina, Pacific Grove and Salinas Now Open, Two More in Salinas Slated to Open in Mid-June

Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’ Markets in Marina, Pacific Grove and Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System in Salinas are now open, with two more in Salinas slated to open in mid-June.

Marina, CA, June 5, 2020 — Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’ Markets in Marina, Pacific Grove and Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System in Salinas are now open, with two more in Salinas slated to open in mid-June.

The other Everyone’s Harvest certified farmers’ markets in Salinas, one at Women, Infants And Children (WIC) offices at 632 East Alisal St., and the other at Natividad Medical Center at 1441 Constitution Blvd., will open on June 16 and June 17, respectively. Both markets will be smaller, modified markets with social distancing plans in place. All markets have strict social distancing and thorough sanitation plans in place.

The Marina Certified Farmers’ Market is held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday at 215 Reservation Road, in Marina. The Pacific Grove Certified Farmers’ Market is held from 3 to 7 p.m. every Monday at the corner of Central and Grand avenues, in Pacific Grove. The Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System Certified Farmers’ Market is open on Fridays from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m., at 450 East Romie Lane, in Salinas. All are operating as essential businesses in the community and to ensure that fresh food is available to local residents.

All markets are continually adding more vendors. The Pacific Grove market now includes:

>Chef Soerke Peters of Mezzaluna Pasteria & Mozzarella Bar in Pacific Grove, offering select pastas and sauces from the restaurant’s Retail Pasta menu.

>Chef Ron Mendoza’s Seaside-based Ad Astra Bread Co. — Offers fresh-baked sourdough, rustic breads, baguettes, flatbreads, pretzels, focaccia, coffee cake, and cinnamon rolls.

>Garlicville's Best Salsa — Offers fresh salsa made with Gilroy garlic in mild, medium, and hot.

>Also, Triple Delight Blueberries of Fresno and avocados are back.

Marina market now includes:

>Honey from MockaBees Aromas Apiary in Aromas.

Both PG and Marina markets now include:

>Susan Carter’s The Perfect Crumb Bakery in Monterey — Offers a variety of breakfast and dessert pastries, from scones and croissants to cookies, brownies, pies and cupcakes.

>San Leandro-based Hummus Heaven — Brothers Mourad and Tarek Cherif source local and seasonal ingredients from farmers markets to offer 17 flavors of hummus and many accompanying food items, including tapenades, grape leaves, pita chips, and more. Traditional techniques and small-batch productions are employed at their kitchen to give their products a North-African and Mediterranean flavor.

New vendors at Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System:

>Ledesma Family Farms organics from Holllister, Gustine and Watsonville.

At all markets:

> Stackhouse Orchards in the San Joaquin Valley is back with peaches, nectarines, and almonds.

>Taco trucks.

Everyone’s Harvest also announced it now has a new market program manager to help coordinate all markets, Karen Gomez.

Gomez graduated last year from CSU-Monterey Bay with a degree in Collaborative Health & Human Services and an interdisciplinary concentration of Public Administration/Nonprofit Management and Community Health. She is now pursuing her master’s degree in Public Administration at San Jose State University.

Gomez has been involved with various nonprofits for the past few years, and has enjoyed being able to apply the skills and knowledge she learned in school to real world challenges. She hopes to continuously help her community and make a difference. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, hiking and taking spontaneous trips.

And for convenience, safety and avoiding lines, consumers can pre-order their goods from markets in Marina, Pacific Grove and SVMHS by scanning a QR code with their smart phones located on the website at everyonesharvest.org. More info is also available at the green Everyone's Harvest info booth at each market.

As always, safety is a top concern at all Everyone’s Harvest markets.

“A healthy and safe farmers' market is our number-one priority,” said Everyone’s Harvest Executive Director Reid Norris. “Our farmers and vendors, like many small businesses in the community, rely on your continued support to bring you necessary services like fresh food and produce. We are doing this to support local farmers and give people a nutritious option for produce. So if you are able to, please keep supporting us.”

Everyone’s Harvest Farmers’ Markets will adhere to guidelines created in collaboration with Monterey County Health Department, California Department of Public Health, and California Alliance of Farmers' Markets, and will be operating under an order from the County of Monterey Health Department determining that certified farmers’ markets are “essential businesses” exempt from the “Shelter in Place” order by the Health Department that went into effect on March 18, 2020.

“Everyone's Harvest is working closely with Monterey County Health Department and the cities of Marina and Pacific Grove to best serve the community,” said Norris. “We are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation, and we have implemented a plan of action for our markets.”

The plan of action includes the following:

•All vendors will receive Monterey County's Guidelines for Retail Food Establishments and we will be closely monitoring vendor operations.

•Everyone’s Harvest asks that all vendors, farmers, and customers not attend the market if they are sick with fever, sneezing, or coughing.

• Best Practices: Market operations will be conducted in accordance with guidelines created in collaboration with Monterey County Health Department, California Department of Public Health, and California Alliance of Farmers' Markets for farmers’ markets operating during shelter in place. This document will be made available at the market as well, and it recommends heightened measures such as extra space between stands, whenever possible, and disallowing sampling or prepared foods at the markets.

•Helping with Prevention: Hand sanitizer will be offered at the Information Booth, and Everyone's Harvest will monitor and, if necessary, restrict attendance so that the market attendees can maintain “social distancing” recommended by the California Department of Public Health. Market attendees are encouraged to keep 6 feet of personal space between themselves. Sanitizing solution will be used regularly at the Information Booth for any frequently touched items or equipment.

•Vendors will wear gloves whenever possible and wash their hands frequently (handwashing is available at all EH markets). Sampling of products is discontinued until further notice.

•Everyone’s Harvest is following all updates given on COVID-19, including guidance from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Monterey County Health Department, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and local health officials.

•Everyone’s Harvest is changing its usual layout of its farmers’ markets in order to increase the amount of social distancing as much as possible. (See below.)

“We will continue to take the actions necessary to help protect the community,” said Norris. “Specifically, if we are notified of a staff member, vendor, or participant testing positive for COVID-19, they will be suspended from any of our certified farmers’ markets until they are medically cleared.”

In order to increase the amount of social distancing as much as possible, Everyone’s Harvest has changed its usual layout of its farmers’ markets.

The new layout splits the market into a waiting zone and a shopping/produce area.

There is a limit of 10 people maximum in the produce area and a limit to the number of people around a booth at one time, with the 6-foot social distancing parameters in effect. Unless a vendor has a two-tent setup, each vendor is limited to one customer at a time.

There are sanitizing station/table set up with wipes and hand sanitizer for customers to use before approaching vendor booths.

Each market will have a list of what produce is being sold by the vendors that day and displaying it at a writing station so shoppers can write their grocery list with the items available and then be in and out of the market as quickly as possible.

Market managers will be on hand to assist customers with their shopping, maintaining the 6-foot rule and making sure shoppers aren’t waiting too long in the waiting area.

Social distancing at Everyone’s Harvest Farmers’ Markets, per California Department of Public Health Guidelines:

Space booths accordingly to increase social distancing among patrons in line and walking about the market.
Ensure that social distancing of six feet per person for non-family members is maintained and make clear that family members [and households] can participate in activities together, stand in line together, etc.
Limit the number of customers at any given time as necessary to reduce outdoor/indoor crowding and lines to meet social distancing guidance.
Increase cleaning and sanitizing frequency of restroom and other high contact areas.
Train employees on best hygiene practices including washing their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Offer additional hand washing or sanitizing stations throughout the venue.
Eliminate events/marketing that target individuals that the CDPH has identified as higher risk of serious illness for COVID-19.
Encourage activities such as pre-bagging to expedite purchasing.
Suspend sampling activities.
Increase frequency of cleaning of tables, payment devices, and other surfaces.
Eliminate non-essential/non-related services, such as bands or other entertainment.
At the end of the market, continue to utilize local food recovery systems to feed/donate extra products to populations in need.
If applicable, continue accepting EBT payment.

For more information, go to www.everyonesharvest.org or call (831) 384-6961.

About Everyone’s Harvest
Everyone’s Harvest was founded in 2002 by Iris Peppard building on her capstone project as a student at California State University Monterey Bay. Since then, the small nonprofit has grown into a robust, values-driven 501(c)3 organization. It operates five certified farmers’ markets and is a catalyst for health-related programs across Monterey County.

The mission is to provide access to healthy, affordable fruits and vegetables through certified farmers’ markets and community food programs. The vision is for every community to have a fair and sustainable food system.

In 2008, Pacific Grove chose Everyone’s Harvest as the organization to run their community farmers’ market. This opportunity was a turning point for Everyone’s Harvest, leading to increased collaborations and partnerships.

More than 2,000 families are served weekly by Everyone’s Harvest markets in Salinas, Marina, and Pacific Grove – with more than 25 small and mid-scale farmers serving them. Everyone’s Harvest takes pride in the growing community of people who value organic food and rely on Everyone’s Harvest for access to local fresh fruits and vegetables.

The farmers’ market locations serve diverse communities and low-income people. Local hospitals host Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’ Markets at Natividad Medical Center and Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System. Everyone’s Harvest pioneered access to several public nutrition benefits at its farmers’ markets for everyone to access fresh, local, and organic foods.

In 2012, Everyone’s Harvest was presented with Edible Monterey Bay magazine’s nonprofit “Local Hero” award and in 2013 the Monterey County Weekly newspaper named Iris as one of the “25 for the Next 25” movers and shakers in Monterey County. Iris is always quick to point out, “My success is not just my own. It’s because of everyone involved. It’s about a movement. It’s about food justice.”

Today at Everyone’s Harvest:

Over 50 percent of Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’ Markets farmers are certified organic and come from within a 100-mile radius of Monterey County.
All five of our Certified Farmers’ Markets serve low-income communities and accept Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT), the modern day food stamp.
Two of our Certified Farmers’ Markets are partnerships with medical institutions – Natividad Medical Center and Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System – who both partner in the Fresh Rx program.
The organization offers free space to other nonprofits, community groups, and government entities at its markets for public outreach.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
https://everyonesharvest.org/