Call it a decade of deliciousness or a tradition of nutrition. The Sutter Davis Hospital Farmers Market celebrates 10 years of bringing farm-fresh produce and local foods to employees and visitors on Thursday, Aug. 6, as the nation celebrates National Farmers Market Week.
“Fruit and vegetables are foundational to healthy living – and when they’re farm-fresh and locally grown? That’s good for everyone,” said Rachael McKinney, CEO of Sutter Davis Hospital. “In our simplest form, Sutter Health is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to health and wellbeing – both inside and outside the walls of our hospitals. The weekly market at Sutter Davis has easily become one of my favorite days of the week, where I can stock up on fresh produce and local items for my family, as well as interact with the community, our employees and patients. We are proud of this partnership and the benefit to the community it provides.”
About three quarters of the sellers at the farmers market come from less than an hour’s drive of Davis. The National Farmers Market Coalition points out that when farmers don’t have to worry about shipping long distances or prolonging shelf life, they can select plants and animal breeds for superior flavor and quality. Plus, produce is often picked within hours of the market– at its peak for freshness and nutrition.
“We are very fortunate in Davis to live in the midst of some of the richest farmland in the world, and to have farmers and sellers – many of whom have been with us for years – who are so dedicated to quality and care,” said Randii MacNear, executive director of the Davis Farmers Market. “Our partnership with Sutter Davis Hospital has helped support these farmers and artisans, build good nutrition and health, and strengthen an overall sense of community. We’re so pleased to be celebrating a decade together.”
The Sutter Davis Hospital Farmers Market is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 6, and every Thursday through Oct. 29.
To help protect the health of shoppers and vendors, those in attendance are asked to wear face coverings and maintain six feet distance from others. The hospital’s market accepts EBT cards, WIC and Senior coupons. Shoppers with no cash on hand may purchase Market Dollars using debit or credit cards.
Farmers markets are just one way Sutter Health strives to make its communities healthier. One of Sutter Health’s goals is to provide food that conserves and renews natural resources, protects the ecosystem on which all life depends, advances animal and human welfare, and increases local community resources. Practice Greenhealth is a nonprofit organization for institutions in healthcare and is collaborating with Sutter Health to support sustainable, eco-friendly practices.
In partnership with Sutter Health’s Environmental Stewardship Food Committee, Sutter hospitals have increased the amount of plant-based food offered to surrounding communities. The goal is to increase fruits and vegetables by 20 percent and offer more plant-based recipes that meet healthy nutrition guidelines in Sutter’s hospital cafeterias. Additionally, Sutter hospitals throughout the Valley and Bay Area have collaborated with Health Care Without Harm and Copia to feed the hungry. Food service employees log food waste in addition to edible leftover cafeteria and patient-meal food to donate to organizations that support those facing food insecurity.
The Davis Farmers Market manages the markets at two Sutter hospitals as part of a partnership to promote good health. The additional location, at Sutter Medical Center in Sacramento, is temporarily closed. It typically runs from 3 to 6 p.m. Thursdays year-round at 2825 Capitol Ave.
Davis is known for its farmers markets, especially its flagship market in Central Park, 301 C St. Its Saturday market runs year-round from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Its Wednesday market is 3 to 6 p.m. through March 2021. The summer Picnic in the Park and UC Davis Farmers Market are on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fun facts
- 300 SDHFM market days since it opened
- Most popular items: stone fruit, strawberries, tomatoes, squash, flowers, cookies
