Farmers market vendors raise health and advertisement concerns in Alameda meeting

The San Francisco County government meeting held on July 4, 2025, focused on critical issues surrounding local farmers' markets, particularly the Alameda Farmers Market. Participants expressed concerns about vendor representation, health standards, and the need for improved advertising to boost market visibility.

One speaker emphasized the importance of addressing vendor issues and suggested that the Department of Real Estate should listen to the concerns of both vendors and farmers. The speaker highlighted the Alameda Farmers Market as a community favorite, advocating for more aggressive advertising to remind residents of its existence amidst the growing competition from other markets.

Another vendor, Bobby Yekas, shared his experiences operating at various farmers' markets and raised concerns about health inspection practices. He noted that while the fire department had been proactive in inspections, the health department had not inspected his setup in over a year. Yekas criticized the health standards at the Alameda Farmers Market, stating that many vendors were not complying with basic health regulations, which could jeopardize public safety. He offered to assist fellow vendors in meeting health compliance standards.

John Garoni, an organic mushroom farmer, expressed gratitude for the support from the real estate office and highlighted the significance of farmers' markets to his family and the community.

The meeting concluded with a call for further discussions on the competitive selection process for food and beverage vendors, indicating ongoing efforts to enhance the operational standards and community engagement of local markets. The discussions underscored the need for collaboration between vendors, health officials, and the city to ensure the success and safety of farmers' markets in San Francisco County.