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Sunnyside Farmers Market to open July 13 with sustainability focus; organizer says $30,000 raised so far
Summary
Miriam Mendoza of Yakima EcoSolutions told the committee she is organizing a Sunnyside Farmers Market that will highlight recycling and sustainability, partner with Holy Family Episcopal Church to fundraise for the Sunnyside Community Center and is scheduled to begin July 13.
Miriam Mendoza, founder of Yakima EcoSolutions, told the Sunnyside City Business & Economic Development Committee she will launch a Sunnyside Farmers Market with a sustainability and education focus and that organizers have raised $30,000 so far toward their fundraising goal.
Why it matters: the market will provide a regular outlet for local vendors, a platform for recycling and sustainability education, and an annual fundraiser for local nonprofits, starting with the Sunnyside Senior Community Center.
Miriam Mendoza said she launched Yakima Eco Solutions to bring commercial recycling and community education to the valley and proposed a sustainably focused farmers market that doubles as a fundraiser for local nonprofits. "I started Yakima Eco Solutions as a commercial recycling company for Yakima, Ciela, Terrace Heights, Moxie, and then doing more education projects everywhere else," Mendoza said. She told the committee the market will emphasize labeled recycling stations and education about reusing and reducing waste.
Mendoza said the market will begin July 13 and run on the second and fourth Sunday of each month with trial hours from about 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. She described vendor outreach and coaching: she is currently coaching four prospective vendors through licensing and permitting, and she said the market includes a sponsor program and booth fees to cover advertising and site rental. "So far, we've raised $30,000," Mendoza told the committee, and the stated fundraising goal for the Sunnyside Senior Center is $20,000.
Committee members discussed logistical support, vendor permitting and health-department requirements for food vendors. Mendoza said she will partner with Holy Family Episcopal Church, which meets at the Sunnyside Senior Center, to act as the nonprofit fundraiser partner for initial events.
What happens next: Mendoza will continue vendor recruitment and coaching, provide flyers and QR codes for vendor sign-up, and work with committee members and staff on outreach and event logistics. Committee members offered to assist with vendor referrals, canopy lending for low-barrier vendors and promotion.
