By Scott Sherman
The popularity of the new Allied Gardens Farmers Market has succeeded beyond anyone’s imagination. Not only has the market provided a much-needed option for fresh fruits and vegetables, it is also helping to bring the Allied Gardens community together.
When the local Albertsons grocery store unexpectedly announced it would close, the news took everyone in the community by surprise.
This is why I approached the Grantville-Allied Gardens Kiwanis Club with the idea of creating a temporary farmers market. Members of the club ran with the idea and worked diligently to make it a reality. I am truly thankful to the Kiwanis Club for taking the lead on this important project.
When the farmers market opened, it quickly became apparent that it would be more than just a place to buy produce. It also isn’t just about the cost. Anyone can stop by their local Costco to find cheap items; the farmers market brought much more to the community.
It became a place where neighbors could meet neighbors and catch up on the latest news from the community, sample a variety of foods, listen to live music, and enjoy beautiful arts and craft booths. In short, it became a wonderful community success story. Residents can even grab a bite of delicious food at the farmers market and head over to the Allied Gardens Recreation Center to enjoy the Concert in the Park series.
Even though the market was expected to only be temporary, there will still be many more months where residents can come to enjoy the new attraction. In fact, once a new tenant is found to move into the old Albertsons location, the goal is to move the farmers market to another location nearby.
I urge anyone who has not yet been to the market to attend and give it a try. The farmers market is located on the corner of Waring Road and Zion Avenue and is open every Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. Hope to see you there!
—Scott Sherman is the elected San Diego City Councilmember for District 7, which includes the neighborhoods of San Carlos, Allied Gardens, Del Cerro and Grantville. Call Sherman’s office at 619-236-6677 or email him at [email protected].
