The FoodShed Project

—Campaigns
—Market Match
—Music Series
—Waste Smart Project
—Food Shed Project

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Follow SCCFM for up to date news on our markets, events and campaigns.

Links

—http://www.foodwhat.org/

FoodShed Project Staff

Nicole Zahm: SCCFM Education and Events Coordinator, Thairie Ritchie: FSP Assistant, Nesh Dhillon: SCCFM Executive Director

FoodWhat

FOODWHAT is a local youth empowerment and food justice program using food, through sustainable agriculture and health, as a vehicle for growing strong, healthy and inspired teens. Youth leaders from FOODWHAT head up fun, educational activities for all ages — 3 to 103 — at the FOODSHED PROJECT events.

The Foodshed Project is rolling out again in 2025 at the Scotts Valley, Downtown and Felton farmers’ markets. We’re putting much of our focus on programming for the Downtown Santa Cruz Market as it re-establishes itself in the civic district of our city center. Dates and themes are listed below and some are still to be announced.

The Foodshed Project (FSP) is an educational program of the Santa Cruz Community Farmers’ Markets and includes farmers, food artisans, community-based organizations and local chefs. Featuring at-market free, public events, FSP highlights various food issues and offers interactive mini-classes, hands-on activities, live music, face painting, playing with food and storytelling at the markets. Our goal is to illuminate and support the important work being done in our regional foodshed. All events are free, fun and family friendly.

We employ graduates of the local program FoodWhat?! which orchestrates transformation and youth empowerment through agriculture. FSP also partners with food-focused organizations, offering a venue for local leaders, young and old, to educate the community about food justice issues and inspire us to make the most informed consumer decisions possible within the global foodshed we are a part of.

Please contact Nicole Zahm with questions or if you would like to volunteer, education@santacruzfarmersmarket.org or (831) 325-4294

What is a Food Shed?

A foodshed is a geographic region that supplies a population center with food. The term is often used to describe the movement of food from producer to consumer (Hedden,1929) considering all points along the way including labor, processing, transport, waste and so on.

2025 FOODSHED PROJECT SERIES

Felton Farmers’ Market Events

Activity stations, treats, a celebratory air and the Felton community at large make these events unique. The Santa Cruz Public Library runs a market hunt with prizes and can check out books on the spot. Live music is 2-5p. The photobooth, bicycle blender and art table run 1:30-5:30p. Face painting is 1:30-5p.

May 6
Season Opener Celebration/Free Strawberry Shortcake

The Felton Market returns and it’s time for a party! Shortcake from Beckmann’s Bakery, strawberries from Live Earth and JCG farms and whipped cream. Come out for a piece and say hello to your favorite vendors at this beautiful market in the woods. Mountain Feed & Farm Supply hosts a FREE quick jam workshop from 3-4p. It’s time to get your weekly market shopping pattern started again!

September 9th
Apple-a-Day Festival!

Apples grow all over Santa Cruz County and are delicious, hardy and loved for endless reasons. Let’s celebrate them at the market where a flurry of activities ignite your pallet, curiosity and silliness. Santa Cruz Cider joins us for apple cider pressing and tasting. Whether you are four or 94, you can have a turn at the crank. Chef Jessica Yarr of the Grove Cafe teaches a FREE workshop, 3-4p.

October 14
Pumpkin Decorating Bonanza!

Let’s welcome the fall and its fading light with free pumpkin decorating! At this annual tradition kids and adults alike will sit down to celebrate the harvest season, the coming holidays and the joy of playing with food. Rodoni pumpkins of all shapes and sizes will be dressed up with veggies, string, pipe cleaners, buttons and googly eyes. Vendors take advantage of the theme – when you are done with the market hunt seek out some pumpkin ice cream and cardamom carrot pumpkin bread!

Scotts Valley Farmers’ Market Events

Woo hoo for bicycle blending, music, and art-making! Music and face paint run 9:30a-12:30p. The Santa Cruz Public Library runs a market hunt with prizes and can check out books on the spot, 9a-12:30p.

May 17
Season Opener Celebration/Free Strawberry Shortcake

The Scotts Valley Market opens on May 3rd and we celebrate its return on May 17th. Grab your bags, your kids, your sweetie, your neighbor and head to the opening day at the Scotts Valley Farmers’ Market. Pick up some FREE strawberry short cake upon arrival and then get into an array of festivities for all.

September 27
Foodie Fruity Wreath Making Extravaganza

On this fall day the Scotts Valley Market rolls out a free event with a flurry of activities for all to enjoy. The biggest highlight being foodie, fruity wreath making. At no cost to you, make and walk away with a seasonal wreath decked out with dried fruit, flowers and foraged greenery. Get into the market hunt, face painting, art making and prize winning too!