The parking lot of the NewPark Mall is home every Sunday to the Co-Op Farmers Market, which supports nearby and local businesses.
Every week there are multiple booths lined up and crowds of people walking through the parking lot browsing and purchasing a variety of products.
From fresh organic fruits and vegetables to homemade baked goods, vendors are able to meet new and lifelong customers as they begin to establish their businesses.
When asked how business is doing at the Farmers Market, Leah Moua of Home of Mission Fresh Fish in San Leandro said their business is doing pretty well.
“We catch wild fish and sell them only at farmers markets,” explained Moua.
Many customers return every week, allowing the people who work the market an opportunity to create relationships with them.
“I have interesting conversations with people of all sorts, who either have allergies to gluten, who knows somebody who has a gluten allergy, people with celiac disease and a lot of people who just want to eat healthier,” said Marsha Delaney, owner of Gluten Free, Mother of Three in Newark.
“They come by my booth and we have nice conversations about it. The farmers market is not only a place of business, it has also become a social event with music filling the air and small food vendors providing snacks, like Kettle Korn,” said Delaney.
A local magician also makes appearances 40 weeks out of a year to make animal balloons for children.
“I’m a second generation performer; my dad also does magic,” said magician “Alan the Amazing” Khan. “So I’ve been doing magic since I was 13. I got this idea by seeing other people doing balloons at other farmers markets. I get to see regulars all the time working here and even get to see their kids growing up.”
Customers get to knock out two birds with one stone, as they are given a day of relaxation while also getting grocery shopping done.
“I come here every week to do my grocery shopping,” said Fremont resident Amy Garibay. “It is very relaxing with the music and pleasant people. I am able to just linger and try samples and enjoy the fresh air. There is even a booth offering free chiropractic assessment.”
According to Newark Natural Foods, the Co-Op Farmers Market has made it their mission to provide local produce, support for families and farmers, and a sense of community and awareness to environmental health issues.