Today we’d like to introduce you to Lucas Crowley.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Tierra del Sol Foundation has been providing support services for adults with developmental disabilities for nearly 50 years. The main campus, which sits on 7.5 beautiful wooded acres in the Sunland-Tujunga neighborhood of L.A., has been considered the perfect location for a farmer’s market for years. Plans for the Sunland Farmers Market started, in March of 2017, with the combined desire to open up the campus to the community, increase awareness of the mission of Tierra del Sol, and develop long-term fiscal sustainability for the campus. After some research, it was clear that the best time to start a new farmers market is around March or April, just before the peak of fruit season, and no later than June or July. This meant that what should normally require six months of work, needed to be accomplished in less than three. The Market Manager, board members, and volunteers at Tierra jumped into action, and the Sunland Farmers Market had its grand opening on June 3rd, 2017, and has been in operation and serving the community every Saturday since.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Southern California is no stranger to certified Farmers Markets. With nearly 250 between L.A. and Orange County alone, it’s not hard to find one nearby. That being said, developing a brand new Farmers Market, in a new location, is definitely a challenge. Developing relationships with local farmers & food vendors in hopes that they would agree to come sell at a new market, while also securing permits as well as city, county, and state licenses is a considerable task. After weeks of visiting other markets, calling vendors that seem like they might fit with the Sunland Farmers Market’s purpose and goals, and endless follow up, just enough vendors had been secured to have a successful grand opening. Since then, getting the word about the market, inviting community groups, developing customer incentives, and inviting more vendors, became the next task, and has remained the main focus to grow the market. These challenges have led us to develop experiences that make Sunland Farmers Market unique. Tierra’s The BLVD pottery and marketplace is a major fixture within the market, selling handmade ceramics and textiles every Saturday. Everything for sale from The BLVD is original work by clients at Tierra del Sol, and all proceeds go towards supporting adults with developmental disabilities.
Please tell us about Sunland Farmers Market.
We’re known for having an excellent variety of vendors across the market. Fresh organic produce, eggs, seafood, flowers, bread, pastries, tamales, salsas, hummus, a wide variety of specialty foods, crafters, and more. We’re also very proud of the work that Tierra del Sol accomplishes daily. A percentage of all vendor sales conducted at the Sunland Farmers Market, goes back to Tierra del Sol. That means, when you choose to shop at the Sunland Farmers Market, you’re not only supporting the local farmer, you’re also helping empower adults with developmental disabilities to become self-sufficient and productive employees, professional volunteers, students, artists, and members of society.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
In the first few months of operation, we experimented with different themes, on different weekends. Family fun day, pop-up art workshops, and more. We found that people seemed to really enjoy these unique opportunities to connect with their neighbors, and we are continuing to offer unique experiences so that we can better understand what our community wants and needs, and then be there to support them!
Contact Info:
- Address: 9919 Sunland Blvd. Sunland-Tujunga CA 91040
- Website: www.sunlandfarmersmarket.com
- Phone: 818-257-6600
- Email: [email protected]
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/sunlandfarmersmarket
- Yelp: www.yelp.com/biz/sunland-farmers-market-los-angeles-2
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