Step into a world where vibrant produce and community spirit combine in a symphony of flavors and camaraderie. Let us introduce you to the freshest additions to the local food scene: Heart of the Canyons Farmers Market in Sunland and the new Altadena Neighborhood Farmers Market.

These two new certified farmers’ markets are modest in size but feature top-notch growers who prioritize sustainable practices, ensuring top-tier quality and nutritional value in their seasonal offerings. Many of these farmers pick their crops just before the market, emphasizing the dedication that goes into delivering food at its prime.

HEART OF THE CANYONS FARMERS MARKET

In the heart of Sunland, Colleen Rau has woven her dreams into reality as the charismatic market manager of the Heart of the Canyons Saturday morning farmers’ market. As a savvy first-time entrepreneur and a market maestro, Rau’s journey has been one of growth, guided by the collective wisdom of seasoned market managers and Pastor Tim Salzarulo of Heart of the Canyons Church. The farmers’ market is affiliated with the church, “but we are a neutral market and don’t promote religion or politics,” says Rau, who’s enrolled in the market manager certification program from the California Alliance of Farmers’ Markets.

Rau was inspired to start the farmers’ market because there wasn’t one in the community and to support local farmers and businesses. “I think farmers’ markets are an important hub for the community to gather together,” she says.

Her curation of vendors fosters an environment where vendors complement rather than compete. The mix includes weekly vendors Lee’s Farm, Bonita Farms, Esqueda Farms and Harris Family Apiaries, among others. You can also get delicious food and hot and cold beverages to enjoy at the market or home, like Bug & Bear’s Cannoli, Bonjour Yogurt and more.

And shop for gifts at Nativo Art, showcasing handmade Guatemalan jewelry and clothing, and get information from the Los Angeles Department of Mental Health if you or a loved one is facing mental health challenges.

The mix isn’t complete without these vendors, which aren’t weekly: Menos Mas, offering refillable personal care and home products; and Learn with Ms. M., who brings educational materials and special guest Gordo the Madagascar Hissing Cockroach.

With a hitching post, a playground and a space to picnic, Heart of the Canyons offers a vibrant space for music, mingling and mirth.

Heart of the Canyons Farmers Market
9666 Foothill Blvd., Lake View Terrace (Sunland)
Saturdays, 8am–noon

ALTADENA NEIGHBORHOOD FARMERS MARKET

Every Friday afternoon, market manager Melissa Farwell curates approximately 32 vendors and many one-of-a-kind products at the new Altadena Neighborhood Farmers Market. The market is a reboot of an earlier one that was held on Wednesdays.

There are picnic tables, grassy hills and places under shady sycamore trees to lay a blanket and enjoy a variety of prepared foods: sweet buns, dumplings, hummus, tamales, ice cream, macarons, coffee and homemade bread. There’s even fresh pasta, ravioli and pizza that’s flown in from Italy to take home.

Central to the Altadena market is Joe Meinhart, whose evolution from a trained chef to owner of The Little BBQ Company reflects the changing landscape of entrepreneurship. Tired of the conventional grind, he began selling his original barbecue recipes at the farmers’ market with the assistance of his daughter and wife.

Farmers’ markets aren’t solely the domain for growers—they are also playgrounds for artisan creators. Molly Ritter is the dynamic entrepreneur behind Thyme for Honey granola, whose product line includes seasonal flavors like pumpkin spice, orange pecan and espresso cacao.

In a world driven by the carbon footprint of global supply chains, these markets are beacons of sustainability, reminding us that some of life’s finest treasures are found close to home. Farmers’ markets are more than just places to buy groceries; they’re places to gather, learn and celebrate locally sourced delights and the magic of food that’s real, unadulterated and deeply nourishing.

Altadena Neighborhood Farmers Market
587 W. Palm St., Altadena
Fridays, 4–8pm