People of MCM

People of MCM: Volunteers Lea and Jesse

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I found these two market regulars goofing off at the Blue House Farm booth and decided to interview them!

Meet Lea and Jesse! Lea has been a volunteer with MCM since our very first season in 2010. She worked particularly hard during that crucial first year, both at the market and behind the scenes recruiting awesome bands to play at MCM, creating and documenting recipes for the blog, and encouraging friends and acquaintances to volunteer. She still does her part as an essential member of the MCM volunteer community, sending tons of great helpers our way, facilitating community partnerships, and always coming through in the clutch when we’re short-staffed. Her partner Jesse has not been immune to her recruiting efforts, as he’s volunteered with the market as well. Jesse also works part-time for Blue House Farm running their stand at other markets and occasionally helping out at the MCM stand.

Where do you live?

We live a few blocks away in the Mission.

How often do you visit to the Market?

Coming to the market is a fun standard thing to do on Thursday nights so we are here pretty regularly.

What have you seen change here since you were volunteering in 2010?

The market has grown so much in the past few years. So many more people visit each week and it has become a much more established community event. There are many more vendors and it’s also been a great change now that the market is running year-around.

What is your favorite thing to buy here?

I (Lea) am totally addicted to Arzimendi Breadsticks. I get them almost every time I come here and frequent their shop on Valencia as well.

What is something you would like others to know about the Market?

Volunteering is a great way to meet people and become more engaged with your community. We have a lot of fun when we volunteer and enjoy seeing the same faces week to week. Also, a lot of small businesses get their start here and it feels good to get to know them and support them as they grow.

People of MCM: Shannon & Silas

Posted on by Mission Community Market in Blog, Mercado Plaza, People of MCM, Twin Girls Farm | Leave a comment

Meet Shannon and Silas, regular market attendees and supporters of the MCM community. We got the chance to speak to them while they were tasting juicy stone fruit samples from Twin Girls Farms.

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Where do you live?

The Mission.

How often do you come to MCM?

About every other week. We counter balance our visits with our CSA box which we receive from Eatwell Farm.

What are you buying today?

We haven’t started our shopping yet but we often come to MCM for inspiration on what to make for dinner that night. Today we will definitely be buying some of these peaches and nectarines from Twin Girls Farm.

What’s your favorite part of the Market?

MCM is a family-oriented environment. It is not just commerce taking place here but connections within the community. We often see friends and people we know here. We also love the live music.

What’s the best kept secret at MCM, or something you would like people to know about?

We are really excited that MCM is on the verge of getting growing into more of a community establishment. The momentum and support behind the Mercado Plaza has been exciting to be a part of and watch.

Thank you Shannon and Silas!

People of MCM: Board Member Paul Geffner

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This week our featured shopper at MCM is none other than Paul Geffner, a key member on the MCM Board of Directors. Thanks to Paul, and all of our board members, for helping make MCM great!

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Where do you live?
Sausalito

Why are you on the MCM Board?
I was brought on by Ilaria, another board member who served as the driving force behind MCM’s creation. I own Escape from New York Pizza, another business on 22nd Street, and I believe 100% in the idea of the market. Thursdays at the Mission Mercado are a chance to come together for the good of the community and we have seen that what is healthy for the community is also healthy for businesses. The market also serves as an excellent incubator for small businesses.

What are you most excited to share about the Market?
MCM has a great feel and the food is good and honest. I look forward to the growth and establishment of the Mercado Plaza which will be a pedestrian friendly zone that will serve more diverse needs in the the community.

What is your newest project?
I have been collaborating with Adam Driver to build Driver’s Market, an all organic natural grocery store in Sausalito. Our goal is to promote diversity in the economy by supporting small businesses. Our Grand Opening is this Saturday, June 29th from 10-5. Come check us out!

People of MCM: Chris

Posted on by Mission Community Market in Blog, Blue House Farm, Chaac Mool, People of MCM, Peter's Kettle Corn, Roli Roti, Shrimp & Love, Tomatero Farm, Twin Girls Farm, Vendors | Leave a comment

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Chris regularly comes to MCM with his family. The rest of the family was feeling a little camera-shy, but they all love visiting the market!

Where do you live? Noe Valley

How often do you come to the MCM? Twice a month, after picking up the kids at the Friends School nearby.

What are you buying? We always stop for kettle corn at Peter’s Kettle Corn!  Today, we got fruit from Twin Girls, carrots and berries from Tomatero, some other veggies at Blue House. Sometimes we get a chicken from Roli Roti, or dinner from Chaac-Mool.  We’ve also bought the ceviche from Shrimp & Love Ceviche.

What’s your favorite part of the market? It’s very convenient and friendly. We love the live music, too.

What’s the best kept secret at MCM, or something you would like people to know about? We tell all our friends to stop by, because you can easily find a parking spot on Valencia towards the beginning of the market.

People of MCM: Tina & Zoe

Posted on by Mission Community Market in Blog, Bok Ssam, Coastside Farms, Flour Chylde Bakery, People of MCM, Peter's Kettle Corn, Twin Girls Farm, Vendors | Leave a comment

Meet Tina and Zoe (16 months), MCM regulars who love the music, food demos, and seeing their neighbors!

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Where do you live?  Liberty & Guerrero

How often do you come to the MCM?  Every week, pretty much.

What are you buying?  Peaches from Twin Girls, a special order from Bok Ssam (in a bowl) so that Zoe can eat it.  I love all the samples that the vendors give out, so that Zoe can try new things. Often, we get salmon from Coastside Farms or cakes from flourChylde. And, we LOVE getting the kettle corn from Peter’s Kettle Corn!

What’s your favorite part of the market? We like the music, and also the cooking demos at the Urban Sprouts booth.  I really like the guy who does them*; he’s always so engaging.  It’s also nice to see people from the neighborhood.

What’s the best kept secret at MCM, or something you would like people to know about? There are more food vendors than before; the market has really grown. Also, it’s a great place to have dinner, that’s why you see so many parents here.

* Editor’s note: That’s Raul Hernandez with Urban Sprouts! Yay Raul!