Every Thursday, a vibrant celebration of community unfolds in the Mission as the Mission Community Market marks its 15th season.
Food stalls line Bartlett Street, and as the street turns onto 22nd, the market expands into an eclectic array of vendors boasting everything from flavorful eggplants to ripe strawberries.
At a bustling stall offering Mexican delicacies, a couple browses the enticing options while their toddler enjoys a free sample.
Two elderly ladies stroll leisurely, stopping for savory samosas and engaging in lively conversations with the sellers.
Meanwhile, a few chefs in white jackets, bearing their names and restaurant affiliations, chat with vendors while gathering fresh produce.
Many shoppers are greeted by name, adding a personal touch to the atmosphere.
Friends embrace on the sidewalks, transforming the block into more than just a market — it becomes a true nexus of community bonding.
Poli Yerena, a vendor, reflects on the early days of the market.
“At first, every day was a little sad because not many [people] showed up,” he shares.
During those early years, Yerena only sold six cases of strawberries weekly, a stark contrast to the 70 cases he now easily moves each Thursday from the stand operated by his wife Silvia and son Alex.
“Everybody shops with Poli!” shouted a passerby during the interview, underscoring his popularity among local shoppers.
The landscape of the market began shifting dramatically in 2014 with an expansion that extended from Bartlett onto 22nd Street.
This decision brought more visibility to the market as 22nd Street adjoins the bustling Mission Street, leading to a surge in foot traffic.
Now, the Mission Community Market attracts between 1,000 to 1,500 customers every Thursday, a considerable increase, according to Andrea Akers, the market’s manager.
The market operates every Thursday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and is managed by Foodwise, which took over from the volunteer management team in 2018.
On Thursday, the market is set to hold a special Quinceañera celebration, commemorating its impressive growth from just ten to nearly thirty sellers over the years.
Kim Leonard, known for her unique assortment of aromatherapy products and skincare delights, has been part of the market since its inception.
Despite lacking a tent for shade or an elaborate booth setup, she sees each customer as part of her extended family.
Leonard proudly recounts how she has watched children grow up from toddlers to high school graduates.
With warmth in her voice, she shares stories about the connections made in front of her booth, including one couple that met over her products.
“I was kind of like the wingman,” she said, delighted to have played a role in their love story.
This thriving relationship between vendors and customers is further strengthened by the market’s Market Match program, which provides a dollar-for-dollar match of up to $15 for fruits and vegetables when shoppers present a CalFresh EBT card.
Akers emphasizes that this program is a major draw for many patrons, as it offers vital support for families.
The program is funded through state, federal, and private contributions, with its usage hitting 2,662 instances at the Mission Community Market in 2024.
Customers value the program immensely, noted Akers, citing a recent protest when the program faced potential elimination.
“It’s not just, ‘Oh, I’m getting a free $15’; it’s like, ‘Oh, no, that free $15 is helping me feed my family,'” she explained.
Phil Carter, whose family has been part of the market since its early days, recalls starting with his parents just a few months after its launch 15 years ago.
Their family farm, Winters Fruit Tree Farm, has been in operation since the 1920s and is steeped in generations of dedication.
“I tagged along; I was just making a ruckus,” said Carter, reflecting on how he began his journey at only 16 years old.
Over the years, he has come to cherish the community’s “party vibe” that permeates the market, even recalling the unique atmosphere during the Giants’ World Series win in 2010.
That night, the market buzzed with excitement, swiftly transforming into a spontaneous party in the streets.
“When they won, it was just like a party out here with people causing chaos,” Carter remembered.
In times of chaos and celebration, the market has remained a steadfast gathering place, even during severe thunderstorms and the pandemic.
“It brought some normal to my day when everything else was not normal,” Carter said, noting how they continued operations during COVID-19 with strict safety measures.
Paul Valdez, a loyal customer for 13 years, values the human connection established at the market.
As a resident of the Mission for 18 years, he considers the weekly market visit a cornerstone of his routine.
“I guess I’m kind of a creature of habit, and so Thursdays at Mission Community Market is part of the habit,” said Valdez.
Each Thursday, he leaves work at 4 p.m. to greet the vendors he knows by name, creating a warm, familiar atmosphere.
Valdez revels in the conversations he shares with sellers, where they exchange tips on in-season produce and share recipe ideas that deepen their bond.
Each encounter contributes to a sense of belonging, as he reconnects with friends on the sidewalk corner amidst their busy lives.
The market cultivates an openness to new friendships too, with Valdez noting that by hanging out, it is guaranteed someone will greet a passerby with a friendly wave.
As the special Quinceañera celebration approaches, shoppers can expect all the usual vendors alongside unique festivities.
Special deals from vendors, free tote bags from Foodwise, and samplings made with in-season produce will be available.
There will also be live music and child-friendly coloring pages to enhance the festive spirit.
Akers captures the essence of the celebration perfectly: “The Quince needs to be celebrated, you know?”
image source from：missionlocal
