The Garden Market at Courthouse Park opened Tuesday to a warm welcome from downtown Fresno employees and patrons.

The grand opening celebration kicked off with a warm welcome and few words from Fresno County Supervisors Judy Case, Phil Larson, and Henry Perea. Case, a former registered nurse, spoke on the important role fresh fruits and vegetables play in fighting obesity while Supervisors Larson – a farmer – and Supervisor Perea discussed the opportunity farmers markets provide local growers during the downward economy.

The Garden Market patrons were able to sample strawberries, the fruit of the month, blueberries, dried fruit, olives, and other locally grown produce.

“The Garden Market is located in the heart of Fresno,” says Jensen Vang, Community Service Coordinator. “It is easily accessible to those who rely on public transit and it is walking distance for many downtown Fresno employees.”

The Garden Market, a certified farmers market, offers a variety of locally produced foods including ethnic and specialty vegetables, herbs and fruits. Vendors include minority and immigrant growers, as well as experienced vendors. The Garden Market is made possible by a grant from the USDA’s FMPP Agriculture Marketing Service and is a partnership between our Agency and the County of Fresno.

The Garden Market at Courthouse Park is open every Tuesday between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and will run from June 1 to December 21, 2010. WIC, Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP), and Electronic Benefit Transfers (EBT) are accepted.