Malibu locals will be glad to know that they can support their community by shopping at the Cornucopia Foundation’s Farmers’ Market, held every Sunday from 10am to 3pm and located in the Malibu Library Parking Lot, 23555 Civic Center Way.
The Malibu Farmers’ Market was established by the Cornucopia Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit organization whose original mission was to foster land and marine conservation, restoration, and sustainability programs. Profits from the Market were initially dedicated to building the Environmental Learning Center (ELC), located on over an acre of land adjacent to Juan Cabrillo Elementary School, Malibu Middle School, and Malibu High School. These funds helped to develop educational programs and implement projects that transformed this site by clearing overgrown weeds, invasive fennel, and old asphalt. By 2006, this land had become a model for local sustainability, native gardens, and water conservation.
The Cornucopia Foundation has since focused on giving back to the Malibu community by donating funds from the Farmers’ Market to organizations like Advocates for Malibu Public School (AMPS) and Poison-Free Malibu. The foundation is also in the process of donating ELKAY water fountains to all Malibu schools. These fountains contain filters and spigots so children may fill up their reusable water bottles. ELKAY fountains also let users know how many disposable plastic water bottles they are saving from landfills by using these bottle filling stations.
In addition to offering grants for educational programs and donating to local causes, The Malibu Farmers’ Market is committed to supporting local farmers and small businesses. Vendors apply for their market location and supply samples to the Cornucopia staff who insure their products are of excellent quality.
The Market has become a hotspot for foodies, featuring a huge selection of specialty foods including vegan, gluten-free products, and gourmet quality produce, poultry, meat, fish, and eggs. Some favorites include homemade cheeses and Greek yogurt. Currently, there are plans in the works to support local vineyards by offering wine tastings and sales.
Aside from offering Malibu a wide variety of fresh, local products, the Market also provides an important community gathering place where friends and families meet, greet, and eat. There are plans in the works to bring the children’s section back to the Farmers’ Market with the return of a petting zoo, pony rides, and even a little train for kids.
“You shop and our Farmers’ Market gives back. No grocery store or farm can say the same!” reported Debra Bianco, a member of the Board of Directors and Director of the Malibu Farmers’ Market for the Cornucopia Foundation.
If the promise of delicious and fresh produce and the idea of supporting local businesses and environmental sustainability appeals to you, stop by the Cornucopia Foundation’s Farmers’ Market this Sunday to see and taste for yourself.