Peaches line the booths of vendors at a recent Saturday market. Teen Observer photo.

BERKELEY, Calif.- “Truth is, we do have seasons, and we are better off eating locally all year ’round,” says Jemimah Farwell, a vendor at Berkeley Farmers’ Market.  Farwell is an employee of the Happy Girl Kitchen Co. as well as a strong supporter of embracing a more wholesome lifestyle, she said.  She is among the many merchants working at a market where street musicians and a magician entertain while hundreds shop among friendly vendors. Performers included violinists, guitarists and singers.

Bob Bernstein, a vendor of apple cider and potatoes, has been involved with the farmers market for 15 years.  As an owner of a small farm, Bernstein said he never wanted mass production.  He said, “People should eat products grown close to home.”  Bernstein said he supports the sale of unprocessed food as a part of a healthy lifestyle.  The market as a whole serves as an important aspect in the slow food movement.  This movement is based on the idea that nutritious, unprocessed food, locally grown and in season, should be accessible to communities.

Many people found themselves at the market for healthy shopping, as several said “fast food” is generally the culprit in today’s diets. However, the rate at which the food is made may not be the problem.  “The problem with places like McDonald’s is not that it’s fast, it’s that it’s bad,” says Carol Esteves, a shopper at the market.  She and shopper John Vaneyck said mass production of food is bad for the environment, consumers and workers.  They said they appreciate the friendly atmosphere of the market as well as the performers and interaction with vendors.  These aspects keep them coming back every Saturday for fruits, vegetables and an enjoyable afternoon.

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