SALINAS, Calif. – July 6, 2024 – Natividad’s weekly Farmers' Market season began on May 22nd at 1441 Constitution Blvd., Salinas. Running every Wednesday through October from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the market offers more than fresh produce; it’s a gateway to a healthier lifestyle and a thriving community. 

The market is expanding its role as a community health resource. “At Natividad, we see the direct correlation between access to nutritious food and overall physical health,” said Andrea Rosenberg, Natividad’s Chief Ancillary and Support Services Officer. “The Farmers' Market provides access to high-quality, fresh produce and serves as a platform for healthy eating and active living education. It’s about building a healthier community one meal, one family at a time.” 

Natividad Farmers Market Announces Schedule for the Year: 

• 7/24: Chef Brandon Miller, Paella LLC cooking demo at 12pm 

Warm Summer Squash Salad  

Chef/Owner of Paella LLC  

• 10 1/2 cup servings  

• 1lb assorted zucchini  

• 1/4cup sliced natural almonds  

• 1 tablespoons olive oil  

• 2/3 cups Parmesan cheese, shaved 

• Salt and pepper to taste 

Cut the ends off of zucchini and julienne using a Japanese mandolin or grater. 

Warm oil in sauté pan with almonds. When almonds are lightly browned, add squash and remove from heat. 

Toss the squash with almonds and oil, season with salt and pepper and place in serving dish. 

Top with cheese and serve. 

• 8/21: Nutritional Tasting at 12pm 

• 9/4: Chef Anthony Cruz cooking demo at 12pm 

This season, Natividad’s Farmers' Market is bursting with new features to enhance the shopping experience: 

• Health Benefits: Fresh, locally sourced produce supports a healthy diet, local agriculture, and reduces carbon footprints. 

• Delicious Options: Enjoy organic fruits, vegetables, artisanal cheeses, fresh baked goods, and vibrant flowers. 

• Recipe Cards: Provided by Everyone’s Harvest, these cards help transform market purchases into delicious, healthy meals. 

• Interactive Activities: Cooking demonstrations by local chefs engage the community in learning about healthy lifestyle choices in a hands-on, fun environment. 

The market also plays a crucial role in the Fresh Rx Program, prescribing fresh produce to patients at risk for chronic diet-related diseases. Participants receive weekly vouchers to spend at the market, supporting their health and fostering a relationship with wholesome food and nutrition education. 

Natividad’s Farmers' Market is proud to feature a diverse group of local partners, each bringing unique, high-quality products to the community: 

• Gallardo's Organic Farm: Offering an array of delicious produce and berries fresh from the field. 

• Rodriguez Bros Ranch: Known for their organic, farm-fresh berries and seasonal produce. 

• Stackhouse Orchards: Provides a variety of fresh fruits and nuts, perfect for healthy snacking. 

• Golden Flowers: Specializes in beautiful, freshly cut flowers to brighten any space. 

• MJ Bee Farm: Offers locally produced honey, a natural sweetener and superfood. 

• Tacos Don Beto: Serving authentic Mexican cuisine, from tacos to tamales. 

• Chavas Corn: Famous for its savory baked potatoes and corn dishes. 

• Aguas Frescas Barajas: Refreshing aguas frescas and fruit cups, ideal for a hot day. 

• Blazin’ Bayou BBQ: Brings a taste of Louisiana with their signature style of BBQ. 

• Dulce Vida Desserts: Features a selection of pastries and sweet treats made from scratch. 

• What's Popp'n Popcorn: Offers gourmet popcorn in various flavors. 

• Ely’s Pupusas: Specializes in handmade pupusas, a Salvadoran favorite. 

• Split Tea LLC.: Offers a range of artisanal teas, both refreshing and invigorating. 

• Monterey Bay Pirate Jerky: Features handcrafted beef jerky in assorted flavors. 

• Cuzzo's Fish Shak: Serving up good, ol' soul food without the hassle of a road trip down South. 

“Every aspect of the Farmers' Market is designed to create a ripple effect of wellness throughout our community,” added Rosenberg. “From the economic benefits of supporting local small businesses to the health advantages of consuming fresh, minimally processed foods, the market is a cornerstone of our commitment to public health.” 

To learn more about the Farmers' Market and its offerings, please visit www.natividad.com/farmers-market. 

About Natividad 

Natividad is a hospital and trauma center providing compassionate high-quality health care to everyone, regardless of ability to pay. Located in Salinas, Calif., Natividad is a public health care system offering a wide range of inpatient, outpatient, emergency, diagnostic and specialty medical care for adults and children. Founded in 1886, the 172-bed medical center has more than 11,000 admissions and 59,000 emergency visits annually. Home to the area's only Level II Trauma Center, the hospital's specialized personnel, equipment and services provide a vital local community service that saves lives and keeps patients close to home. Natividad's Baby-Friendly® facility delivers nearly 2,300 babies every year and is affiliated with UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals. It also operates an accredited Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, giving the tiniest and most fragile babies the best chance for a healthy start. Through its UCSF-affiliated Natividad Family Medicine Residency, Natividad is the only teaching hospital on the Central Coast. For more information, please call (831) 755-4111 or visit www.natividad.com.  

Media Contact: 

Marci Bracco, The Buzz PR 

marci@thebuzzpr.net, 831-747-7455 

Hillary Fish, Director of Marketing & Community Relations 

fishh@natividad.com, 831-783-2693