Tuesday, June 11, marked the grand opening of the Loma Linda Farmer’s Market Night. Dozens of vendors’ booths sheltered by white awning lined the parking lot, wrapping around the corner of the LLU Health Welcome Center. Hundreds of guests attended the event, chatting with farmers selling locally grown produce including strawberries, kale, tomatoes, avocados, and carrots. Other food items for sale included jewel-toned mason jars filled with jams and jellies, a selection of nuts and dried fruit, and freshly baked bread and cookies. At one booth, children held kittens and a puppy that were up for adoption while bikers of all ages lined up to have their bicycles inspected at a “bike hospital” sponsored by LLU Health and the Inland Empire Biking Alliance.
As the celebration began, representatives from Loma Linda University Health, the city of Loma Linda, and the Loma Linda Chamber of Commerce gathered at the entrance to the Councilors Student Pavilion for the ribbon cutting.
Each Tuesday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., the area where the festivities were held (the parking lot in front of the LLU Health Welcome Center bordering Anderson Street at the corner of Mound Street) will be transformed into a destination where staff, students, faculty, and their families can mingle with residents of the surrounding community as they browse the market, purchase fresh produce and baked goods, and enjoy dinner.
In his opening remarks, Phil Carslisle, chief executive officer, Loma Linda Chamber of Commerce, said that it is fitting that the market be held on the campus of Loma Linda University Health in the heart of a National Geographic Blue ZoneTM (places in the world where people live measurably longer lives), as it will offer locally grown fruit and vegetables. The next speaker was Dusty Rigsby, MD, mayor of Loma Linda. Dr. Rigsby assured those gathered that Loma Linda Farmer’s Market Night has the city’s full support.
In his remarks, Richard Hart, MD, DrPH, president, Loma Linda University Health, mentioned that there are few projects he has watched develop with more interest than Loma Linda Farmer’s Market Night. Dr. Hart noted his belief that the founders of Loma Linda University would be delighted to see the organization and the community gather together at Farmer’s Market Night. He recalled how working in the garden was a requirement for early students.
According to J.C. Belliard, PhD, assistant vice president, community partnerships, there is much to celebrate. “Loma Linda University Health and the Loma Linda Chamber of Commerce have teamed up to make Loma Linda Farmer’s Market Night a reality,” he says. “This is an early step for us as we contribute to California Healthy Cities and Communities goals, developing a robust city center at Loma Linda that can serve as a community hub where LLU Health faculty, staff, students, patients, and their families can join members of the community in walking, biking, and pursuing a healthy lifestyle.”
