Emma Jane Garcia

Emma Jane Garcia
 Manager of Sequim Farmers and Artisans Market

Emma Jane Garcia, market manager for the Sequim Farmers & Artisans Market, has several years’ experience working in rural, local food systems.  Located at City Hall Plaza and Centennial Place, the market is set up on Saturdays from May 1 through October 30 from 9 AM – 3 PM.

“The market transforms into Sequim's town square every Saturday!  It is so incredible to see Clallam County's extraordinary growers and crafters converge in one spot.   The market is THE place for anyone who loves local, hand grown, and handmade products.

“I have lived in Sequim for just over three years.  I first discovered Sequim on a road trip on my way to visit the beautiful Olympic Mountains and the coastline.

“I feel Sequim is unique in that there is a passion for supporting local businesses!  People are so enthusiastic to support their neighbors doing what they love.   There is abundant talent in this community.

“In my time in management, I've seen extraordinary growth in the Sequim Farmers & Artisans Market. Incredibly talented farmers, food makers, and artists are now more interested than ever before in showing up to create what we like to call Sequim's "temporary town square". It is inspiring to watch the community begin to prioritize the market as a solid component of their weekly schedule. They make it a habit now to turn up to support their friends, neighbors, and fellow community members in actualizing their entrepreneurial dreams. All of this while stocking up on the most nutritious, delicious food and quality product. SFAM feels to me like the most energizing thing happening on Saturdays now!

“In light of COVID, I believe the pandemic helped folks to see the value in investing in their local food producers and small businesses. There were definitely some speed bumps as we navigated last season's unknowns, but our number one priority as a market was doing whatever we needed to do to ensure we would remain a viable venue for our incredible vendors and continue to provide food access to our community.

“SFAM is interesting because it prioritizes local farmers as well as artisans creating art, functional household products, and wellness products. I think our market is unique in that it's truly a local one-stop shop for your weekly grocery list. I always encourage folks to start their shopping for their week on Saturday mornings at the market, prioritizing shopping local, then filling in what can't be obtained locally from larger entities. SFAM also presents the opportunity to double EBT (food stamp) dollars redeemed at the market and maximize other currencies for Seniors/WIC. The Sequim Farmers & Artisans Market is a place for everyone, the whole community is beginning to take ownership of it. It makes me over-the-moon giddy to think that we have this amazing, vibrant resource in downtown Sequim every Saturday.”

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