Our Mission StatementThe purpose of High Desert Farmers Market is to bring a harmonious and festive atmosphere to accommodate the communities residents, and its visitors. It is the goal of the market to promote a wholesome, family atmosphere. The event is organized and administered by Kerri Santoro & Hillside Flower Growers in order to : Provide a forum for community activitiesTo add to the positive image of the college and its communityMaintain the center of social, civic, and retail activitiesExpose community members and visitors to fresh foods, quality & unique gifts education and ideas offered by its participants including non-profit organizations to make connections from Farms to FamiliesThe High Desert Farmers Market must be consistent with these goals, including all its special activities. The market takes place on the lower campus of Victor Valley Community College, 18422 Bear Valley Rd, between the gym and tennis courts on the west side toward the fish hatchery, every Thursday, year-round, RAIN or SHINE. The HDFM market manager is responsible for the selection of all participants with regard to all applications to determine if the applicant or activity fits within the HDFM's purpose, goals, and structure. The management is knowledgeable and trained in the field of these types of events and will continue to use such expertise to determine what types of arts, crafts, antiques and unique & hard to find items, etc. are acceptable. How It All Came AboutThe High Desert Farmers Market was started July 1992. As an agricultural student at Victor Valley College, Kerri Santoro had top grades. Her instructor, Bob Adams, appointed her president of the College 's Ornamental Horticulture Club. The first order of business was to start a State Certified Farmers Market to help bring recognition to the Agricultural Department and to demonstrate that agriculture is a viable industry. Adequate food supply is essential to survival, and bringing a reliable source of farm-direct produce to the High Desert was important to Santoro. For the first couple of years, club members volunteered, but by the third year Santoro was pretty much running the market herself. The following year, she became the sole owner, as she had been nurturing its growth and had a vision of where it needed grow. Santoro's mission over the years has been to educate the local community on the importance of eating fresh, locally-grown produce. Every community needs local fresh, healthy, sustainable food from a farmers market, and it helps supports farmers within our region of Southern California. Connecting local farms and local communities offers many benefits, like cutting waste and lowering the use of fossil fuels. Many people aren't even aware of where their produce is coming from these days. What We Have For YouRemember, dollars spent locally are circulated within our community, not to mention the health benefits are tangible too. Produce grown nearby is ripened longer, offering has more nutritional value. Imported produce is usually picked hard and green, sprayed with chemicals to ripen it, and then shipped for three weeks! To help people develop a healthier relationship between mind, body and soul, the High Desert Farmers Market offers education and information that teaches how to shop for, store and cook fresh food. If food is just made available, people aren't going to benefit from it. They need to know how. Come and learn about recipes and ideas. Many of the farmers are happy to share simple handling tips and easy recipes ... just ask! High Desert Farmers Market is licensed to accept SNAP, aka "food stamps," "EBT," and also senior WIC. Food handling, preparation tips, cooking classes, field trips, special events, and health awareness are just a few of the many perks offered through this local market. Thanks to the many local retail merchants, entrepreneurs and non-profits who have supported the market over the past 18 years, becoming an integral part of the Victor Valley Community College campus. The High Desert Farmers Market is located on the lower campus of Victor Valley College, with easy access and lots of parking! 18422 Bear Valley, Victorville, near the gym and tennis courts, 8am - Noon every Thursday year- round. Make sure to get to the farmers' market for farm direct goodies and a huge variety of other foods, boutique goods, and fun! From Our Farmers' Gardens to You,Since 1992