Goleta Farmers Market
Established in 2004, the Camino Real Marketplace Farmers Market is a great local food source for nutritious whole foods. It is located at the Camino Real Marketplace 7004 Marketplace Dr., Goleta CA and occurs every Sunday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. There is an abundance of high quality certified organic produce including everything from strawberries to sweet peas. Enjoyhome made jams, local eggs, honey, meat, and more!
Only a short bike ride or drive from Isla Vista, the marketplace is a wonderful weekend activity. On some weekends there is even live music surrounding some amazing restaurants. If you’re interested in getting out in the sun, bring your friends or family for an outing! Support your local sellers and see what is available! Try grabbing a coffee from Anna’s Bakery or lunch at On the Alley and enjoy a short walk through the many suppliers at the market.
The Isla Vista Co-Op
The Isla Vista Food Co-Op has been in business for over 40 years, opened in 1972. From the 70s until now, the Co-Op has seen countless students, IV residents, and many others. This store has been a staple in our local community making sure community members have access to high quality products. According to the Daily Nexus, the Co-Op suffered greatly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While essential to Isla Vista, about 70-80% of its income disappeared as students left (Malley).
As students come back and remain in Isla Vista, there are a few ways we can help! Since the Co-Op is owned and run by partial owners, one of the most impactful things an individual can do is to become an owner! While it might sound complicated, anyone can become an owner. By being an owner, you have the opportunity to elect committee officials that can oversee and make sure the Co-Op remains successful. Additionally, owners get in-store benefits like discounts or monthly coupons! A year’s investment to be an owner is only $30 and is fully refundable if you are not satisfied.
Another way to support the Co-Op is through plain old shopping! The Co-Op offered plenty of discounts. It offers a range of ways to be shopper-friendly such as Co-Op basics, bi-weekly/bi-monthly coupon books, CalFresh sign-ups, and even Budget and Planning shopping tours! The Co-Op even hosts Education and Outreach programs to engage with the community. You don’t need to spend a huge amount of money, you just need to be there! The Co-Op will thrive with the presence of community members so consider checking them out!
All information about the Co-Op as well as their partner programs can be found on their website at: http://islavistafoodcoop.blogspot.com/. You can visit them at 6575 Seville Rd, Isla Vista, Ca 93117. Be sure to see their modified hours before visiting! If you haven’t already, be sure to get out there and support your local grocery store!