Shiela Burch: From Farm to Fork for Over 45 Years

Interview: From Farm to Fork for Over 45 Years
By Middagh Goodwin

The Modesto Certified Farmers Market first opened on July 7th, 1979, now 46 years strong and still located on 16th Street between H & I Streets. Ray Rodgers and Ron Alves, both MJC Ag Instructors, and then-Mayor Peggy Mensinger organized the Farmers market, which began with only a dozen vendors. It now hosts a year-round market on Saturdays, and beginning again on April 2nd, the Thursday market reopens, both open 8 am-1 pm. I had the pleasure of asking Shiela Burch about their role in running the Modesto Certified Farmers Market and what it means to her and our community. Shop

MV-When did you take the helm at the Farmers Market? What new things have you brought to the event? What drives your passion for the Market?

SB-I started out as a vendor at the farmer’s market. I served as a board member for several years before transitioning to the administration and management of the farmer’s market. I have managed the market since 2019.  At the end of 2020, we decided to make the Saturday farmers market year-round; it was long overdue. The Thursday market remains seasonal, running from April to October.

This year, we will create a small expansion during the summer and open a Farmers Market at the Salida library in June and July.

There is no place like the farmer’s market.  Farmers’ markets are the beating heart of a town. They incubate small farms and small businesses in the most personal way.  Farmers who participate in their local farmers’ market are more likely to stay farming. I myself worked at Farmers Markets in my early 20″s and loved it. I love being outside and educating people about the products we bring to market.  My Family has benefited greatly from participating in the farmer’s market. When we started our family and turned a hobby of agribusiness into a livelihood, we were able to be home with our children and work around our family.

MV-What are the benefits of shopping at the Modesto Certified Farmers Market for local residents? How does the market encourage healthy eating among its community?

SB-The farmer’s market allows people to experience and incorporate new foods into their lives. When I started out as a honey vendor for our small family apiary, I was always shocked by how many people had never tasted honey. When the community comes out to shop at the market, they are giving back directly to their community and supporting the local economy. The dollars spent at the farmers’ market stay local and do not diminish in value.

MV-What initiatives does the market have to promote healthy eating and local produce?

SB-We host Chef demos twice a month at the market that demonstrate what you can do with produce you may have never tried.

We facilitate the use of SNAP at the market for those who qualify and also offer a matching incentive.

Every year, we host a Senior Day at the market that gives coupons to those on fixed incomes. Additionally, families receiving WIC can use their WIC and FMNP coupons at the market.

MV-How many vendors do you host each week on average? How many are certified organic?

SB-We host 50 to 60 vendors per market day. More than half of our farmers are certified organic. We have other agricultural products, including Meat, Dairy, Mushrooms, Honey, and fresh, locally grown and Milled Flour. We also have Hot food, baked goods, and Sourdough bread, Jam, jellies, hot sauce, and pickled foods. Artists of all kinds.

MV-With fresh produce direct from farm to table, do you see owners/chefs from our local restaurants and cafes shopping?  

SB-We commonly see restaurants and other service businesses taking advantage of the fresh produce at the market.
Along with vendors who create food sold at the market.

MV-You host live music at the market, how important is supporting local artists? Do you have a list of performers coming in April?  Any favorites over the years?

SB-The Music is such a perk of the day. There are so many great musicians in town, I wish I had more days available. Every year the favorite changes, I think the current market favorite is Mitchell Dill. My list of favorites is much longer.

MV-The Easter Egg Hunt is always a massive hit with kids and families. What are some of the other things you do to mix things up and keep things fresh?

SB-We have craft events every month.  Earth Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day activities.  We host a chili cook-off in the fall, the Great Pumpkin Giveaway every October, and Trick-or-Treating on or near Halloween.

MV-The Chris Murphy Question: Beatles or Rolling Stones.  

SB-The Beatles