I have worked with City of Irvine staff and the coordinator for the Great Park Farmer’s Market to develop a Drive-Thru Farmer’s Market for Sundays, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

I’ve always loved farmer’s markets, and I’m glad I was able to help provide fresh food to our community when it’s never been more important to eat right to stay healthy!

Some options from last week’s Drive-Thru Farmer’s Market at the Great Park. Photo by Caroline Djang.

The Sunday Drive-Thru Farmer’s Market at the Great Park allows for the market to be open during the COVID19 outbreak while maintaining social distancing in keeping with state and federal guidelines will continue on Sundays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm until further notice.

At this time, there are approximately 23 vendors scheduled to participate with items varying from fruits and vegetables to hummus, bread, beef jerky, honey, and eggs.

A traffic safety plan has been developed with the assistance of Public Works & Transportation, Public Safety, and Community Services staff to facilitate anticipated traffic.

The Market is staffed with four uniformed police officers in marked vehicles to assist in traffic flow and to ensure social distancing is adhered to. Community Services will also have three staff on-site beginning at 6 a.m. to facilitate the vendors or provide additional assistance as needed.

Admission is free. The Farmers Market is located in Lot No. 2; enter along Great Park Boulevard at Sand Canyon Avenue.

When we first opened the Drive-Thru Farmer’s Market at Great Park two weeks ago, I arrived just before 10:00 a.m. and it took e about an hour to get through the line.  Since then, City staff and I have discussed ways to try to improve on that time — now, to better facilitate traffic, vendors with packaged products such as kettle corn, bread, nuts and beef jerky will be at the beginning of the drive-through, and vendors with fresh vegetables will be in two lines at the end — but I would still expect to spend about an hour in line in your car.

We bought fresh vegetables, fruit, bread, hummus, kombucha, eggs, and terrific tamales last week — and we’re looking forward to shopping there again this Sunday!

Here is some important information:

• Drive-thru only. No walk-ups or cyclists will be served.
• Exact cash is required, if using cash. Venmo and bank cards will be accepted.
• Purchase only what is needed, be considerate of others in need.
• Be patient and proceed slowly when waiting in traffic.
• Wash all produce before consumption.

UPDATE: (Sunday, March 29, 2020) The line was indeed faster and better organized! See the graphic above right).

The Great Park Certified Farmers Market is operated by Mary Ann Senske. For vendor details or other information, visit the market on Facebook  or  Instagram.

For questions or to request an application to be a vendor, contact her at 714-733-3167 or ocgpfm@verizon.net