In 1998, L.A. Mayor Richard Riordan’s office released funding through the Fresh Food Access grant to open a certified farmers market where underserved communities lacked access to fresh produce. Under the leadership of Executive Director, Cynthia Ojeda, the MNP became the first non-profit to be awarded this grant and opened the La Cienega Farmers Market on May 4, 2000. 

This year, the La Cienega Farmers Market marks its twentieth-year anniversary and we have so much to be grateful for… starting with the MNP board, past and present, for providing valuable guidance and support. To our MNP office staff, farmers market managers, setup and support staff, each of whom make each market day possible. To our markets’ farmers and crafted food vendors, most who have been with us since our grand opening day… thank you, thank you so much for sharing with us the rewards of your passion and efforts. To our invaluable local community groups and partners, Kaiser Permanente WLA, Neighbors United, Pico Neighborhood Council, South Robertson Neighborhood Council for your outreach and farm-to-school program support, and a big shout out to Stuart Rubin of RRP Properties for the donation of space at La Cienega Plaza. 

We would especially like to thank our shoppers, who throughout the years, rain or shine, have come to support the market every Thursday; sharing with us friendships and the joy of watching families growing up on produce from our farmers. Thank you for making our vision for a healthy community a reality.