By Ricky Richardson | Contributing Writer
Hawthorne, CA- The City of Hawthorne has joined cities across the country to bring fresh, healthy food options to the “City of Good Neighbors.”
The City of Hawthorne opened a weekly farmers market last month, on April 19, 2026. The popular market is held every Sunday from 9:00 am-2:00pm, at the Betty Ainsworth Sports Center parking lot (corner of El Segundo Blvd. and Doty Avenue).
Residents and guests have the opportunity to purchase farm-to-table fresh produce and shop with vendors offering artisan goods. The farmers’ market allows residents to form meaningful connections with their neighbors and the community at large.
“Establishing a Certified Farmers Market is a significant step forward in our commitment to enhancing the quality of life for our residents,” said City Manager Vontray Norris, in a written statement. “This market is more than just a place to shop—it’s a weekly gathering space where neighbors can connect, and our local economy can thrive. We can’t wait to welcome everyone on Sundays!”
The farmers’ market is important on various levels. It provides direct access to fresh, seasonal, and locally grown produce. The market will bolster food security and accessibility for all community members. This includes support for SNAP/EBT and WIC benefits through participating farmers, ensuring that nutritious options are available to every member of the Hawthorne community.
The Betty Ainsworth Sports Center parking lot was buzzing with excitement and contagious energy on Sunday, May 17, 2026. Word has spread throughout the “City of Good Neighbors” as residents and visitors realize that they no longer have to travel to surrounding cities to enjoy and partake in local farmers’ markets.
“The farmers market has brought wonderful energy to Hawthorne, creating a space where neighbors can connect while supporting local businesses,” said the Farmer Market Operator in a written statement. “Seeing families enjoy live music and residents engaging with local artisans is exactly the kind of community experience we strive to provide.”
A steady flow of people strolled and shopped at the farmers market on this Gray Day, but otherwise, a beautiful day.
Alan Price, violinist, producer, and composer, provided an eclectic soundtrack on this particular day. This gives new meaning to “grubbing and grooving” on a lazy Sunday morning/early afternoon. The addition of live music elevated the atmosphere and established every Sunday as a community hub!
Residents and visitors to the market can look forward to a mix of offerings:
Farmers and growers: fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, honey, meat, poultry, and flowers.
Prepared and packaged foods: an array of hot food, including pizza, Korean BBQ, tamales, and pupusas—alongside specialty breads, coffee, and prepackaged goods like hummus and dried fruits.
Residents also enjoyed artisan and crafters: unique handmade goods from local creators.
Hawthorne Farmers Market attendees consisted of chefs from nearby restaurants, families picking up ingredients for evening dinner, or dinners throughout the week. The crowd also featured families picking up hot foods for a family outing in Memorial Park, as well as couples gathering items for a romantic picnic in the park. Members from local churches were also in attendance on this particular Sunday.
I stopped by each booth to chat briefly with the vendors. Mom’s Kitchen, or Mom’s Products and Brothers Products, sold a variety of tasty hummus.
There were many diverse cuisine options available for residents. Q Cute Bao-Dumplings, steamed buns, and Xiao Long Bao, to name a few.
Gochu Gang BBQ-awesome Korean BBQ. Imperio Gourmet Tamales (beef, chicken, or pork), Viva Mexican Foods- fresh guacamole, fresh salsas, corn chips, ceviche, and shrimp cocktails.
Alex Fruits and Nuts, Original Kettle Corn, and Linnie Bee Puff provided a great selection of original treats for multiple occasions.
People with a sweet tooth were able to get in on the action. Bread Love-Breads and Desserts, Cheesecake Labs, and Chaupain Artisan Bakery-fresh baked breads and pastries. They also served up French Kefir and cheese.
Hot and cold beverages were served by Zen Tea House, premium Loose Leaf Teas and Herbs, Summit Juice Co., and Del Cid Coffee.
Creative Artisans on site consisted of Pëurr Soap Co-Body/Hair/Shave-premium Olive Oil & Goat Milk Soaps. Love Kenya Kids-imported women’s apparel and accessories, and Handcrafted Pearl & Gem Jewelry-Handmade Tahitian & Freshwater Pearl Jewelry.
Farm to Table fresh produce and fruits were provided by Markowicz Eggs (Rhode Island eggs, Quail eggs, and duck eggs), Tulare County GFarm, Ayala Farms, Berumen Boys Farms, Scorpion Farms, Acevedo Farm, Bonta Farm, Great Day Farms, and Renzler Farms.
I’m thinking about expanding my writing horizon to include food critic. This will provide me an opportunity to visit local restaurants to sample their menu with ingredients that were locally sourced from the Hawthorne Farmers Market. Think also of the international cuisines that will be served during the upcoming FIFA World Cup Watch/Viewing Parties from ingredients sourced from the local farmers’ market. Can we say “City of Good Neighbors” in unison?
As you can see, Hawthorne Farmers Market has something for everyone. Hawthorne is actively seeking local vendors to be a part of this exciting new venture. If you are a farmer, food producer, or artisan interested in joining the market, the City encourages you to apply at https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__LocalFarmersMarket.com_vendor&d=DwIF-g&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=H87LzY2vqthYlOFokKtR2g&m=Rpzmw-JlsuNXh2tQCUD2cbVARz8_GCSdk3dR_qUgGGTBiuxnnUZW8BWaI8PjGRuN&s=sQovy4EKe4zWcE4K3rP5N-OIEMYFiKFvdoGncioXmkQ&e=. You can reach out to Locallafm@gmail.com with questions.
The Hawthorne Farmers Market is established under the Hawthorne Chamber of Commerce, serving as the Market operator. To ensure a high-quality experience, the market will be managed by Local LA Farmer’s Market in collaboration with the City. This partnership provides end-to-end support, from vendor recruitment and site logistics to marketing and financial management, allowing the market to grow sustainably alongside the community.
Shout out to the above-mentioned partnership. Residents and visitors alike are thrilled to be able to shop at a local farmers’ market, knowing that they are supporting local businesses and knowing exactly where their food is coming from.
Community members are encouraged to mark their calendars for each Sunday going forward. It is important to stay in the know about the Hawthorne Farmers Market. Residents can subscribe to the City’s email notifications through the City’s homepage, and follow Hawthorne’s social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Hawthorne Farmers Market is closed on Sunday, May 24th, for Memorial Day Weekend. The Market will reopen on Sunday, May 31, 2026.