High Country Conservancy secured the grant on behalf of the Anza Farmers’ Market to support infrastructure improvements and expanded family and community programming.
The High Country Conservancy has been awarded a $5,000 Community Improvement Designation grant from Riverside County’s Third District on behalf of the Anza Farmers’ Market. The funding will support improvements to the market’s on-site infrastructure and help expand opportunities for community and family activities.
The CID grant program is administered through the office of Supervisor Chuck Washington, which accepts applications from eligible nonprofit organizations serving Third District residents.
As a Certified Farmers’ Market, the Anza Farmers’ Market provides consumers with direct access to fresh produce from California farmers while also creating a gathering place for local residents, small businesses, artisans and families.
Market Manager Annika Knöppel also serves as a Producer Representative on the California Department of Food and Agriculture Certified Farmers’ Market Advisory Committee, bringing additional experience and statewide perspective to the market’s operations and support of California agriculture.
Planned Farmer’s Market Improvements
The $5,000 CID grant will support improvements such as:
- Dedicated storage:
- Secure, weather-resistant on-site storage for market equipment, signage and supplies, making weekly setup and breakdown more efficient.
- Trash and recycling containers:
- Additional resources to help keep the market grounds clean and well maintained for vendors, visitors and neighboring properties.
- Enhanced site lighting:
- Improved visibility and accessibility, particularly for evening and seasonal community events.
- Stage and performance area:
- A dedicated space for local musicians, cultural performances, demonstrations and other community programming.
- Kids’ activity area:
- A family-friendly space for educational activities, creative workshops, games and rotating youth programs.
The High Country Conservancy applied for and received the CID grant on behalf of the Anza Farmers’ Market as part of its ongoing commitment to supporting programs that strengthen and enrich the local community.
“We are grateful to Riverside County’s Third District for recognizing the value the Farmers’ Market brings to the Anza community,” said Annika Knöppel, Market Manager and CDFA Certified Farmers’ Market Advisory Committee member. “This funding gives us the opportunity to make practical improvements to the market while creating more space for families, local growers, musicians and community activities.”
Improvements funded through the grant are expected to begin rolling out in the coming weeks.
The Anza Farmers’ Market is a Certified Farmers’ Market connecting consumers directly with California agricultural producers while also providing opportunities for local artisans, food vendors, small businesses and community organizations. The market serves as both a source for locally grown food and a gathering place for the Anza community.
The High Country Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to land conservation, environmental stewardship and community enrichment in the high country region of Southern California. The conservancy supports initiatives that help preserve the area’s natural resources, rural character and quality of life while strengthening the communities it serves.
For more information, contact Annika Knöppel at anzafarmersmarket@gmail.com or on
Facebook at @anzafarmersmarket.
Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia.com.
