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32 Years
experience
Your Trusted Farmers Market & Food Education Hub in SF
Since 1994, Cuesa has been dedicated to connecting the Bay Area community with fresh, local food and sustainable family farms through world-class farmers markets and educational programs. Our mission centers on growing thriving communities by leveraging the power of local food systems. We operate two primary marketsthe Ferry Plaza Farmers Market and the Mission Community Marketproviding critical food access points while supporting over 130 local farms and food businesses. Our educational initiatives, including Cuesa Kids and Cuesa Teens, empower future generations to engage with healthy eating and sustainable practices. Through programs like Market Match, we make fresh food more accessible to underserved populations by doubling CalFresh benefits.

We prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion across all operations, fostering partnerships that advance social justice in food systems. Our public education efforts, from cooking demos to seasonal festivals, deepen community connections to local food. With a focus on environmental stewardship, we advocate for regenerative farming practices that protect our planets future. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we rely on donations, volunteers, and sponsors to sustain our free programs. Over three decades, weve become a cornerstone of the Bay Areas food landscape, driven by a vision of a fair, equitable, and delicious food future for all.
Services
Farmers Markets Educational Programs Food Access Initiatives Chef Partnerships Public Cooking Demos
Details
  • Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
  • Weve connected Bay Area residents with local food since 1994.
  • Our markets support over 130 sustainable family farms and food businesses.
  • Free educational programs teach kids and teens about healthy eating and farming.
  • Market Match doubles CalFresh benefits to improve food access for all.
  • Committed to equity, sustainability, and building a just food system.
What people say
Amazing local produce Supports small farms Great family activities Helpful staff Vibrant community hub
Services
Farmers Markets
Cuesa operates two year-round farmers markets connecting residents with fresh, seasonal produce from over 130 local farms. Our markets foster community engagement through interactive experiences and support small-scale agriculture. Shoppers access peak-season ingredients while learning about sustainable farming practices directly from producers.
Educational Programs
Our youth initiatives teach nutrition and farming knowledge through hands-on market experiences. Cuesa Kids serves elementary students with curriculum-linked lessons, while Cuesa Teens offers paid internships for career development in food systems. Programs emphasize equity and accessibility for underserved communities.
Food Access Initiatives
Market Match doubles government nutrition benefits like CalFresh EBT to make local food affordable. We remove financial barriers through this program, ensuring low-income families access fresh produce without compromising quality. Partnerships with social service organizations expand our reach to vulnerable populations.
People
Nina Ichikawa
Executive Director
Nina leads Foodwises strategic vision, combining decades of food justice advocacy with policy expertise. She champions equitable food systems through market operations and community partnerships.
Dominic Mrowka
Market Operations Director
Dominic oversees daily market functions, ensuring seamless experiences for vendors and shoppers. His background in sustainable agriculture strengthens relationships with local farmers and food producers.
Questions
What is Cuesa's mission?
We connect communities with local food through farmers markets and education programs, promoting sustainability, equity, and resilience in food systems.
Where are your farmers markets located?
Our Ferry Plaza Market operates at One Ferry Building, SF. The Mission Community Market is at 84 Bartlett St, SF (March-November).
Do you accept EBT payments?
Yes! We double CalFresh EBT benefits through Market Match to make fresh food more affordable for all shoppers.
How can kids learn about food systems?
Our Cuesa Kids program offers free farm-to-table lessons for elementary students. Teens can join paid internships through Cuesa Teens.
How do you support local farmers?
We provide 130+ small farms with direct-to-consumer sales opportunities, marketing support, and programs connecting them with chefs and institutions.