Farmers markets serve the community

The Community Action Partnership of Kern held another farmers market on Saturday, and over 150 people waited in line to take advantage of free fruits and vegetables.

Families, seniors and adults who can't afford fresh, healthy produce and staple foods were able to pick them up for free.

Watermelon, cantaloupe, potatoes, oranges and onions were displayed, and attendees filled up their bags.

"If attendees could bring their own small carts or wagons, that would be helpful to the vendors because the market only has a few carts for customer use," Downtown Business Association Vice President Camilo Vasquez suggested for the next farmer's market. "Bags can get heavy very quickly, so lifting and carrying your selection could cause some physical problems if the attendee isn't careful."

However, volunteers were available to assist attendees in filling their bags, carts or wagons with produce.

Volunteer groups such as the Wasco High School wrestling team and a Catholic-volunteer group assisted the vendors by pre-bagging the produce, which enabled the attendees to grab and go.

Wasco Union Elementary School District board member Richard Reding and his wife, Sarah, provided water to the volunteers.

For information on the CAPK food bank, contact 661-398-4520 or the 2-1-1 assistance number.