Marina District Business Association

Farmers’ Markets

The MDBA Farmers’ Markets: Growing a Self‑Sufficient, Protected & Thriving Community

The Marina District Business Association (MDBA) is expanding — and with this growth comes a renewed commitment to building a community that is self‑sufficient, culturally grounded, and economically empowered.

As part of this expansion, ASCENDKemet Collective Farmers’ Markets are now transitioning under the MDBA umbrella. This shift strengthens our ability to support local vendors, unify our neighborhood identity, and build a sustainable ecosystem that nourishes both individuals and the community as a whole.

Bringing the markets under MDBA allows us to:
• Centralize vendor support and communication
• Expand market operations and vendor opportunities
• Strengthen our district’s economic and cultural identity
• Build a sustainable financial engine for community programs
• Align our markets with broader stewardship and wellness goals

This transition is not just administrative — it is strategic. It ensures that our markets continue to grow in ways that uplift the community, protect our shared spaces, and cultivate long‑term self‑sufficiency for everyone involved.

A Marketplace Rooted in Self‑Sufficiency & Community Care

Our farmers’ markets are designed to help individuals and families build the life skills needed to thrive. We believe that caring for our bodily temples — through fresh food, wellness practices, and cultural nourishment — is inseparable from caring for the temples we build together: our neighborhoods, our gathering spaces, and our community institutions.

When we strengthen both, we create a community where everyone feels:
• Protected
• Preserved
• Connected
• Empowered

The MDBA Farmers’ Market is a living example of this philosophy. It is a place where economic independence, cultural expression, and community stewardship come together to form a resilient ecosystem.

Why Farmers, Food Vendors & Artisans Are Essential to Our Ecosystem

Farmers
Farmers anchor our markets by providing fresh, nutrient‑rich foods that support physical health and reconnect us to the land.

Their work teaches discipline, sustainability, and the importance of caring for the earth so it can continue to care for us.

Food Vendors
Food vendors transform ingredients into nourishment, culture, and connection. They bring flavors, traditions, and stories that strengthen our community identity and support healthier eating habits.

Artisan Vendors
Artisans bring creativity, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage to the marketplace. Their work supports economic independence, preserves traditions, and enriches the cultural fabric of the Marina District.

Together, these vendors create a marketplace that is vibrant, diverse, and deeply rooted in community care.

Community Programs That Support Access, Equity & Wellness

Our markets are committed to ensuring that every household has access to fresh, healthy, culturally meaningful foods. To support this, we proudly participate in several community benefit programs:

SNAP/EBT
We accept EBT at the market, making fresh produce and prepared foods accessible to families using CalFresh benefits.

WIC (Women, Infants & Children)
Eligible families can use WIC benefits with participating farmers and vendors, supporting maternal and child health.

SFMNP (Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program)
Seniors receive vouchers to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs from local farmers, supporting both health and independence.

eGift Cards
Our digital gift cards allow families, friends, and community partners to support local vendors while encouraging healthy food choices.

Stamp Card Rewards Program
Shoppers earn stamps for each purchase and receive rewards once their card is filled. This program strengthens vendor sales and encourages repeat visits.

These programs ensure that our markets remain inclusive, equitable, and accessible — supporting both community members and local businesses.

Vendor Application Process

Find the full vendor application process below:

1. Vendor Application + Deposit
All vendors complete an application and submit a required deposit to reserve their space.

2. Application Review
Our team reviews permits, product details, and vendor fit.

3. Approval & Vendor Membership
Approved vendors join the MDBA Vendor Membership, which includes weekly booth fees and access to the Vendor Dashboard.

4. Market Scheduling
Vendors select their market dates and receive setup instructions.

5. Vendor Dashboard Access
Vendors gain access to resources, rules, checklists, and ongoing communication.
This process ensures that every vendor is supported, prepared, and aligned with our community values.

Complete the Vendor Application Form Below

Which option best fits your setup?
Name:
Please select your Vendor Category:
(Note: Please pay the correct amount according to your selected category. Vendors must indicate booth size. All vendors are required to pay the State of California Department of Agriculture Weekly Vendor Fee of $2. Certified Growers must pay $2 per certificate. Shared booths must pay $2 per vendor. All vendors pay either the flat fee or 10% of sales, whichever is greater)
Booth Size Preference
(Note: Booth fees will vary depending on the booth size selected.)
Please enter your California State Sales Tax Number (add N/A if unavailable)
Please enter your Temporary Food Facility (TFF) or Health Permit number: (add N/A if unavailable)
Liability Insurance
Please attach a copy of your Liability Insurance when prompted: (add N/A if unavailable)
For which Farmers' Market are you applying?
Please list the items you will sell.
Cooking On-Site
Generator Use
Do you have a generator?
Please explain what you make or the services you provide (For Other Vendor or Service).
Any additional information you’d like to share with the market manager?
If you are joining both markets, please submit the combined deposit.
Minimum Price: $10.00
A non‑refundable deposit is required to submit your application and reserve your space. Deposit amounts vary based on the market you are joining (Friday, Saturday, or both) and your vendor category (Food or Artisan). Your deposit is applied toward your first scheduled market date.
Vendor Compliance Agreement Statement
I have received the Rules and Regulations and agree to follow the Rules and Regulations of the ASCENDKemet Collective Certified Farmers’ Market. I have also provided all necessary permits and a copy of my liability insurance policy to Market Management. If accepted, I will read and agree to Operating Guidelines prior to participating.
Terms & Conditions
By submitting this application and participating in the ASCENDKemet Collective Certified Markets, you agree to the following terms and conditions:

First-time vendors are asked to submit a deposit before attending the market. After submitting this form, you’ll receive an email with your invoice and payment details. To confirm your spot, please submit payment by Tuesday for the Friday Market or Wednesday for the Saturday Market. Thank you for helping us keep everything organized and ready for a great market day!

Pop-Up Option (Optional)

Vendors can also join as a pop-up vendor for a flexible way to showcase products and foods. We encourage participation for at least a month, and the same payment and market guidelines applies as with our regular vendors. Please complete this form to help us keep everything running smoothly for everyone.

1. Booth Assignments & Setup:
Booth spaces are assigned by the Market Manager and are not guaranteed to remain the same from week to week.
Vendors must arrive two (2) hours before market start time to unload and set up.
Vehicle access to booth areas is limited and at the discretion of the Market Manager.
Vendor vehicles must not block customer parking areas or park in restricted spaces.

2. Cleanliness & Waste Removal:
Vendors are responsible for cleaning their booth space at the end of each market and removing all trash.
Dumping of water, ice, or liquids is strictly prohibited.
Vendors must bring a trash can for customer use and remove it at the end of the market day.

3. Permits & Insurance:
All required permits and current insurance documents must be submitted and kept on file with the Market Manager.
Vendors must provide appropriate documentation based on their vendor type (e.g., Certified Producer Certificate, TFF Permit, Cottage Food License, Seller’s Permit, etc.).

4. Cancellation Policy:
If you need to cancel, please notify us via email at vendorakccfarmersmarkets@ascendtials.org or contact Market Manager Mika at least 72 hours before the market.

Cancellations made with less than 72 hours’ notice, or failure to attend, may result in being charged the full booth fee, as our markets operate rain or shine.

To keep things fair and running smoothly for all vendors, repeated absences—whether notified or not—may result in removal from the market or placement on an alternating/substitute schedule.

5. Market Rules Compliance:
All vendors must read and sign the AKCCFM Rules & Regulations and receive approval before participating in the market.
Signage, music, booth setup, and safety practices must comply with market standards.
No early breakdowns are permitted before the official closing time.
Vendors must not park on sidewalks or islands. A vendor parking map is available upon request.

6. Conduct & Behavior:
Disrespectful, disruptive, or abusive behavior toward staff, customers, or other vendors will result in immediate and permanent removal from the market.

7. Animals:
Pets are NOT allowed at the market due to health regulations. Only service animals are permitted.

8. Fee Payment:
All vendor fees, including the $2 State Agricultural Fee, must be paid within five (5) days following each market.

9. Application Deadlines:
New vendor applications must be submitted by the 15th of each month to be considered for participation in the following month’s market(s).

10. Participation & Attendance Policy:

To ensure a consistent and successful market experience, the following updates are now in effect for all vendors:
Weekly Attendance During First Month

Vendors must not miss any market dates during their first month of participation unless requested a specific schedule (i.e. Pop-Up modality).
Absences will only be approved in the case of documented emergencies and with prior written approval.

11. Vendor License Commitment Policy:

If you obtain your vendor license with the assistance of ASCENDtials, you are required to commit to participating in the market for a minimum of one month. Failure to fulfill this commitment may result in penalties or affect eligibility for future support or participation.

Optional: Strengthen Your Success With Our Vendor Instructional Course ($49)

After submitting your application, you have the option to enroll in our Vendor Instructional Course, a self‑guided learning experience designed to help you build confidence, clarity, and long‑term success at the AKCC Farmers’ Markets.

This course is not required, but it is highly recommended for new vendors who want to:
• Understand how to set up a professional, inviting booth
• Learn market day operations and expectations
• Build customer engagement and storytelling skills
• Navigate payments, scheduling, and vendor responsibilities
• Strengthen their business foundation
• Grow within our marketplace ecosystem.

The course reflects our commitment to helping vendors develop the life skills needed to thrive — caring for your own bodily temple, honoring the shared spaces we build together, and contributing to a marketplace where everyone feels protected, preserved, and empowered.

What’s Included in the Course

• Booth layout, equipment, and safety
• Market day setup, breakdown, and etiquette
• Payment systems and vendor operations
• Food vendor health requirements
• Artisan and farmer display best practices
• Customer engagement and cultural storytelling
• Business growth strategies
• Checklists, templates, and practical tools.

This course is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of market operations and strengthen their presence as a vendor.

Course Fee: $49

Your one‑time payment gives you full access to all modules, checklists, and updates.

Enroll in the Vendor Instructional Course

Click here