420 fabulous in Palm Springs

When asked about the program,
CFMCV customer Johanna Roberts said
“Market Match has allowed me to keep
my fridge stocked with healthy, fresh
foods while keeping within my budget.
Going to the CFMCV is an integral part
of my life, so being able to match and
bring home extra fruits and veggies just
makes it even better!”
The increase in participation has placed
a financial strain on the program, and
the Certified Farmers’ Markets of the
Coachella Valley was obligated to
reduce the daily maximum matching
amount from $15/$15 down to $10/$10.
However, as soon as Chef Chad
Gardner learned about the funding gap
he personally contributed the entire
$5,000 needed to preserve the $15/$15
match through the end of the year.
Serving Diners and the Community Alike
Chad Gardner is the Chef and Creative
Director of the Gardner Hospitality
Group, a collection of culinary ventures
based in the Palm Springs area,
including Roly China Fusion, 533 Viet
Fusion, Willie’s, 1501 Uptown Gastropub,
Dash and A Handful Catering, and
the highly anticipated Sol y Sombra
Restaurant at The Paloma Resort.
Deeply connected to Palm Springs and
the desert community, Chef Gardner
is personally committed to helping
both local businesses and the region’s
underserved citizens thrive.
“I’ve made it my business over the
years to enrich our community through
restaurants and events that are
welcoming and joyful. It’s a pleasure to
extend that same spirit of hospitality and
excitement about quality food to the
tables of families who need it the most,
by supporting Certified Farmers’ Markets
of the Coachella Valley.” said Chef
Gardner.
Helping Local Family Farms
Market Match not only puts the freshest
and most nutritious produce available
in the valley directly on the table of
local families who need it most, it also
provides a much-needed boost in
revenue for small family farms. Chef
Gardner’s support for local farmers
has long been appreciated by the
CFMCV. As Market Manager Megan
Goehring expressed, “We’ve watched
with pleasure as Chef Chad’s desert
businesses blossomed. He has been
a steady CFMCV supporter since we
introduced him to Jones Girl Farm
tomatoes, back in the early Dash and
a Handful days. He’s a true culinary
professional who understands the desire
to make sure everyone can access high
quality fresh food.”
The Certified Farmers’ Markets are the
Coachella Valley’s *Original* State
and County Certified Farmers’ Markets.
“Certified” means all the produce from
participating farms at the markets has
been grown at California farms which
have been registered and inspected by
their county Agriculture Departments.
In addition, almost all the CFMCV farms
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