Trip to Berkeley, Phat Beets Farmer’s Market and Inspector Gadje Brass Band

Phat Beets Produce is a community collective organized to bring food justice, community gardens, and farmers markets to an area … that needs them. Oola and I like going to a small market held each Saturday in the parking lot of a medical clinic in North Oakland.

“Phat Beets Produce aims to create a healthier, more equitable food system in North Oakland through providing affordable access to fresh produce, facilitating youth leadership in health and nutrition education, and connecting small farmers to urban communities via the creation of farm stands, farmers’ markets, and urban youth market gardens.” That’s Phat Beet’s mission statement.

We spoke with Brett Benner, a member of the collective from its early days. He said that the organization wants to add more community events, like a monthly flea market, to the calendar. We were surprised and delighted by a community event: the sound of live music by the Inspector Gadje Brass Band. And joyous dancing by The Community.