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Barbara Kobsar — The Jam Stand

Featured Article

Local Love

Meet the Market Makers at the Walnut Creek Farmer's Market

Nestled on Locust Street between Cole and Lacassie, the Walnut Creek Farmers Market is easily accessible by foot, bike, car, or public transit, just a short stroll from BART.

Open year-round, this market brings together more than 100 local producers, creating a vibrant hub where fresh, sustainable, and seasonal foods meet community spirit.

Founded in 1982, Contra Costa Certified Farmers Markets (CCCFM) is a nonprofit committed to supporting small family farms, educating consumers on the benefits of healthy food, and cultivating thriving local markets.

Walnut Creek’s market embodies this mission, offering a space where neighbors connect, farmers share knowledge, and shoppers discover the flavors of the Bay Area.

The market is more than a place to shop—it’s a community gathering, with cooking demos, educational outreach, and programs promoting healthy, conscientious eating.

From heirloom fruits and vegetables to artisanal breads, jams, and honey, the offerings celebrate the region’s bounty. CCCFM encourages everyone to support local growers and producers, ensuring these markets remain lively, sustainable, and deeply connected to the people they serve.

Thanks to Grower’s Square, customers enjoy the first hour of free parking at 1646 N. California Blvd (entrance on Cole Street).

The Jam Stand—Barbara Kobsar

Barbara Kobsar has been selling her jams and jellies at Walnut Creek’s Farmers Market since 1990. She has been serving as CCCFM Board President since 2012. A home economist with a science background, she started making jams as a hobby involving her young sons. Today, she sources exceptional fruits from local farms, including Brentwood apricots, Flavor King pluots, and blood oranges for her signature California Sunrise Jelly. Kobsar also shares recipes, cooking tips, and seasonal insights with shoppers, fostering a personal connection between customers and local growers.

Pete’s Gold Honey—Jill and Peter 

Pete’s Gold Honey began as a family backyard project in 2010. Starting with a single hive, Jill, Peter, and their children expanded to multiple hives in Concord and their neighbors’ yards. Today, they sell raw local honey, honeycomb, pollen, and honeysticks across several Bay Area markets. Their story of family collaboration, ethical beekeeping, and community-focused growth connects customers with the care behind each jar. The business continues to thrive, offering wholesome, local honey while educating the public on the importance of pollinators.

Farmor’s Dressing—Alex and Adam Gray

Farmor’s Dressing was founded 18 months ago to complement seasonal market produce with a versatile, flavorful dressing. Sourced from organic ingredients and made in a Lafayette kitchen alongside other local producers, their product emphasizes the richness of Bay Area cuisine. Participating in six markets, the Grays work mostly full-time, strengthening ties with the Walnut Creek community. Their mission is simple: enhance fresh produce, support local growers, and celebrate the diversity of flavors found in the region’s food scene.

Metta Micros—Vidisha Salunke

Metta Micros is a small urban farm in Concord, specializing in organic microgreens and sprouts, including sunflower, broccoli, radish, and wheatgrass. Salunke has been selling at Walnut Creek Farmers Market since 2018, teaching the value of local, seasonal, and nutritious food. Her venture also supports her son’s homeschooling and personal growth. The stall provides a tangible way for children and adults alike to connect with real food, fostering patience, appreciation, and community in every interaction.