St. Helena’s Farmers’ Market Applies Blue Zones Project Principles to Benefit Community

Local farmers, community members gather over locally grown produce

The St. Helena Farmers’ Market brings together the communities in the Upper Napa Valley each Friday from May through October to find, connect and learn about the finest farm-fresh and sustainably grown produce, specialty foods, and artisan goods available directly from the source. Over the past 35 years, the market has brought local farmers and members of the community together to educate the community on the benefits of eating locally produced, organic, and sustainable produce.

“The market isn’t just a place to buy fruits and vegetables, but a place to gather with friends and community members,” says Stacey Bressler, a member of the board of directors for the St. Helena Farmers’ Market. “The community has been working to embrace healthy living, and the Blue Zones Project is changing the way we look at our health and mortality.”

The market aligns with several of the Blue Zones tenants, encouraging people to slow down, enjoy plant-based recipes, and spend time with friends and neighbors. Because there is produce year-round in the area, residents can experience new fruits and vegetables each season of the year, giving them different ways to creatively maintain a healthy diet.

The market is governed by a volunteer board of directors working to bring local growers and artisans together with the community and to educate people on the importance of eating locally grown organic seasonal produce.

Bressler says the spirit of the market is entwined with the spirit of the community. “It's a wonderful place to come together to share ideas, recipes, and good food,” she says.

Napa Valley is known worldwide for its wonderful food and wine, and the community takes full advantage of it. “We are so excited to have Blue Zones here in the Upper Napa Valley and are thrilled for the opportunity to come together to live longer, better.”

To hear more about how Blue Zones Project will make healthier eating choices with resources grown right in the Upper Napa Valley, check out this video of Stacey Bressler sharing her story.