By Margarida Kondak

Member, Homer Farmers Market Board

Homer Farmers Market (HFM) Board of Directors would like to thank the vendors, staff and community members who made our Annual Meeting on Saturday, Jan. 24, such a success. We gratefully had 65 people in attendance. Our big news that was highlighted is we have started a multi-year capital campaign with the ultimate motivation of buying our own land. We treasure our current location, and we are in a multi-year lease, so are not moving yet. However, we are proactively pursuing land ownership so we can secure our forever home. The vision for HFM’s future is a centrally located parcel that is safe and accessible (ADA, bikers, walkers, etc.) that feels very welcoming and supports community resilience for generations to come.

During the meeting we celebrated 2025 successes, including 532 kids participating at the kids tent, which was staffed by the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies and supported by The Homer Foundation. With the support of Alaska Farmers Market Association and private donors, we had a record-breaking year in both of our food equity programs. 

First, we matched an incredible $8,517 in SNAP this year! Including QUEST sales and match, $17,270 of QUEST was spent at HFM in 2025 on healthy, locally grown and produced food. Included in this figure, thanks to Chugachmiut Health Services, we also provided locally grown food and SNAP matching at both Nanwalek and Port Graham community health fairs. We’re very proud of the second food equity program we administer. For that one, we purchase food at market price and distribute it to our pantries. In 2025, we sent $24,453 worth of food for the Anchor Point and Homer Food Pantries.

We would like to recognize the following people/businesses for their door prize donations at the meeting: Adventure Harvest, Wilson’s Proper Edge, Twitter Creek Gardens, Hiding Birch Farm, Red Bird Kitchen, Simply Fresh Salsa, MJ Earthworks Ceramics, The Bagel Shop, Shaman’s Cave, Synergy Gardens, Callista Dreaming, Wooden Diamonds, Sweet Berries, Luba’s Garden, Will Grow Farm, Bridge Creek Birch Syrup, Mavis Mueller Art, Udder Delights Alaska, It’s Us Candles, Luxurious Lathers, Alaska Made Makeup, Alaska Beauty Peony Cooperative and Snowshoe Hollow Farm. Additionally, thank you to our enthusiastic and versatile MC Kyle Schneider, Zen Den Cafe for generously acting as our drop-off point for door prize donations, and to Porcupine Theater for their venue and support on the day of the meeting. 

As the HFM starts this land-pursuing process, we are actively seeking community members’ input. There will be multiple ways for community members to get involved throughout this campaign. If you are interested in learning more about current opportunities to get involved, please take a minute to let us know what you’d like to learn more about through this survey. (Note: this is not a commitment, just an interest survey.)

Margarida Kondak is a local community member and Homer Farmers Market enthusiast. Currently she serves on the Board of Directors and historically has been a Market founder, staff, volunteer and —for all 27 years — one of the Market’s biggest fans.