
My name is Elizabeth Jimenez Rosnel, a mother of two adult sons whom I raised to understand the value of local produce and products. With years of experience in the farmers market realm, and with a lifelong love and appreciation of fresh nutritious foods, I joined Petaluma Bounty this spring as Farmers Market Ambassador.
A deep appreciation of fresh foods leads to a long career
I’ve always had a love of quality produce and foods in general. I grew up helping my grandfather in his vegetable garden, and helped my grandmother prepare the harvest for canning. While in college, I took an international cooking class in San Francisco and became a foodie at heart. My interest in local foods grew deeper as a young adult and a mother, and I delved into a career in the fresh, local foods industry.
Back in 1985, when the first Northern California farmers’ market opened in Marin County, I was there as a vendor. My career with Marin Gourmet, selling Mediterranean vegetarian packaged foods at numerous farmers markets, spanned 25-plus years. I spent many satisfying hours at farmers markets in San Francisco, Marin County, Santa Rosa, Oakland, Pleasanton, Walnut Creek, Davis, and Palo Alto.
Making local food accessible; making people happy
During those years, I strived to strengthen the relationships between local food producers and consumers by educating, nourishing, and making local food accessible to all people in our communities. My favorite parts of the job working was the sprit of sharing, and being able to serve my community and family. I especially enjoyed making people happy and satisfied with what was being offered. Although I found it challenging to rise early to get to the locations in time to set up and sell, the rewarding experiences made it more than worth it.
Raising my sons to carry on values
My sons were exposed to our local farmers markets from a young age and I taught them the value of good, high quality produce and other products and how it contributed to their health and wellbeing. We often went to farmers markets as a family and they also tagged along with me when I was a vendor to get the full experience. I began teaching them basic cooking skills at the age of 10, and they continue to expand on their gardening and cooking skills as adults.
Both of my sons have taken permaculture gardening college classes. My older son, Santiago, who now works at the Presidio Golden Gate National Parks, was a volunteer at our Bounty Farm. My younger son has been working at Good Earth natural food store, and various cafes and restaurants. They both have a love of diverse cuisines, learning how to replicate dishes that appeal to them.
Joining the Bounty as Farmers Market Ambassador
With that background, I joined Petaluma Bounty this spring as a Farmers Market Ambassador. I work closely with market managers, the Petaluma Bounty team, and our vibrant local community to provide space for the local community of growers, producers, and makers by supporting, educating, and expanding sustainable agriculture.
I currently work at the evening Novato, Petaluma, and Rohnert Park markets. My all-time favorite foods at the markets are Chad’s Soups and Sandwiches and any fresh seasonal fruits available.
If I’m not at one of the markets, you can find me in my backyard gardening or at my local health club doing yoga, Zumba, or swimming laps.
What an inspiring story! Elizabeth’s journey from being a former vendor at the farmers’ market to becoming a Farmers Market Ambassador is a testament to her dedication and passion for good food. Her dream to bring local food accessible is a good act of great human being.
Elizabeth deserves our kudos & respect. She is an asset to both the Farmers Market community & the community at large! I’m proud to be her friend!