(SALINAS, Calif., April 14, 2025) — Natividad’s Farmers’ Market at 1441 Constitution Blvd. in Salinas launched its new season on April 2, and it’s just getting started! Continuing every Wednesday from 10 am to 2:30 pm through the summer, the market serves more than just farm-fresh produce — it’s a destination for wellness, connection, and culinary inspiration.

An interactive cooking demonstration is scheduled for Wednesday, April 23, and will be led by Chef James Vergara, MS, a community-focused nutrition educator and industry-trained chef. Vergara will prepare and sample his flavorful and gluten-free Turkish Lentil Balls (Mercimek Köftesi), a vibrant and healthy recipe perfect for spring.

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About Chef James Vergara, MS

James Vergara, MS, is a nutrition educator and professionally trained chef passionate about community health. Originally from Long Beach, Calif., he earned his degree in agroecology at UC Santa Cruz before completing his master’s in nutrition in Portland, Oregon.

James began his culinary journey as a line cook in a nutrition-centered restaurant, eventually working in several Portland kitchens. Later, he transitioned into community culinary education at a local outpatient clinic, where he developed seasonal recipes and taught cooking classes. He now brings that expertise to Everyone’s Harvest, where he combines nutrition education and culinary arts in a culturally rich, community-driven setting.

Now based in Marina, James is passionate about ensuring access to nutritious food for all and is excited to be part of the Natividad Farmers’ Market.

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Upcoming Events at the Market

April 23 – Cooking Demo with Chef James Vergara
May 28 – Nutritional Tasting with Edible Education staff
June 25 – Cooking Demo with Chef Rondi Robison
July 16 – Cooking Demo Chef to be Announced
August 27 – Cooking Demo with Chef Goi Yujaroen

Learn more at www.natividad.com/farmers-market.

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About Natividad

Natividad is a hospital and trauma center providing compassionate high-quality health care to everyone, regardless of ability to pay. Located in Salinas, Calif., Natividad is a public health care system offering a wide range of inpatient, outpatient, emergency, diagnostic and specialty medical care for adults and children.

For more information, please call (831) 755-4111 or visit www.natividad.com.

Media Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain, The Buzz PR

marci@thebuzzpr.net | 831-747-7455

Hillary Fish, Director of Marketing & Community Relations

fishh@natividad.com | 831-783-2693