Not for Profit
Worker-Owned Community Market Celebrates 50 Years
For 50 years, Community Market has been keeping Sonoma County well-fed and feeling good about it—no shady ingredients, always fresh, organic, and ethically sourced goodness. With locations in both Santa Rosa and Sebastopol, this worker-run market puts people and the planet first. Now, as they celebrate their golden anniversary (that’s a lot of kale sold!), we take a look at their journey, their impact, and how they’ve stayed true to their mission in a grocery world that’s always changing.
Community Market isn’t your typical grocery store—it’s a worker-owned company where employees call the shots and profits go back into the business, not corporate pockets. That means better worker benefits, community projects, and a real commitment to ethical food.
Community Market traces its roots back to 1975 when it was part of the Red Clover Workers’ Brigade, a wholesale food organization dedicated to making organic and natural foods accessible to the community at a time when such options were hard to find. In April 1976, Country People’s Warehouse, Community Market, Sunshine Produce, Morningstar Trucking (an all-female trucking company), and Red Clover Bakery (later known as Alvarado Street) united under a single umbrella organization: the Red Clover Workers’ Brigade. What began as a small volunteer-run buying club soon grew into a full-service, worker-run natural foods market. Over the years, Community Market built a loyal following because of its ethical sourcing practices and reinvestment in community. Today, it’s a trusted institution in Sonoma County’s local food movement.
Their butcher counter, Victorian Farmstead for example, only carries pastured meat from California ranches, including grass-fed beef and lamb, plus non-GMO chicken and pork. It’s all about quality, sustainability, and keeping it truly and transparently local. And the entire produce department is organic, so shoppers can choose vegetables based on what’s for dinner, not what doesn’t have nonorganic pesticides and GMOs.
Over the past five decades, Community Market has evolved with the times while remaining true to its core values. From implementing strict product policies that exclude artificial ingredients to adopting solar power and zero-waste initiatives, the market has continuously adapted to meet the shifting needs of conscious consumers.
“While our mission remains the same—providing high-quality, natural foods and fostering sustainability—we have expanded our reach and refined our practices to stay relevant in an evolving industry,” says Jenny Hartzog, Community Market’s media director. “We listen to our customers and community to ensure we’re always offering the best possible products and service.”
Community Market wouldn’t be where it is today without the support of its customers and the hardworking local farmers who supply its products. Over the years, shoppers have shaped the market’s product selection and inspired its sustainability initiatives.
“Our customers and farmers are at the heart of everything we do,” says Hartzog. “Their commitment to ethical food choices has helped build a true sense of community. We’re incredibly grateful for their support and look forward to serving them for many more years.”
Turning 50 hasn’t been without its hurdles—and Community Market has faced numerous challenges, including economic shifts, corporate competition (hello, Whole Foods), and even a devastating flood in 2019. In 2013, they expanded to Sebastopol, deepening their roots in the county. But one of their most defining moments came in 2021 with the passing of longtime General Manager Melissa Minton. Her leadership shaped the market’s identity, and to this day, when faced with a challenge, the team asks, “What would Mel do?”—a guiding mantra to stay true to their values and community-first mission.
As Community Market looks ahead, they’re all about deepening their roots—expanding education programs, building even stronger ties with local farmers and nonprofits, and giving customers more ways to get involved.
“We’re excited to keep growing as a hub for sustainable food and ethical business,” shares Hartzog. “Our commitment to food justice, sustainability, and community connection is what keeps us moving forward.”
A Celebration 50 Years in the Making
Community Market is throwing a golden anniversary bash on June 28 at its Sebastopol store, complete with live music from Black Sheep Brass Band and Sol Horizon, delicious local eats, and fun for all ages.
“This is our way of giving back to the community that’s had our back for 50 years,” Hartzog says. “And yes, it’s free—so come celebrate with us!”
Community Market Sebastopol
6762 Sebastopol Avenue, #100
(707) 407-4020
Open daily, 8am-9pm
Community Market Santa Rosa
1899 Mendocino Avenue
(707) 546-1806
Open daily, 8am-9pm