Summer is here: A seasonal Salinas farmers market returns Friday, May 8.

A South Salinas farmers market is back.

Starting Friday, May 8, the Salinas Valley Health Certified Market is slated to make a comeback for the season.

“Rain or shine, we are open May to November,” according to a post by Salinas Valley Health.

Salinas Valley Health funds this market, which is operated by Everyone’s Harvest, a nonprofit that runs farmers markets throughout Monterey County, including in Pacific Grove, Marina and Seaside. Both organizations “invite you to shop fresh, local produce and prepared foods while connecting with the community each week.”

SVH is also a partner in Everyone’s Harvest’s Fresh RX program, in which physicians can write prescriptions for fruits and vegetables to patients at risk of diet-related conditions, and patients can then use those prescriptions to get up to $25 worth of produce each week. 

In addition, Everyone’s Harvest farmers market vendors accept several forms of payment, including EBT, WIC and FMNP senior benefits. Thanks to the nonprofit’s Market Match program, for every $1 customers spend on their EBT card, Market Match will match $1 to buy fresh produce up to $30 per day (that means $30 on a customer’s EBT card will be worth up to $60). 

In addition, the year-round Alisal Farmers Market operated by Everyone’s Harvest extended hours from 11am-3pm as of May 5. Full summer hours kick in on June 2, when the market will be open from 11am-4pm through Oct. 20. The Market is located at 632 E. Alisal St., Salinas.

The seasonal market at SVH is scheduled to take place on Fridays, from May 8 to Nov. 6. The market will run from 11:30am to 4:30pm, at the hospital parking lot on the corner of East Romie Lane and Wilgart way.

“Mark your calendars,” the organizers said in an announcement. “Support local farmers and enjoy the best of the season each week. See you there!”