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West Valley Farmers Market Expanding Despite Pandemic

Thirteen years ago, when Christa Esquibel started Momma’s Organic Market in the West Valley, there were a few other markets in town — but they weren’t in her part of town.

So when they opened up, they tapped into a market that everyone else had overlooked until then. And the reaction was swift.

Today, they’re expanding from one market at Arrowhead Towne Center and opening up two more. The Sterling Grove Market launched Sept. 6 in Surprise, and the Peoria Night Market is set to launch in early October.

The Show spoke with Esquibel about the expansion amidst a pandemic — and why she wanted to open in the West Valley.

Update — Oct. 27, 2020Effective immediately, the Surprise market originally located at Sterling Grove, will move to Asante Prep Academy (23251 N. 166th Dr. in Surprise). The market will continue every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through May. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Peoria Night Market, originally located at Park West, has been cancelled for the season.

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Lauren Gilger, host of KJZZ's The Show, is an award-winning journalist whose work has impacted communities large and small, exposing injustices and giving a voice to the voiceless and marginalized.