about us

our mission

At Forager's Market, we are committed to strengthening local food economies and promoting diversity in the communities we serve. By working with our partners, we aim to create a healthy food ecosystem that supports small-scale local growers and producers, while providing equal access to fresh foods for all.

our values

We are dedicated to fostering healthy communities by providing access to fresh and nutritious food for everyone, promoting healthy lifestyle choices.

We believe in empowering small-scale food and farm entrepreneurs to achieve financial success. Our farmers markets serve as business incubators, offering low overhead costs and direct customer engagement to help vendors develop sound business skills, create jobs, and grow their businesses.

We believe in collaborating with stakeholders, including local civic and community organizations, and thought leaders, to improve, strengthen, and create vibrant, healthy local communities.

We place a high value on our relationships with our small vendor community, as they are the foundation of our market. We collaborate closely with our small suppliers to provide our customers with an exceptional shopping experience.

Our commitment is to offer only the finest, freshly harvested locally grown produce and meals prepared with care, passion, and adherence to strict food safety standards.

our accomplishments

Awarded Certificate of Appreciation by City of Livermore for successfully re-imagining and restoring the Livermore Farmers Market

Mayor John Marchand, October 8, 2020

Featured Change Maker for spearheading the reboot of the San Ramon Farmers Market at City Center Bishop Ranch to reflect vibrancy and diversity.

Diablo Magazine, Agents of Change, 2021

West Oakland now has its own Farmers Market

Katy Achinson, 2022

 

Harvindar Singh, our lead forager and founder

Harvindar Singh is an accomplished local food buyer with a proven track record of success. From 2006 to 2016, he worked with Whole Foods Market to develop and expand their local sourcing program. As the company's first Local Forager in Northern California, he played a key role in the growth and success of several top-performing natural and organic brands, including Three Twins Ice Cream, Farmhouse Culture, Rustic Bakery, St Benoit Yogurt, Firebrand Artisan Breads, Wild Brine, Farmhouse Culture, Revive Kombucha, Alexandre Family Farm, and Miyoko’s Creamery. His work in incubating these brands was widely recognized and featured in a variety of publications, including the Wall Street Journal, SF Business Times, and ABC Nightline.

After leaving Whole Foods Market in 2016, Harv started Forager Ventures, a brand development company. As his first major project, his company created and launched the first organic A2/A2 milk company, Alexandre Family Farm. In 2019, he returned to his roots in the farmers market world and today, along with his team, operates certified farmers markets in San Ramon, Livermore, West Oakland, and Fremont.

The best part of his job is to scour the Bay Area and beyond for the best-in-class local products and culinary experiences that he can bring to a Foragers Market near you!  

 

Justin Johal, our other half

Justin Johal graduated with honors from St. Mary's College in 2021, and has always had a passion for local and small businesses, which drew him towards the unique atmosphere of farmers markets. As Director of Operations, he is responsible for supervising the day-to-day and back end activities for Foragers Market, with a strong emphasis on enhancing the experiences of both customers and vendors. His commitment to the farmers market industry can be traced back to his early years when he volunteered for the launch of the San Ramon Farmers Market in 2006, which ignited his desire to assist small businesses and foster a welcoming and lively community gathering space.

Justin loves conversing with local producers and growers to gain insights into new techniques and approaches, whether it's learning how to prune a tree to yield the sweetest fruit or mastering the art of making the fluffiest croissant possible. You can find him at the markets, eagerly searching for the most delectable option of the day!