SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Jay Riddell, whom vendors call the face and host of the GreenHaven Pocket (GHP) Farmers Market, has been volunteering for less than a year, but he’s already become an invaluable assistant to Vic Cima, the general manager of the market. Cima said many market volunteers deserve recognition.

The first volunteer to show up early every Sunday morning is John Doke. The sun cannot rise on the farmers market until Doke gives the “OK!” He is in charge of the setup and has been doing it for three years. Doke is there throughout the day. Another very dependable early arrival every Sunday is George Pinto. Not too long after comes Aaron Jefferson and his pickup to haul things out. In addition to being a volunteer, Jefferson is Elk 6’s Lecturing Knight.

Doke and Riddell work together to make sure all of the vendors have everything they need.

Cima explains, “I hate making thank-you lists because I’ll always miss someone. I worry I might forget to mention my lifelong friend Ron Sharp, whom I’ve known for over 70 years.”

Cima says it’s a pleasure to see vendors refer to Jay Riddell as the face and host of the market. He admits it meant a lot to him when Riddell received the following note from one of the market’s vendors:

9/14/25, 9:49 a.m.

Mr. Jay: “The heart of a volunteer is not measured in size, but by the depth of their commitment to make a difference in the lives of others.”

Thank you for your kindness – and most of all, your humor. Thank you for being here. You are the face of this market, and we appreciate you.

With much love,

Nikko Kenney, HomeGrown, Inc.

 Kenney, who is the president of HomeGrown, Inc., also shared:

“Our mission at HomeGrown, Inc. is to empower communities with the knowledge, resources, and skills to cultivate self-sufficiency through homegrown food production. We are dedicated to fostering sustainable, resilient, and thriving communities by educating individuals in the art of growing their own nourishment.

Through accessible education, hands-on training, and community engagement, we aim to break down barriers to food insecurity, promote healthier lifestyles, and cultivate a deep sense of self-reliance.

Together, we sow the seeds of self-sufficiency for a more sustainable and equitable world.”