All In The Family
by Gertrude Mann
Jerry Sanchez, aka Jerry is Here, and his wife Natalia have been serving Ocean Reef customers with their fresh fruits and vegetables for 19 years. Long before we had a bountiful Farmer’s Market, the couple would set up their produce laden covered table in front of the old Gardners Market and then in the Plaza Parking lot. Members expressed such satisfaction with the Sanchez’s produce that the word quickly spread throughout our community… “Jerry is Here.”
When Jerry and Natalia started their own family, the couple brought the babies to the Reef on market days and slid them under the covered tables, caring for them as they conducted their business.
As the children grew older, they continued to help their parents with the family’s tenacre farm on Krome Avenue. The business grew as did their relationship with Ocean Reef. Members loved the couple, their commitment to service and their farm fresh products.
When Gemma Matthews, ORC Manager of our new and expanded Farmer’s Market, began her initial planning, she knew that Jerry and Natalia would be a solid anchor and could suggest other purveyors to satisfy and supply members with a variety of unique and delicious products. Jerry is Here is always here on Mondays and Thursdays at 121 Marina Drive eager to greet and serve you. Natalia joins him and makes her popular guacamole and salsa.
Just before New Years, I had the pleasure of meeting the Sanchez’s now grown children, Natalie and Jerry Jr., who were once again helping their parents. Natalia says, “They always help us here when they can. Also on the farm and at home. We are so proud of them.” Both Sanchez children are currently in high school. Natalie wants to be an interior designer. Jerry Jr. is looking forward to college and becoming an engineer. Jerry is Here is truly an All-in-the- Family Story!
Look for them each week when you come to purchase their fresh, local fruits and vegetables.
Happy New Year!
Featured above from left: Natalie, Natalia, Jerry Jr. and Jerry Sr. Sanchez