Vancouver Farmers’ Markets

20 years of farm to table goodness

• For the last 20 years, Vancouver Farmers Markets have fed people and created community. We are a registered non-profit society that supports small farm production, nourishes community and connects neighbours. Founded in 1995, Vancouver Farmers Markets (VFM) has grown to become one of Canada’s leading organizers of farmers markets, with nine weekly markets that support over 250 producers and host 450,000 shoppers per year.

When you shop at a Vancouver Farmers Market, you’re not just buying fresh, delicious food directly from local producers; you’re taking an active part in the local food revolution and helping to create a sustainable food system in Vancouver and BC. That means helping to feed people in our region, supporting the local economy and protecting our local environment and farmland for decades to come.

Along with providing us core funds, aka the “meat and potatoes” of our operations, the support of folks like yourself help us create thriving community spaces that serve as access points for healthy food, wellness education, neighbourhood arts and culture and social change.

How we’ve grown

Vancouver Farmers Markets started out as East Vancouver Farmers Market, which descended upon eight skeptical farmers in the parking lot of the Croatian Cultural Centre. They sold out within a couple of hours. Word travelled quickly and the second week there were twice as many farmers and 800-1200 people were attending on a weekly basis. The market ran for 11 weeks and generated almost $40,000 in sales.

Now in our 20th year, Vancouver Farmers Markets operate nine weekly markets and host 425,000 people annually. Our markets support 250 small BC producers and help keep over 6,000 acres of farmland in production. Each year, VFM contributes more than $15 million in direct and indirect benefits to the local and regional economy.

Here’s how you can join the party

You don’t turn 20 everyday and we plan to celebrate this season with a series of 20th Anniversary events, contests, limited edition merchandise and festivities. Enter our #VFM20 photo contest on Instagram for your chance to win $100 in Market Money! Take a walk down memory lane with Moments in History panels at the markets and follow our #tbt and Founding Vendor profiles on our Market News blog. Become a Market Member during our 20th Anniversary Membership Drive. Check out our exclusive 20th Anniversary Market Merch, including the limited edition tee, handmade in BC cedar Market Crate and Market Tote Bag. See www.eatlocal.org

CSA box program

Community Supported Agriculture, often shortened to CSA, is a prepaid subscription to a farm’s produce for the season. Most CSAs give shareholders a weekly supply of veggies, herbs, fruits and sometimes even eggs and meat. You know it’s fresh and you get to meet the farm and people who grew your food. The prepaid CSA arrangements also make it a source of financial security for the farmer. Some CSAs also incorporate farm workdays for shareholders. Pickup days vary by farm and some offer pickups at a VFM location. A subscription to a CSA makes a great gift. For a list of vendors, see http://eatlocal.org/csa-box-program/ Contact them directly for more information.

Make a donation

In 2015, 50% of funds raised go directly to the Farmers Market Nutrition Coupon Program, with the goal to bring more low-income families and seniors to the markets. Donations of $20 or more receive the benefits of VFM Membership. Support us in our mission to create and nurture a local, sustainable and vibrant marketplace for our community, environment, and economy. Donate at eatlocal.org

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Source: Vancouver Farmers Markets, www.eatlocal.org
For a list of farmers markets throughout BC and Alberta, see:
www.bcfarmersmarket.org
www.albertamarkets.com/markets

berry and tomato photos © James Boardman
corn photo © Alex Grichenko

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Feast of Fields

Experience the harvest, gourmet style
UBC Farm, Sunday Sept 13, 1-5pm

This four-hour wandering harvest festival is Farm Folk City Folk’s (FFCF) annual fundraising event. With a wine glass and linen napkin in hand, you can taste the very best of BC from chefs, farmers, fishers, ranchers, food artisans, vintners, brewers, distillers and other beverage producers from across the province. Feast of Fields highlights the connections between farmer and chef, field and table, and farm folks and city folks. Feast of Fields is a gastronomic journey towards a sustainable, local food system. For tickets and other Feast of Fields locations, see www.farmfolkcityfolk.ca

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2015 Farmers Market schedule

Main St Station
1100 Station Street,
Wednesdays, 2-6PM, to Oct 7.

Yaletown 
1200 Mainland St,
Thursdays, 2-6PM, to Oct 29.

Trout Lake 
Lakewood Drive and 13th Ave, Saturdays, 9AM-2PM, to Oct 24.

West End
Comox Street,
Saturdays, 9AM-2PM, to Oct 25.

Kerrisdale
5500 East Boulevard,
Saturdays, 10AM-2PM, to Oct 10.

Kitsilano
Kitsilano Community Centre, Larch Street,
Sundays, 10AM-2PM, to Oct 25.

Mt. Pleasant
2300 Guelph Street,
Sundays, 10AM-2PM, to Oct 11.

Winter Market
4601 Ontario Street,
Saturdays, 10AM-2PM, Nov to Apr.

Hastings Park 
Winter Market at the PNE:
Hastings Skatepark,
Renfrew Street,
Sundays, 10AM-2PM, Nov to Apr.

The market is about more than shopping. Enjoy weekly activities like the children’s area and face-painting as well as special events.