Market Share March 2009

The 2009 Summer Season Takes Shape

troutlake

Here at the market office, besides organizing the bi-weekly Winter Farmers Markets, we have been busily processing and scheduling applications and vendors for the upcoming summer season. With nearly 180 vendors, that means alot of reading, reviewing, phone calling and emailing not to mention the daunting task of trying to fit everyone in for the dates they want - not always possible with the number of vendors and the limited space we have. It is a big puzzle every year and takes us nearly a month to get straight.

Now, most acceptance packages have been mailed and it is on to planning special events and all the other parts of the market that make it more than just a shopping destination.

New and notable this season:
- Bicycle valet will return to Kitsilano Farmers Market - free!
- New - Bicycle grocery delivery at Kitsilano Farmers Market - it's free too!
- Trout Lake Farmers Market will move south in the same parking lot - just closer to the community centre, washrooms and playground.
- New Market merchandise will launch in May - t-shirts are up first.
- Returning favourite vendors and several new vendors will debut this year in all categories - more early season berries, organic ground crops and root veggies, sprouts, wild crafted jams and preserves, a wide variety of new craft and artisan items, more massage at the market!

Market News

Klippers Organic Acres CSA Shares Still Available
Klippers Organic Acres have extended the sale of CSA shares through March. See what's happening on the farm, check out their blog - www.klippersorganics.com/blog-news.html

Wenger Sheep Farm Looking for City Accommodations
Henry and Brigitte Wenger are looking for close accomodation for the Friday/Saturday nights when they come to the markets. A spare bedroom for two and safe parking so they could plug in their freezer (very low power consumption) is needed. The Wengers will be coming down beginning in August one or 2 weekends a month. Get in touch with Brigitte if you think you have something reasonably-priced that would work. Her email is wengerhb@telus.net

Junior Achievement Students Launch Businesses at the Winter Market
Treat yourself, friends & family and…support your community’s young entrepreneurs
at the same time!

Scoop up some great deals on custom-designed t-shirts and stainless steel water bottles (featuring original student artwork), handmade I-Rock note/picture stands and more!

This Saturday at the Winter Farmers Market, don’t miss this opportunity to see first-hand how several local Junior Achievement student companies are gaining the skills and knowledge to be the next generation of business leaders. These young entrepreneurs are participants in JA’s Company Program – A Student Venture. The program gives 15 to 18 year olds the chance to create and actually run their own venture and gain experience in all phases of the business cycle.

An additional point of interest is that many of these student companies choose to donate part (or even all) of their profit to a local charity.

So make sure you visit the JABC tent outside to pick up some great deals and
support your local JA Student Entrepreneurs!

Opportunities

Market Manager, Langley Farmers Market
Applications are being accepted for the 2009 position of Langley Farmer's Market Manager. This is a contract position, with responsibility for the promotion, set up and effective running of a mid-week farmers market. The market time is scheduled for Wednesdays from 3:00pm to 7:00pm each week from July to October. The position will run from April until October in order to secure vendors and publicize the market. JOB POSTING (.doc)

-------------------------------------

Feast of Fields Okanagan Coordinator
FF/CF is seeking to fill a new position of Feast of Fields Okanagan Coordinator. Reporting to the Project Manager in Vancouver, this person will be responsible for coordinating our Feast of Fields Okanagan fundraising event. This is a contract position from April 1, 2009 until September 30, 2009. It is expected that time requirements are casual to part-time throughout the contract with full-time work from August 15 until after the event (September date TBD) with continued casual to part-time work until wrap-up by the end of September.
Please visit our web-site for details:
http://www.ffcf.bc.ca/NewSiteFiles/resources/kp/jobs.html

-------------------------------------

GROWING CHEFS! Have fun! Teach kids! Support sustainability!
We are recruiting volunteers for our 2009 season (chefs, food and sustainability-minded individuals.) Contact us at 778-885-1308, or send your name and contact information to admin@growingchefs.ca to register. http://growingchefs.ca/volunteer.htm

-------------------------------------

Community Meal Volunteer
Wilson Heights United Church (1634 East 41st Avenue at Argyle) is seeking volunteers to assist with our free, community dinner.
We have been hosting the community meal for 9 years and need your help so that we can continue to feed 80-100 people and families every Thursday at 5:30pm. The meal is child-friendly and open to all. To offer your services or for more information please contact Rosemary Collins at (604) 325-9944 Ext: 225.

Classes and Events

Saturday March 14, 2009 - Edible Landscaping Workshop for New Gardeners
This workshop focuses on helping people to see the potential of any land to provide food and habitat for many creatures using very few resources. You can expect your hands to get dirty, your knowledge to expand and your soul to be delighted. Pay what you can. A 2 hour edible landscaping workshop usually costs around $25 to $30 and the longer, Sunday workshop, $40 or more. Takes place 10am to 12pm. Maximum 15 persons per workshop.To register contact Philip Be’er at 604-708-1649 or Philip [at] Beernecessities.org.

Sunday March 15, 9am to 12pm, Edible Landscaping Workshop for Experienced Gardeners
For folks who are ready to refine and to deepen their knowledge of Urban Microfarming, Join in a 3 hour learning party that will examine as many of the following topics as the time allows: Increasing backyard food production, Succession planting, Shade growing, Extending the growing season through your choice of plants, Water Wisdom, Plant Calendar Mapping and Microclimating. . Pay what you can. A 2 hour edible landscaping workshop usually costs around $25 to $30 and the longer, Sunday workshop, $40 or more. To register contact Philip Be’er at 604-708-1649 or Philip [at] Beernecessities.org. Maximum 15 persons per workshop.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009 - Micro Food Processing
An Opportunity for Local Food and Community Economic Development. A video education session in Vancouver with video and audio sites available across the region. 1-3pm. For more information see the event flyer (PDF).

Saturday, March 21, 2009 - Summer Vegetable Gardening
This course will look at vegetable gardening basics from the ground up: building garden soil, selecting the best plant varieties for our climate, and planning and planting your summer vegetable garden. Taught by Heather Johnstone who has spent years learning with organic farmers on the west coast, and is now working with home-scale urban gardeners to help them grow food. She is the coordinator of the Edible Garden Project. Takes place 1:00pm – 3:00 pm. Cost: $20 (Proceeds to The Land Conservancy of British Columbia) at Eagles Estate Heritage Garden, 5655 Sperling Avenue, Burnaby, BC. Pre-registration required, phone 604-733-2313 or email lralph [at] conservancy.bc.ca.

Monday, March 23, 2009 - Urban Agriculture – Soil and the City
Spring workshop and AGM of the Pacific Regional Society of Soil Science. Please join in this series of presentations, discussions and short field tours on the topic of urban agriculture and soil. This workshop is open to the public and participation by professionals and non-professionals alike is welcome. Come and see how soil and food production can exist in an urban setting. UBC, MacMillan Bldg. $20 including lunch. 8:30 – 3:30pm. More information available at www.prsss.ca or amberdaniels [at] telus.net.

Monday, March 23, 2009 - Soil Basics
Workshop takes place at 10am-12:30pm @ Cedar Cottage Garden. For information, please contact the Trout Lake Cedar Cottage Food Security Network: tlccfoodsecurity [at] gmail.com.

Monday, March 23, 2009 - Roles and Responsibilities in Community Gardening
Participants will consider the skills in their “comfort zone,” and explore their skill-set “Edges”. Participants will be encouraged to push their boundaries, and will leave with the confidence and tools to contribute thoughtfully to community life. FREE. Location: Collingwood Neighbourhood House near the Joyce Skytrain Station (transportation subsidies available by contacting VCAN). 6:30-8:30pm. Registration is limited, so if you’re interested please email Stephanie Lim at the Collingwood Neighbourhood House — foodsecurity [at] cnh.bc.ca or call David Tracey at 604.215.1914

Kitsilano Community Centre Community Kitchen Classes start April
Did you know that Kitsilano Community Centre has a brand new community kitchen and Chef - Mark Halyk - ready to go for classes and cooking. Check out this link or the Community Centre's program or website for more info.

Genuine Progress Speaker Series
Should we measure how well we're doing by how much we shop?
Five lectures from April - October. Hear Susan Davidson, Member/Owner of Glorious Organics Co-op speak about the Value of Farming in this speaker series that looks at the health of our community and our country from a non-economic perspective. Other topics include the Value of Simplicity & the Value of Eco-Villages. For a complete list, lecture descriptions and location details See the PDF Flyer All lectures are FREE and will take place at the Central Branch of the VPL. Made possible by a grant from Coast Capital Saviings.

Community Kitchens Leadership Workshops
During this one-day workshop you will have the opportunity to find out more about community kitchens, different ways a group can work and how you can lead or start a community kitchen.
Upcoming Dates: Choose from one of the following :
Thurs, April 30
Thurs, June 4
Time: 9:30-2:30 pm
Location: Vancouver Food Bank, 1150 Raymur Ave.
Cost: $25.00 for community members & $45 for agency representatives
To register or for more information: Contact Lynn Leong, lynnl@foodbank.bc.ca, 604-876-0659 ext 105

Farmers markets' new harvest: campus customers
Students find fresh fruits and vegetables without a trek to the store, and growers tap an eager market of buyers.
By Mary MacVean, Los Angeles Times, March 4, 2009

A growing number of colleges are finding that campus farmers markets are a great fit, tapping into students' interest in sustaining the planet with an appealing combination of food, music and lots of people hanging out.

The idea is to be "better environmental stewards, to put a focus on where our food comes from, who grows it, how it gets to our plates," said Kevin Chang, a student leader of the Trojan Fresh Market, a monthly market of farm foods and other products on McCarthy Quad at USC. Read more...


March 2009 The Newsletter of Vancouver's Farmers Marketswww.eatlocal.org
Winter Market Weekend! WISE Hall 1882 Adanac St., Saturday, Mar 14 10am - 2pm Get valuable coupons and special offers HERE.
At the Market This Month Produce: Apples, Carrots, Fresh Herbs, Green Onions, Garlic, Potatoes, Quince, Parsnips, Salad Greens (very limited), Turnips, Mushrooms, Squash, Storage Onions, Frozen berries, & tomatoes Protein and Dairy: Eggs, Goat and Cow's Milk Cheese, Yogurt, Beef, Chicken, Pork, Sablefish, Salmon, Cod, Side Stripe Shrimp, Tuna, Octopus Prepared Foods: Dried Fruit, Fruit Juice, Baked Goods, Honey, Humous, Chutney, Pesto, Hazelnuts, Walnuts, Preserves, Chocolates, Olives, Granola, Roasted Coffee, Candy, Bread, Salsa, Seasonings, Maple Syrup, Tea, Brewed Coffee Crafts: cards, prints, jewellery, soap, bodycare Other: Tulips, Paperwhites, Primula You'll find a great guide to the seasonal availability of BC products provided by Get Local . Print your copy own copy and post it on your fridge for quick reference. Winter Farmers Market Dates Upcoming Market Dates NEXT MARKET: March 14 March 14 & 28 April 11 & 25 The WISE Hall is located at 1882 Adanac St. at the corner or Victoria and Adanac behind the Van East Cultural Centre. The market runs 10am - 2pm each time. Check our website for vendor listings for these markets. Don't Miss Our Monthly Raffles! Our famous raffles continue through the winter at our Winter Farmers Markets - we'll be raffling off a big ol' basket of goodies on the last market of the month for the next 3 months. Tickets are $1 each of 7 for $5 - look for the prize and signs around the market to direct you to the tickets! Thanks for your support! Summer Market Dates Announced Every year we reapply for permits and street closures for our 4 summer markets. Here are this year's dates: East Vancouver - Saturdays, 9am - 2pm May 16 - October 10 West End - Saturdays, 9am - 2pm June 6 - October 24 Kitsilano - Sundays, 10am - 2pm June 7 - October 25 Riley Park - Wednesdays, Hours TBA June 10 - October 21 For more details, visit our website at http://www.eatlocal.org/markets.html My Markets News Email Update Find out who'll be at the market so you can plan your shopping trip - visit www.mymarketsnews.com and choose the markets you'd like to receive updates for. All of our Vancouver Farmers Markets are listed. Baked Carrot Polenta Casserole An interesting twist on your same-old, same-old carrot dish. Serves 2. 300 ml vegetable broth 150 ml milk 125 g polenta 1lb carrots 1 tablespoon butter 1/2 cup sour cream or yoghurt 6 leaves sage, minced 1/2 cup cheese (your favourite), grated 1 pinch sugar salt and pepper Directions 1. In a pot combine vegetable broth and milk and bring to a boil. turn off heat, stir in polenta and cook until thickened (abut 3-5 minutes). Set aside to thicken further. 2. Clean, wash and peel the carrots. Slice lengthwise. 3.Heat butter in a skillet and add carrots. Saute for some minutes, then add 5 tbsp of water and cook covered on medium heat for another ten minutes until soft. Season with sugar, salt and pepper. 4. Add sour cream or yogurt, sage and half of the cheese to the polenta and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 5. Pour into a casserole dish (about 8' x 5') and top with the carrots. 6. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and bake in the preheated oven at 400°F for 20 minutes. 7. Let stand for about 5 minutes until polenta has set and can be sliced. Food Security for the Faint of Heart I can't think of anyone that wouldn't benefit from this great resource book. Give it some thought and I'm sure you know someone who'd love it. At under $20.00 - $16.95 to be exact, it fits all budgets. Available at local bookstores and at the Winter Farmers Market We'll also have another of her books, "Gardening for theFaint of Heart". ($19.95) Travel Far with Eat Local! Send us a photo of you and your market bag in a far-away place and we'll put it in the next issue of Market Share. This is an ongoing call for photos so send them in whenever you can. Photos can be sent to Jen in the market office either by mail or email (contact info below). Be sure to include where the photo was taken and your full name and address so we can thank you properly! Now get snapping! Newsletter Archives Missed the last issue of Market Share? Want to pull up that great recipe you saw back in August? We've got our newsletter archives online - going back about a year. Your Local Farmers Market Society Your Local Farmers Market Society is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. They are an active board, with many projects on the go. They are: Gigi Egan Andrew Hale Kevin Klippenstein Mel Lehan Bob Ransford Amy Robertson Joni Sherman Deb Taschuk You can look forward to learning more about the board and their activities in upcoming issues of Market Share. Follow us on Twitter Get up to the minute updates and behind the scenes info from Market staffers. Our Twitter Name: VanMarkets	The 2009 Summer Season Takes Shape Here at the market office, besides organizing the bi-weekly Winter Farmers Markets, we have been busily processing and scheduling applications and vendors for the upcoming summer season. With nearly 180 vendors, that means alot of reading, reviewing, phone calling and emailing not to mention the daunting task of trying to fit everyone in for the dates they want - not always possible with the number of vendors and the limited space we have. It is a big puzzle every year and takes us nearly a month to get straight. Now, most acceptance packages have been mailed and it is on to planning special events and all the other parts of the market that make it more than just a shopping destination. New and notable this season: - Bicycle valet will return to Kitsilano Farmers Market - free! - New - Bicycle grocery delivery at Kitsilano Farmers Market - it's free too! - Trout Lake Farmers Market will move south in the same parking lot - just closer to the community centre, washrooms and playground. - New Market merchandise will launch in May - t-shirts are up first. - Returning favourite vendors and several new vendors will debut this year in all categories - more early season berries, organic ground crops and root veggies, sprouts, wild crafted jams and preserves, a wide variety of new craft and artisan items, more massage at the market! Market News Klippers Organic Acres CSA Shares Still Available Klippers Organic Acres have extended the sale of CSA shares through March. See what's happening on the farm, check out their blog - www.klippersorganics.com/blog-news.html Wenger Sheep Farm Looking for City Accommodations Henry and Brigitte Wenger are looking for close accomodation for the Friday/Saturday nights when they come to the markets. A spare bedroom for two and safe parking so they could plug in their freezer (very low power consumption) is needed. The Wengers will be coming down beginning in August one or 2 weekends a month. Get in touch with Brigitte if you think you have something reasonably-priced that would work. Her email is wengerhb@telus.net Junior Achievement Students Launch Businesses at the Winter Market Treat yourself, friends & family and…support your community’s young entrepreneurs at the same time! Scoop up some great deals on custom-designed t-shirts and stainless steel water bottles (featuring original student artwork), handmade I-Rock note/picture stands and more! This Saturday at the Winter Farmers Market, don’t miss this opportunity to see first-hand how several local Junior Achievement student companies are gaining the skills and knowledge to be the next generation of business leaders. These young entrepreneurs are participants in JA’s Company Program – A Student Venture. The program gives 15 to 18 year olds the chance to create and actually run their own venture and gain experience in all phases of the business cycle. An additional point of interest is that many of these student companies choose to donate part (or even all) of their profit to a local charity. So make sure you visit the JABC tent outside to pick up some great deals and support your local JA Student Entrepreneurs! Opportunities Market Manager, Langley Farmers Market Applications are being accepted for the 2009 position of Langley Farmer's Market Manager. This is a contract position, with responsibility for the promotion, set up and effective running of a mid-week farmers market. The market time is scheduled for Wednesdays from 3:00pm to 7:00pm each week from July to October. The position will run from April until October in order to secure vendors and publicize the market. JOB POSTING (.doc) ------------------------------------- Feast of Fields Okanagan Coordinator FF/CF is seeking to fill a new position of Feast of Fields Okanagan Coordinator. Reporting to the Project Manager in Vancouver, this person will be responsible for coordinating our Feast of Fields Okanagan fundraising event. This is a contract position from April 1, 2009 until September 30, 2009. It is expected that time requirements are casual to part-time throughout the contract with full-time work from August 15 until after the event (September date TBD) with continued casual to part-time work until wrap-up by the end of September. Please visit our web-site for details: http://www.ffcf.bc.ca/NewSiteFiles/resources/kp/jobs.html ------------------------------------- GROWING CHEFS! Have fun! Teach kids! Support sustainability! We are recruiting volunteers for our 2009 season (chefs, food and sustainability-minded individuals.) Contact us at 778-885-1308, or send your name and contact information to admin@growingchefs.ca to register. http://growingchefs.ca/volunteer.htm ------------------------------------- Community Meal Volunteer Wilson Heights United Church (1634 East 41st Avenue at Argyle) is seeking volunteers to assist with our free, community dinner. We have been hosting the community meal for 9 years and need your help so that we can continue to feed 80-100 people and families every Thursday at 5:30pm. The meal is child-friendly and open to all. To offer your services or for more information please contact Rosemary Collins at (604) 325-9944 Ext: 225. Classes and Events Saturday March 14, 2009 - Edible Landscaping Workshop for New Gardeners This workshop focuses on helping people to see the potential of any land to provide food and habitat for many creatures using very few resources. You can expect your hands to get dirty, your knowledge to expand and your soul to be delighted. Pay what you can. A 2 hour edible landscaping workshop usually costs around $25 to $30 and the longer, Sunday workshop, $40 or more. Takes place 10am to 12pm. Maximum 15 persons per workshop.To register contact Philip Be’er at 604-708-1649 or Philip [at] Beernecessities.org. Sunday March 15, 9am to 12pm, Edible Landscaping Workshop for Experienced Gardeners For folks who are ready to refine and to deepen their knowledge of Urban Microfarming, Join in a 3 hour learning party that will examine as many of the following topics as the time allows: Increasing backyard food production, Succession planting, Shade growing, Extending the growing season through your choice of plants, Water Wisdom, Plant Calendar Mapping and Microclimating. . Pay what you can. A 2 hour edible landscaping workshop usually costs around $25 to $30 and the longer, Sunday workshop, $40 or more. To register contact Philip Be’er at 604-708-1649 or Philip [at] Beernecessities.org. Maximum 15 persons per workshop. Wednesday, March 18, 2009 - Micro Food Processing An Opportunity for Local Food and Community Economic Development. A video education session in Vancouver with video and audio sites available across the region. 1-3pm. For more information see the event flyer (PDF). Saturday, March 21, 2009 - Summer Vegetable Gardening This course will look at vegetable gardening basics from the ground up: building garden soil, selecting the best plant varieties for our climate, and planning and planting your summer vegetable garden. Taught by Heather Johnstone who has spent years learning with organic farmers on the west coast, and is now working with home-scale urban gardeners to help them grow food. She is the coordinator of the Edible Garden Project. Takes place 1:00pm – 3:00 pm. Cost: $20 (Proceeds to The Land Conservancy of British Columbia) at Eagles Estate Heritage Garden, 5655 Sperling Avenue, Burnaby, BC. Pre-registration required, phone 604-733-2313 or email lralph [at] conservancy.bc.ca. Monday, March 23, 2009 - Urban Agriculture – Soil and the City Spring workshop and AGM of the Pacific Regional Society of Soil Science. Please join in this series of presentations, discussions and short field tours on the topic of urban agriculture and soil. This workshop is open to the public and participation by professionals and non-professionals alike is welcome. Come and see how soil and food production can exist in an urban setting. UBC, MacMillan Bldg. $20 including lunch. 8:30 – 3:30pm. More information available at www.prsss.ca or amberdaniels [at] telus.net. Monday, March 23, 2009 - Soil Basics Workshop takes place at 10am-12:30pm @ Cedar Cottage Garden. For information, please contact the Trout Lake Cedar Cottage Food Security Network: tlccfoodsecurity [at] gmail.com. Monday, March 23, 2009 - Roles and Responsibilities in Community Gardening Participants will consider the skills in their “comfort zone,” and explore their skill-set “Edges”. Participants will be encouraged to push their boundaries, and will leave with the confidence and tools to contribute thoughtfully to community life. FREE. Location: Collingwood Neighbourhood House near the Joyce Skytrain Station (transportation subsidies available by contacting VCAN). 6:30-8:30pm. Registration is limited, so if you’re interested please email Stephanie Lim at the Collingwood Neighbourhood House — foodsecurity [at] cnh.bc.ca or call David Tracey at 604.215.1914 Kitsilano Community Centre Community Kitchen Classes start April Did you know that Kitsilano Community Centre has a brand new community kitchen and Chef - Mark Halyk - ready to go for classes and cooking. Check out this link or the Community Centre's program or website for more info. Genuine Progress Speaker Series Should we measure how well we're doing by how much we shop? Five lectures from April - October. Hear Susan Davidson, Member/Owner of Glorious Organics Co-op speak about the Value of Farming in this speaker series that looks at the health of our community and our country from a non-economic perspective. Other topics include the Value of Simplicity & the Value of Eco-Villages. For a complete list, lecture descriptions and location details See the PDF Flyer All lectures are FREE and will take place at the Central Branch of the VPL. Made possible by a grant from Coast Capital Saviings. Community Kitchens Leadership Workshops During this one-day workshop you will have the opportunity to find out more about community kitchens, different ways a group can work and how you can lead or start a community kitchen. Upcoming Dates: Choose from one of the following : Thurs, April 30 Thurs, June 4 Time: 9:30-2:30 pm Location: Vancouver Food Bank, 1150 Raymur Ave. Cost: $25.00 for community members & $45 for agency representatives To register or for more information: Contact Lynn Leong, lynnl@foodbank.bc.ca, 604-876-0659 ext 105 Read This... Farmers markets' new harvest: campus customers Students find fresh fruits and vegetables without a trek to the store, and growers tap an eager market of buyers. By Mary MacVean, Los Angeles Times, March 4, 2009 A growing number of colleges are finding that campus farmers markets are a great fit, tapping into students' interest in sustaining the planet with an appealing combination of food, music and lots of people hanging out. The idea is to be "better environmental stewards, to put a focus on where our food comes from, who grows it, how it gets to our plates," said Kevin Chang, a student leader of the Trojan Fresh Market, a monthly market of farm foods and other products on McCarthy Quad at USC. Read more...
Vancouver Farmers Markets 1163 Commercial Dr, #2, Vancouver, BC V5L 3X3 Tel. 604-879-FARM (3276) i nfo@eatlocal.org Executive Director, Tara McDonald tara@eatlocal.org Roberta LaQuaglia, Operations Manager roberta@eatlocal.org Jen Pleadwell, Office Manager jen@eatlocal.org Alita Parisotto, Operations Assistant alita@eatlocal.org