The Newsletter of Vancouver Farmers MarketsMarket News
New Farmers Markets - Coming Soon to Your Neighbourhood?
Skeeter Farm, West End Farmers Market, August 21
After many years of requesting bylaw and zoning changes, on July 20 Vancouver City Council unanimously approved a city staff-drafted report that now makes it easier to open up and operate farmers markets throughout the city. These bylaw and zoning amendments will help our city's farmers markets become more long-term and secure, allow authentic, "producer-only" farmers markets to flourish and grow, and provide more opportunities to farmers and more access to the public and other local food buyers.
The approval of the report marks the beginning of greater city support for farmers markets of the future. For us at the Vancouver Farmers Markets this future includes more bustling weekly farmers markets in permanent locations, numerous outdoor sheltered neighbourhood market locations, and the building of a local food hub facility for Vancouver that will feature a dynamic, permanent, year-round farmers market, local food processing, distribution & storage services and a local food education and celebration centre.
Thank you so much for your support and we can all look forward to exciting things to come!
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Tomato Festival
Join us September 11th at the East Vancouver Farmers Market for our annual Tomato Festival!
Tomatoes are at their peak of ripeness and deliciousness in September and our vendors will be bringing out their best varieties - roma, beefsteak, cherry...the list goes on.
Always wanted to try an heirloom tomato but intimidated by all the different colours and strange names? Try something new at our sampling tables! Our vendors will be donating their most interesting varieties for you to check out.
Tomatoes don't just taste great - they look great too! Check out our Tomato Beauty Contest. Our tomato growers will be bringing out their biggest, best, and most beautiful tomatoes for judging!
Kids love tomatoes too! Our Kids Tomato Scavenger Hunt will have them asking questions at our market stalls and trying out different kinds of tomatoes - all to collect a fun prize at the end! Get your scavenger hunt kit at the info tent!
There is surely more to come as the festival nears so keep checking My Markets News, our website at www.eatlocal.org and our Twitter feed @VanMarkets for more fun!
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Officially the Best Blueberry Muffins!
Results from Main Street Station Market's first annual Blueberry Muffin contest held on July 14
It was a tough job, but somebody had to do it. Three judges sampled scrumptious blueberry muffins from six contestants and after a lot of chewing, pondering and general enjoyment, they were able to determine which muffins had the best taste, appearance, ingredients and creativity.
1st place: The Pastry Gang - Laura Saunders, Mitchell Morse and Bonnie Sim. (Pictured left: Laura Saunders with VFM Events Co-ordinator, Robyn Carlson)
They are recent graduates of the culinary program at the Pacific Institute, who have come together to create a pastry business, and they hope to sell at the market next year! Scored 48.5/60.
2nd place: Roberta LaQuaglia - this lady runs the Vancouver Farmers Markets and still finds time to bake yummy muffins. Scored 48/60. It was a very close second place!
3rd place: Lawren Moneta, a regular shopper at our West End market who was drawn to the Main Street Station Market by the thrill of the competition! Scored 45/60.
And here are the winning recipes (PDF) for your baking pleasure - enjoy!
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Eco Update: Climate Action at the Markets
Vancouver Farmers Markets are pleased to announce our recent completion of the Climate Smart program. Climate Smart is a Vancouver-based social enterprise that helps businesses across the province measure and reduce their carbon footprint. As part of our 2010 reduction strategies we have implemented new bike valets at Trout Lake and Main Street markets, eliminated juice cups at all market sites as of September 30th, and have partnered with Recycling Alternatives to launch a waste-streaming pilot project at 3 of our 4 markets. Look out for the new recycling stations coming soon to Trout Lake, West End and Main Street markets!
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Cookbook Swap - East Vancouver Farmers Market at Trout Lake - August 28
Out of fresh recipe ideas? Bored with your tired old cookbooks? Liven up your bookshelf with a new-to-you cookbook and pass your old books on to someone who will love them at our Cookbook Swap!
Bring in your gently-used cookbooks and cooking magazines to be assigned a trade-in value, and find new-to-you treasures! Don’t have anything to trade, or see something that’s a bit more pricey than your trade-ins? Don’t worry, we take cash too!
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Parking at Main St Station
If you're stopping by the Main St Station Farmers Market on your way home from work or school - and you happen to be travelling by car - you'll be happy to hear that we have new FREE shopper parking in the parking lot located at Terminal and Station (next to Cloverdale Paint). There are more than 25 spaces and they are all marked "RESERVED". This parking is open from 3pm - 8pm each week. This parking is very conveniently located to the market and again...its free! One thing though...please don't parking in Cloverdale Paint spaces - we want to be good neighbours!
If you're arriving by bike, you'll also be happy with other new developments. We'll have free bike valet parking every week provided by BEST. We hope you'll stop by and use this new service!
Member Zone
Want to know how and when to find organic baguettes for $1? Become a Friend of the Market Member for only $10 a year and we'll make sure you're in the know when specials are being offered to members only!
MEMBERSHIP PAGE
Our next Member Appreciation Day is September 11 at the West End Market. Members can expect great deals on Market Merchandise, free market money debit transactions and a variety of offers from vendors for members only.
Members get 2 free raffle tickets to every draw - our upcoming raffle dates are: September 18 at the East Van Market & Kitsilano September 26. Don't miss out on the fabulous prize basket donated by market vendors!
Volunteer Opportunities
Vancouver Farmers Markets
Do you love spending time at the Farmers Market and would like to get more involved? We are always looking for volunteers to help out at our four Farmers Markets around the city. For more information please email Chelsea our volunteer co-ordinator at: volunteer@eatlocal.org
Vendor News
We're disappointed to announce that Christa from Vegan Mania has had to cancel her remaining market dates this summer due to some continued recouperation after a knee injury. Wishing her all the best for a speedy recovery - we'll miss those tasty vegan treats!
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Join us in sending positive healing thoughts to Mary Forstbauer, matriarch of the Forstbauer Family Natural Food Farm, as she recovers from open-heart surgery. You can send her well wishes through her family's stall at all of our markets. Wishing Mary and her family all the best!
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Rumour has it that Shalefield Organic Gardens will be starting a fresh harvest box next year (aka CSA) - more details to come but in the meantime, chat with Brian or Yolanda at the Shalefield stall at all markets.
Classes and Events
FOOD ON FILM
SEPTEMBER 15TH + SEPTEMBER 18TH
A FREE community event in Strathcona! Part of the School of Chalk film series, Food on Film is a multi- course meal of cinematic delight. The two night event features short films by local artists, a feature screening of the award winning Tableland, and a kids viewing of the pixar film Ratatouille.
GENERAL RULES:
We’re looking for short, 5 minute or less, films in any style or genre, with food as their focus or theme. It’s open to anyone who has a camera and we encourage those new to film to apply! (There will be prizes!!)
DEADLINES:
Submissions must be completed and received by September 8th. All applicants will be notified of their status by September 10th. Films will be screened on September 15th at School of Chalk in Strathcona. For all inquiries and to receive an application, email: abc@schoolofchalk.com
WHO WE ARE:
School of Chalk is a neighborhood creative commons. Like a favourite corner store, we're nearby and sometimes serve pie. Rather than groceries, we stock ideas, stories and activities. Getting together as neighbours is the foundation for creative neighbourhoods, and in turn, creative cities. At School of Chalk, we draw on our collective creative arts and invite the public to participate in events, workshops and projects.
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Learn the Ancient Art of Fermentation!
Fermentation helps preserve the harvest and improves digestion. This workshop will teach you how to make sauerkraut, kimchi, and brined pickles.
At the end, you'll take home your own batch of sauerkraut!
When: August 23rd from 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Where: The barn loft at 1234 McCallum Road, Abbotsford
Cost: $40 includes ingredients, please also bring two 500ml wide mouthed mason jars and a knife
Limited Seating Available
To register call 604-864-5770 ext. 309 or email kevin.koopmans@southfraser.com
Workshop Instructor: Andrea Potter
Andrea is a classically trained chef and Registered Holistic Nutritionist. Through her business, Rooted Nutrition, she teaches healthy cooking classes that pair sound nutrition information with whole-food-based, beautifully prepared recipes. Interactive and fun, her classes convey her love of real food, community and culture.
Host: The Barrowtown Agricultural Development Society
The Barrowtown Agricultural Development Society was founded in 2009 to support the development of new farmers in the Fraser Valley by developing an inventory of land, equipment and other resources as well as providing education and networking opportunities for new farmers. One of their main activities is developing incubator farms, which are a means for new farmers to test their business plans and build operating businesses in a supported environment without the considerable costs of purchasing land and equipment.
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Foxglove Farm's August Programs at the 'Centre for Arts, Ecology and Agriculture'
Register for all programs at www.foxglovefarmbc.ca or call 250-388-6800 for more information.
August 24 - 27 Small Scale Grain Production
This workshop is intended for anyone wishing to grow grains for their own consumption or for supplying small-scale regional users such as bakers, maltsters, or livestock producers.
August 29, 10-4pm Preserving the Harvest with David Mincey (Camille's Restaurant)
There is nothing like cracking open a jar of tomato sauce, pickles or jam in the peak of winter and being instantly transported back to the flavours and smells of summer.
August 31 - September 3 Growing Tree Crops for Home & Market
Join orchardists Harry Burton, Bob Duncan, and Michael Ableman to learn about site selection, fruit varieties, orchard establishment, soil fertility, grafting, pruning, pest and disease control, harvest, post harvest, and marketing of fruit.
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Urban Chickens - A Workshop
Join the Backyard Bounty crew for this series of workshops to be held at the Strathcona Community Garden Eco-Pavillion. For more information on Backyard Bounty visit www.backyardbountycollective.com
Chickens: Saturday, September 11, 1:00 - 3:30 pm. Learn the basics of Vancouver's chicken bylaw and learn what it would take for you to start getting fresh eggs from your own backyard. Chicken-coop-builder Duncan Martin will let you in on some tips for building your own coop (or buy one of his kits!) and introduce you to everything you need to know about basic care, sourcing chickens and supplies, and helpful resources for future reference. Also: Come away with your own recycled-container waterer. Suggested donation: $10-15. Email Duncan for more information: chickens@backyardbountycollective.com
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Come and celebrate The Corn Festival 2010 at Britannia Community Centre!
Sept 5 at Gym”D” from 1:00pm-7:00pm
The Corn Festival features a farmer’s market, food vendors and Free Fun Family Entertainment (face painting, Live Latin music and the crowning of Corn Queen 2010).
This year all profits will be used to support a community project that aids the elderly, single mothers and special needs children in Tonacatepeque El Salvador.
For more information contact Jose at 778-385-5394
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Looking for a foodsafe course?
Foodsafe Level One
We all have questions when it comes to food safety. What should we be concerned with when handling food in our kitchens? What’s safe and what isn’t in our day-to-day work in the kitchen?
Come learn the basics about safe food handling in a friendly classroom environment. This is a provincially recognized course taught by qualified instructors.
Sat, Oct 16, 2010, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sat, Feb 5, 2011 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sat, May 14, 2011, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Vancouver Food Bank, 1150 Raymur Ave. Cost: $50.00 - $95.00 (sliding scale).
To register: Contact Darlene Tanaka, at 604-876-0659 ext 105 or darlenet@foodbank.bc.ca
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The Cultch Community Square Dance
Date: Friday, September 10, 2010
Time: 7-10pm
Place: The Cultch, 1895 Venables Street at Victoria Drive
Admission: By Donation at the door
For more information: thecultch.com
The Vancouver East Cultural Centre (“The Cultch”) invites one & all to the Cultch Community Square Dance, a family-friendly celebratory community square dance featuring local string band Shout! White Dragon with professional dance caller, Charmaine Slaven.
The evening will consist of old-time traditional music that is an up-tempo combination of waltz, Appalachian, traditional country and western swing. Participants of all ages and diverse backgrounds will be lead through the various traditional dances by a professional dance caller. Dances are taught on the spot and no experience is necessary.
To add to the fun, The Art Express art bus will be parked out in front of the theatre for children, youth and adults to make unique art creations while in the comfort of an old time school bus.
Community dances unite people in ways that few other events can. Square dances in particular foster a spirit of camaraderie and cooperation. The cultch Community Square Dance is modeled after popular community dances that take place all over the Pacific Northwest wherein all members of the community are encouraged to participate regardless of their level of experience. Dances are taught on the spot in a relaxed, fun filled environment. Complete strangers are paired into squares that work together to learn and complete the dance. For those ten minutes the group is united, interacting and learning about members of their community in new ways. Once one dance concludes, new squares are formed and the process is repeated.
The Cultch Community Square Dance is sponsored by the Co-Operative Auto Network with support form the Vancouver Farmers Market, Clubcard and the Art Express.
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A Day at the Farm
September 11 at Westham Island Herb Farm
4690 Kirkland Road, Ladner. BC
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Free family day on a working Farm!
Over 25 agricultural organizations...experience the diversity of local farming!
Live music and local food. Hay-wagon farm tours. Live milking demonstrations.
Livestock and draft horse plowing. Fresh local produce for sale. For more event details visit:
www.deltafarmland.ca/dayatfarm.html, call 604-940-3392 or email dfwt@dccnet.com
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Granville Island Turkey Trot, Thanksgiving Monday, October 11th
Stay local for Thanksgiving Monday and join us October 11th for the Granville Island Turkey Trot 10k walk, run or stroll around the False Creek seawall. First 1,000 registered receive a pair of New Balance technical socks from The Right Shoe. New options this year include lower price with no-garment option, New Balance technical shirt or thermal jersey, and toques for adults and tots. Same great food featuring west coast cuisine of Steven Wong, same scenic flat seawall route, and benefiting the Greater Vancouver Food Bank.
More information at turkeytrot.ca
Eat local and live well!
August and September are two of the best months of the year to find the most fruits and vegetables at your local farmers markets. On offer is meat, fish, flour, milk, cheese, any kind of vegetable, tree fruits, berries - the list goes on!
Being a locavore (eating locally produced food) is one of the easiest ways to ensure that you are putting the best possible food in your body. While produce sold in the supermarket or a big-box store has been in transit or cold-stored for days or weeks, produce that you find at your local farmers market is often been picked the day before the market. This freshness not only affects the taste of your food, but the nutritional value which declines with time.
And it’s certainly not more expensive to shop at a farmers market! Produce sold at farmers markets is often on par or cheaper than what you find at a chain supermarket. And when you shop at the farmers markets you can meet the farmer and often work out a deal with them if you buy in bulk.
Treat yourself to luscious peaches, sweet apricots, tangy blueberries, crisp carrots and glowing beets – you have everything you need to make the most nutritious and delicious smoothie you can imagine!
Food For Thought
We had two celebrities visit our markets in the last couple of weeks and they were clearly impressed!
Local CTV news anchor, Coleen Christie is a fan of the West End Market - check out what she likes to buy: BLOG POST
The Globe and Mail's, Ian Brown is on an 'eating tour' through Canada and decided to hit up our East Van Market at Trout Lake. He certainly enjoyed aspects of it and was a little puzzled by our recycling efforts. BLOG POST
Here is an informative article about the role of farmers markets and the global movement to promote them: ARTICLE
Market Photo of the Month from Twitter
