It’s time to support local farms
Photo: Vancouver Farmers Markets
Even as farmers markets across the province fill up with an abundance of fresh summer produce, they continue to see reduced foot traffic and vendor sales due to the impacts of COVID-19. Many BC farms and producers have short growing seasons and rely on weekly markets as a major (or sole) source of revenue during the pandemic. Now is a crucial time to support them by shopping at farmers markets.
While the important COVID-19 safety measures in place at Vancouver Farmers Markets are not going away anytime soon, there are some key ways to shop that offer greater convenience while ensuring you get your fill of farm-to-table goodness.
Shop online and skip the line. VFM Online Orders now has custom order platforms for each VFM location, with options to pick-up direct from vendors behind their stall or outside the market. View a complete list of market locations on this page. TIP: make sure to read the market’s About page to learn how pick up works at that location.
Come shopping later in the day when wait times are shorter. As a general rule, wait times are at their peak within the first two hours of a market day. Consider coming later to avoid longer lines – we won’t turn anyone away that’s in line when the market closes. TIP: don’t let line-ups deter you! They move quickly even at peak times, and average waits range from 5-25 mins, depending on the market.
Shop midweek. While wait times at our markets are shorter than they look, our small but mighty Main St. Station Farmers Market rarely has one at all! And with a great selection of vendors each week – including a wide range of farms, artisanal food makers, and craft alcohol producers, you can find what you need in one convenient midweek shop. Main St. Station runs 2-6pm each Wednesday at 1100 Station St. (Main & Terminal). View this week’s vendor line-up here.
Buy in bulk. It’s high season for berries, stone fruit, and other seasonal produce, so make sure to stock up and preserve/freeze/dry for use later in the year. Buying in bulk can be a great way to cut back on trips to the market and save you some dollars. Many of our farmers offer flats of fruits and veggies at discounted volume prices, and some prepared food vendors offer discounts on cases. TIP: It’s always best to request them direct from the vendor before market – use our Vendor/Produce Search Tool to find what you’re looking for.
Don’t let the amazing, local produce available at the markets right now go to waste – shop local and shop often! Find your nearest Vancouver Farmers Market at eatlocal.org. Not in Vancouver, or travelling across the province this summer? Find a farmers market at BCFarmersMarketTrail.com
