Vancouver Farmers Markets Kicks Off Summer Season 2024, Celebrating Community and Economic Growth
NEWS RELEASE
Vancouver Farmers Markets Kicks Off Summer Season 2024, Celebrating Community and Economic Growth
Vancouver, BC – Vancouver Farmers Markets (VFM) is thrilled to announce the opening of the 2024 summer farmers market season, showcasing the best of fresh, local food and fostering community connections. As one of the largest and most vibrant farmers market organizations in Canada, VFM operates nine weekly markets throughout the year, playing a vital role in supporting local food systems and enhancing food security.
Established in 1995 as a non-profit society, VFM has grown into a beacon of local economic stimulation and community integration. In 2023 alone, we served 668,435 customers and facilitated $15.8 million in sales for local farmers and producers.
“Our markets are more than just places to buy food; they are integral to the fabric of our communities,” says Randy Elliott, Interim Executive Director of Vancouver Farmers Markets. “Farmers Markets act as business incubators for small businesses and a direct sales channel for local farms, while offering a welcoming space for residents and visitors to connect and engage.”
The summer markets schedule for 2024 is as follows:
- Trout Lake Farmers Market: Saturdays, 9 am to 2 pm, April 6 to October 26, 2024
- Riley Park Summer Farmers Market: Saturdays, 10 am to 2 pm, April 6 to October 26, 2024
- Kitsilano Farmers Market: Sundays, 10 am to 2 pm, May 5 to October 27, 2024
- West End Farmers Market: Saturdays, 9 am to 2 pm, May 18 to October 26, 2024
- Mount Pleasant Farmers Market: Sundays, 10 am to 2 pm, May 19 to October 27, 2024
- Downtown Farmers Market: Wednesdays, 2 pm to 6 pm, June 5 to December 18, 2024
- False Creek Farmers Market: Thursdays, 3 pm to 7 pm, June 6 to October 3, 2024
These markets are not just places to shop; they are economic engines, as highlighted by the British Columbia Association of Farmers’ Markets (BCAFM) 2023 BC Farmers’ Market Economic Impact Study. This study, conducted in partnership with Dr. David Connell of the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), showcases the significant role that farmers markets play in supporting local BC agriculture, fostering community connections, and enhancing local food security.
This study builds upon previous research conducted in 2012 and 2006, utilizing comparable methodologies to assess the evolution of farmers markets’ economic impact over time. It not only measures market spending but also expenditure at neighboring local businesses, highlighting the ripple effect of farmers markets on the broader economy and how they stimulate its growth. The 2023 BC Farmers’ Market Economic Impact Study underscores the importance of supporting local agriculture and food sectors. It celebrates farmers markets as vital, low-barrier direct sales channels that connect local BC producers with consumers, contributing to a thriving, sustainable local economy.
More information and complete study results:
https://bcfarmersmarket.org/
“As we kick off the summer season, we invite everyone to join us in celebrating the abundance of fresh & local products and the vibrant community spirit that our markets embody,” adds Randy.
About Vancouver Farmers Markets:
Established in 1995 as a non-profit society in British Columbia, Vancouver Farmers Markets has grown into one of the largest and most vibrant farmers market organizations in Canada. We host nine weekly markets, and in 2023 served 668,435 customers and facilitated $15.8 million in sales for local farmers and producers. We create vibrant and welcoming markets that build community, feed people, and support small farms and producers.
More about Vancouver Farmers Markets: https://eatlocal.org/
– END –
Media Contact:Monika Chowdhry
Email: monika@eatlocal.org
Phone: 778-347-2026
