What kind of Tomato are you?
You know that feeling when you walk into your neighbourhood farmers market and see the first tomatoes of the season? The colours, smells, creative tomato displays, the lineups at your favourite tomato vendors! Some are big. Some are small. Some are sweet, some are tangy, some are delightfully weird. And everyone has a favourite.
Farmers market shoppers are a little like that too.
Some of us show up every week. Others come when we can. Some of us know every farmer by name, while others are still discovering their favourite vendors. Some come for the produce. Others come for a coffee, a pastry, a chat with a neighbour or just to enjoy the music & see what’s new.
However you show up, we’re glad you’re here.
And this September, we’re asking one very important question: What kind of tomato are you?
The Cherry Tomato — The Everyday Tomato
You love a market morning and know where to find the best strawberries, probably have a favourite tote bag, and there’s a good chance you have a favourite vendor or two.
You have helped keep the market going simply by being part of it.
As a Cherry Tomato member at $20, you receive:
- Member Specials – Discounts with market vendors (vary through the seasons)
- 15% off VFM merchandise
- Voting rights at the VFM AGM
The Heirloom Tomato — The Connoisseur
You shop at the market, and have opinions about varieties, growing practices and what makes a really good tomato. While seeking out the unusual, the beautiful and the delicious, you’re willing to put a little more behind the markets you love. Your support helps the markets grow.
As a Heirloom Tomato member at $50, you receive:
- All Cherry Tomato benefits; and
- Complimentary VFM merchandise up to $20
The Beefsteak Tomato — Big Tomato Energy
You believe farmers markets are more than places to buy groceries. They’re places to connect, discover, support local producers and build community. And you’re ready to put some real weight behind that belief.
As a Beefsteak Tomato member at $100, you receive:
- All Cherry Tomato benefits;
- Any one complimentary VFM merchandise item up to $35;
- Complimentary membership for a friend or family member; and
- Optional recognition on the VFM website
The Brandywine Tomato — The Cultivator
You love your farmers market, and want it to happen in your hood. Seeing markets as vital food, economic, social and community infrastructure, you want to help make sure they remain part of Vancouver neighbourhoods for generations to come. And you’re helping cultivate what comes next.
As a Brandywine Tomato member at $250, you receive:
- All Cherry Tomato benefits;
- Any two complimentary VFM merchandise items up to $50;
- Complimentary membership for a friend or family member;
- Optional recognition on the VFM website
The Volunteer Tomato — The Beating Heart
You know the value of showing up in ways money can’t. You come when you can, bring friends and family, share a market post, point someone toward the Info Booth, and speak up for markets in your neighbourhood.
Maybe you even ask a municipal candidate how they’ll make space for markets — on the ground, at the table and on the menu.
Your support for the markets is more than any financial contribution. Volunteer Tomatoes receive:
- Early invitations to volunteer and community engagement opportunities
- Insights and stories about market happenings and community events
- And registered volunteers and buskers who donate 10 hours of their time are also eligible for a Cherry Tomato membership.
However you show up, you matter.
Our markets happen because of the farmers, food producers, small businesses, volunteers, staff, and the thousands of people who choose to show up every week.
Membership is one way to make that community visible.
As we continue asking Vancouver to Make Space for Markets, we want to be able to say: look how many people care about these places.
- People who want local farmers to have somewhere to sell.
- People who want small businesses to have somewhere to grow.
- People who want neighbourhoods to have places to gather.
- People who want farmers markets to still be here 30 years from now.
So, what kind of tomato are you?
Find your Tomato. Help us make Space for Markets. BECOME A MEMBER →
