Local Flavours, Familiar Faces!
BC Association of Farmers' Markets
Farmers' markets operate in every type of community across British Columbia from cities and suburbs to rural communities. Markets vary in size and sophistication, from large sheltered public markets to a few farmers with their trucks parked next to each other in a parking lot or farm field. Now that's fresh!
FMNCP :: Testimonials
What People Are Saying
- "Vendors love it!"
- "It is wonderful to see this program in effect that supports the farmers, encourages healthy eating and supports the community."
- "One clients said: I love to go to the farmers market, I used to go with my mom all the time. I have not been there for years, I love to go again, how great!"
- "I had forgotten how a 'real' cucumber tasted. It was so sweet!"
- "The vendors are very pleased with what they are seeing happen at the Market. One long-time vendor pulled me aside at the end of this market day and said she was seeing people she knew buying vegetables for the first time. She was thrilled to see young people buying vegetables..."
- "One mom said she's been trying new vegetables from the market and appreciated that the vendors explained how to cook it."
- "In general, people are very happy to have these vouchers again. Lots of people are new to our program and have never been to the Farmer's Market. A few have said that this will give them the impetus to go. We are thrilled about this."
- "The beet greens were really good."
- "[The Farmers' Market Nutrition & Coupon Project] was helpful to farmers as they begin their season."
- "Vendors are really enthusiastic about the program. Everyone loves being part of something good!"
- "The first time I've ever had fresh cherries!"
- "Tried different food like bison."
- "Pea shoots GOOD."
- "People were excited to actually attend a farmers' market and found it a positive experience."
Smithers' Pregnancy Outreach Program has created a "grazing garden" which allows participants to practice growing their own food, as well as preparing and enjoying it.
The Market Manager at the Fiddlehead Farmers' Market in Gibsons reported, "Vendors are really enthusiastic about the program — from a community participation point of view more than a monetary one!! Everyone loves to be a part of something good!"
The First Nations Friendship Centre in Vernon did a "cool foods for hot days" workshop, in which participants prepared well-rounded meals without any cooking at all. The participants also discussed the importance of nutrition during pregnancy, such as protein and folic acid.
The Comox Valley Healthy Families Program put on a salsa-making workshop using all fresh veggies available at the local market. There will also be a larger salsa making and canning workshop.
The Kelowna Farmers' Market Manager gave participants a market tour to welcome and orientate them — he also gave each family a reusable market bag to fill with delicious local goodies.
