Though you may be forgiven for thinking that “summer” ended a while ago, the Squamish Farmers’ Market summer season has only just come to a close.
Swiftly on its heels though is the Winter Farmers’ Market, complete with new hours and a new location.
On Saturday November 8, and every alternate Saturday after, the winter market will be at Squamish Elementary School both inside and outside the gymnasium, with plenty of parking and easy access.
Doors open from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. and shoppers will be able to find many of the staples they’ve enjoyed throughout the summer including eggs, beef, poultry, bread, honey and fresh produce, along with sweet treats, pet treats and artisan creations.
“It has been a wonderful summer,” says Carolyn Morris, manager of Squamish Farmers’ Market. “We’ve had, on average, 2,800 people coming through the market during a summer day,” an increase on last year’s 2,595 daily shoppers.
“And we’ve had well over half a million dollars exchange hands,” she adds.
The coupon project has also had an incredibly successful year, with early figures showing a 99.8 per cent redemption rate.
This provincially supported project also has the generous backing of Squamish Savings and is in its sixth year.
“This year the project went to 60 families in Squamish and 20 seniors,” says Morris.
The weekly coupons are issued for a 16-week period and can be spent on fresh produce at the market including vegetables, eggs and meat.
Those in receipt of coupons must attend and participate in at least two skill-building workshops based on creating affordable family meals from local produce.
“It’s a brilliant program that helps people access high quality, local food,” says Morris. “And it teaches them how to prepare that food. Plus, the money goes to the farmers.”
Morris’ next big project is finding the market a permanent home.
“The rain and the cold definitely are a hindrance… hence our desire for a long-term, enclosed or partially-enclosed space. We’ve initiated discussion with the district… and are looking to pursue some interest in funding this initiative. It’ll be quite a project – not huge – but we’re going to need some support on that.”
For further information email [email protected] or visit www.squamishfarmersmarket.com.
