The new manager of the Squamish Farmer’s Market has a passion for local, fresh produce.
“I make sure to smell the tomatoes before I buy them. You want them to be fragrant so they taste great,” said Andrea Wickham-Foxwell, who stepped into her new role just in time for the last market of 2015.
As a photographer, tourism industry expert and self-professed foodie, Wickham-Foxwell finds supporting local farmers and food producers comes naturally.
“It’s great to have food that tastes the way it’s supposed to taste – fresh and full of flavour,” she said, standing among vendors at Squamish Elementary School on Saturday.
Taking a short break from her duties, she watches as customers stock up on food from local merchants for Christmas dinner. The market is exceptionally busy, and shoppers aren’t hesitant to visit the other vendors braving the rain outside.
“I work to promote other areas of B.C., and this new role is great because it allows me to connect with Squamish, the community I live in and love,” said Wickham-Foxwell, who is also the current director of communications for Sunshine Coast Tourism.
She plans to use her extensive experience of drawing attention to events to encourage Squamish residents to become more involved with the farmers’ market.
“The market is for people who want to connect with the community, and eat and live well, which is very much part of the Squamish demographic,” she explained, adding it’s important for people to know where their food comes from.
“It’s great to support local farmers and food producers, and eat food the way it was supposed to taste.”
During the evenings, she enjoys “cooking a good meal” while listening to Chopped, a reality TV series on the Food Network.
Originally from the White Rock area and the Sunshine Coast, she has always held Squamish close to her heart and currently lives in Brackendale with her husband, who is a musician, and their boxer, Billie Withers.
Wickham-Foxwell’s resume includes working for the Rocky Mountaineer and on the Royal Hudson Steam Train as a photographer.
“I have lots of ideas for the farmers’ market, and I have big shoes to fill,” she said, referring to replacing Carolyn Morris, who acted as market manager for the previous nine years.
The board of Squamish Farmers’ Market Association is currently working on a strategic plan for 2016. “We’re focusing on growth and hope more community members get involved,” said Wickham-Foxwell.
“There are so many fun people who support us. It’s been great meeting them and learning more about our local vendors.”
The next winter farmers’ markets are on Jan. 16 and 30, Feb. 13 and 27 and March 12 and 26 at Squamish Elementary School.
