Written By Guest Writer Edibles Aug 22, 2011 The Importance of Local Farmers’ Markets SHARE VIA: Facebook Twitter Pinterest A scene from the former Victoria Public Market, courtesy of City of Victoria Archives (# CVAM08758)In recent decades, farmers markets have again assumed their historic role as important social and economic institutions in many of our communities. For many of us, farmers’ markets offer a glimmer of hope for a healthy future. The reasons for the re-emergence of farmers’ markets include nostalgia, increasing demand for fresh, local produce, distrust of supermarket power, concern over industrialized food production, desire to help local producers, and rural town regeneration. Farmers’ markets are now an integral part of the ‘real food’ revolution and, according to Farmers’ Markets Canada, they generated $3 billion in economic activity in 2008.The Victoria Downtown Public Market Society is one answer to this challenge. With representatives from local food security organizations, food retailers, NGOs, and even Victoria City Council, the society was formed in August 2010 to raise awareness, support and funds towards the establishment of a permanent year-round marketplace in the downtown core of the City of Victoria. They believe that the return of a permanent public market is vital for a healthy local food system and community. Such a market will greatly improve our island’s food security by increasing accessibility to island grown products during every season and helping local farms remain vibrant and sustainable. Additionally, a downtown local food market will promote and support local businesses and bring neighbors together to commune and share resources, thus increasing local social capital and providing a hub of food-related community education, commerce and creativity.The market will focus on local food producers at every level – farmers, fishers, butchers, bakers, cheese makers, preservers, brewers, vintners, florists and restaurants. It will be a meeting place where producers can share ideas with one another and their customers. A space for education as much as it is for business. A downtown public market will help small island businesses sustain themselves by increasing their customer base and building interconnection.In order to achieve these very desirable (and tasty!) goals, the Downtown Public Market Society has been holding events such as Winter and Summer farmers markets in Market Square, and on September 11th they’ll be hosting the Eat Here Now 2011 Harvest Festival in Centennial Square featuring over 50 local farmers, food vendors and restaurants.Create new relationships, enjoy food at its freshest and most flavorful, taste something new and get in tune with the seasons: check out the next farmers market on August 28th in Market Square from 11 – 3, and don’t miss Eat Here Now 2011 Harvest Festival on Sept. 11th in Centennial Square. Together, we can bring back a public food market to downtown Victoria!For more information check out the website: http://victoriapublicmarket.com, and tune into the Eat Here Now 2011 Facebook page for news and updates on participating vendors and local entertainers.Communityfarmers marketFood EventsFood MarketsVancouver Island Food Scene SHARE VIA: Facebook Twitter Pinterest Written By: Guest Writer We get many people writing guest articles for us, as well as past contributors. This is the Guest ... Read More You may also like EAT Magazine News / Food News January 28, 2021 CITY EATS February | March 2021 If you haven’t yet taken advantage of Victoria’s free local delivery program, Downtown Delivers, you have until February 15 to try it ... Read More Food News / Pantry / Review January 28, 2021 Some Like It Hot — A Hot Sauce Tasting Party A Hot Sauce Tasting Party Gillie Easdon gathered 15 local, house-made hot sauces and four brave souls to taste-test them. It was a mid-October, late ... Read More EAT Magazine News / Food News December 7, 2020 EAT’s 2020 Gift Guide EAT’s 2020 Gift Guide. Not just for the holidays! Bolen Books Flavor by Yotam Ottolenghi ($45.00) Cat’s Meow Trivet ($6.95) Book Seat ... Read More EAT Magazine News / Food News November 30, 2020 CITY EATS December 2020 | January 2021 A new bakery has opened in the Leland building at 2506 Douglas St. Working Culture Bread is serving up naturally leavened sourdough breads, as well ... Read More Food / Food News / Restaurants November 30, 2020 Eating Out—At Home Originally published in EAT Oct|Nov issue. Are you missing those romantic date night dinners, a favourite dish from a local chef, the fluffy ... Read More Breads / Food / How to Cook / Recipes November 27, 2020 Rosemary and Feta Potato Loaf A delicious homemade bread is always a welcome treat that can really set the mood for a good day. This is an approachable recipe to bring to holiday ... Read More Comments are closed.
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