We believe that our farmers are essential to food security. As we saw with the COVID-19 pandemic, ships were not sailing and all of the produce Canada was receiving from other places was not arriving. This is why it is crucial to buy and shop locally. We have to support our local farmers!

LMNHS has a long-term relationship with the Vancouver Farmers Market. This partnership includes:

• The BCAFM Market Nutrition Coupon Program

• Picking up produce from various farmers markets to bring to the Food Hub

• Ensuring that we have our Donation Station set up once a month

• Promoting buying and eating local

• Supporting the farmers 

Last week, we set up a booth at the Riley Park Farmers Market. At our booth, we had our Donation Station, where folks could donate to support our food hub and food literacy programs, master gardeners ready to answer any burning gardening questions and tomato plants to hand out by donation. 

Our tomato plants were graciously donated to us by Nathan, a UBC student that majors in Music Composition and minors in Sustainable Agriculture. Nathan received a Neighbourhood Small Grant that allowed him to complete a project that helps out the community. His project, Tomatoes for Tomorrow, incentivizes people to grow their own food. Nathan grew many tomato plant seedlings before giving them away. He also used to work with one of our partners, City Beets, where he heard about LMNHS and got in contact with us.

Speaking of tomatoes…join us for our Tomato Festival on August 25th! Be sure to follow us on Instagram @rileyparkcommunitygarden to stay tuned for more information

Overall, the market was quite busy with lots of vendors and shoppers. There were many food trucks, produce and flower vendors. Our communications coordinator was able to capture some moments from that day to share. We saw some beautiful bouquets from Salt & Harrow Organic Farm, River & Sea and more. One of our Master Gardeners even picked up some flowers herself!

In terms of produce, Lidder’s Family Farm and Sunshine Meadow Farms had a lot of colourful fresh strawberries to offer. 

At the end of the market, we are thankful to have received many donations to our Food Hub and extend a huge thank you to all the vendors that donated.