On Saturday mornings between May and November, you will find me at the Withrow Park Farmers’ Market. As the market manager, I’ve lucked into a job that involves enjoying the sunshine, speaking with community members, listening to local musicians, and sampling delectable organic food.
The Withrow Park Farmers’ Market has been a vibrant part of the Riverdale community in Toronto since 2006. It provides a beautiful venue for city residents to purchase fresh, seasonal food directly from Ontario farmers and local businesses. But Withrow Market is about more than just delicious food. It is about creating connections to our community, to independent food producers and to nature. Farmers’ markets connect us to a whole web of social and ecological relationships. Good food connects us with farmers & chefs, plants & animals, culture & history and the people with whom we are our meals.
One of the amazing aspects of a farmers’ market is that it is so much more than just a place to buy your groceries – it’s a destination, an event, a meeting place, even a tourist attraction. A trip to a conventional grocery store is a chore, while a trip to the market is an opportunity to relax, spend time with friends and enjoy your surroundings. Markets build community networks as they give neighbours a place to connect over common values.
Farmers’ markets give consumers a chance to hear the food producers’ stories, learn about sustainable agriculture and discover the seasonality of produce. Most of the food-like products that we consume today come from large corporations who receive the financial benefit of our purchases. Upwards of 80% of the cost of store-bought food goes to processors, packagers, distributors, vendors and advertisers. Only very small portion reaches the farmer. In the case of international imports the percentage that reaches the labourer is much, much lower. By choosing the shop at the farmers’ market, we are concentrating financial resources in our own communities and supplying living wages to farmers. When we eschew corporate structures like grocery stores and packaged food, we can begin to mend the modern production and distribution system.
[bctt tweet=”I’m saving the world, one tomato at a time. Want to join me? Meet me at the farmers’ market!” username=”globallocavore”]
Perhaps most importantly, farmers’ markets also give market patrons a positive, practical way to reduce their environmental impact. After years working for environmental charities who used fear and guilt as motivators for action, I’ve come to believe that real change must be inspired by love, excitement and hope. I believe that food provides a powerful tool for sharing a positive message. When you bite into a juicy, sweet, fresh-off-the-vine tomato and compare it to the cardboard equivalent passing for a tomato in the grocery store, no additional convincing is required. The health benefits of organic food require no embellishment. When speaking directly to a farmer, terms like humanely-raised, organic and biodynamic aren’t buzz words used to up-sell products, but simply part of their firsthand experience.
Which brings me back to Saturday morning, when I’m standing in the middle of the bustling market, surrounded by tables piled high with bright, fresh fruits and vegetables. I am once again reminded that the path to a healthy diet, a strong local economy and a vibrant community passes right through the farmers market. So when people ask me what I do for a living, I answer saving the world, one tomato at a time. Want to join me?
Do you have a local Farmers’ Market in your community? What’s your favourite seasonal produce?
Now It’s Your Turn! Find a local Farmers’ Market and buy some delicious, seasonal, organic produce. Take the time to get to know the farmers, learn about the community initiatives in your neighbourhood or pick up a healthy recipe and enjoy the atmosphere.
Disclosure: I used to manage the WPFM, and am admittedly completely biased towards how great it is, but I was in no way compensated for this post. Just sharing what I think is exciting and positive.
debbie says
WOW! The produce is gorgeous, great photos. What a wonderful experience and you get to do it weekly. We used to have one when I was a little girl in downtown St. Louis called Soulard Market. My dad would take me there and he would pick out stuff and buy me an ice cream. I don’t know if that market still remains but there is nothing like that near our home. You must be an amazing market manager.
globallocavore says
Aw, thank you so much Debbie for those kind words. It is such a fun place to work, volunteer or visit. I am a big advocate for local food as it supports the local farm economy, protects the environment and builds community. I’m sad to hear there is not a market close to where you live, but maybe the next time you are on vacation you will see one.
marjan says
Love this, reminds me of the markets in The Netherlands, always been one of my favorite spots to shop.
globallocavore says
Absolutely! I love the personal connection you make with the farmers and the food producers.
Susanne says
I went to the farmer’s market every Saturday morning with my parents! I miss doing that and have planned on going to one of the markets in my area….I am going this Saturday after reading your post!!
globallocavore says
That’s the best possible response! It is definitely a fun way to spend time with family and friends, especially when the weather is nice.
Shelly says
Thanks Lauren. I just love farmers markets. Since getting on a bit of a health kick we are very concious of what we eat – where it comes from and how it is produced. I love speaking to local producers at the markets. There is a passion there for the produce and supplying the best they can. I believe that many of our helath problems stem from our food – and our lack of connection to that food exacerbates the issue. Connecting to the people helps you connect to your food.
Shelly recently posted…Have a Gift for my Birthday
globallocavore says
Hi Shelly. You are so so right. I believe many health and social issues can be drastically reduced through nutritious, well-grown, local food. Farmers are such inspiring people when you start talking about how hard they work and how dedicated they are to their farm. Thank you so much for your insightful comment. 🙂
Melony says
Oh, my goodness, I soooooo want to be there right now! Everything is so bright and beautiful!! I can almost taste the wonderful produce!
globallocavore says
Thank you! Fresh, local, in-season produce is one of the most delicious things imaginable isn’t it? I’m loving local strawberries at the moment along with fresh asparagus!
Elizabeth Stewart says
What a wonderful farmer’s market!
globallocavore says
Thank you so much for stopping by Elizabeth!
Sam says
This is great Lauren, so many benefits to Farmer’s Markets both to the producer and the consumer I really liked how you ended this post “I am once again reminded that the path to a healthy diet, a strong local economy and a vibrant community passes right through the farmers market.” – this is so true. I look forward to the next one near me.
globallocavore says
Thanks so much Sam! I find that as urban dwellers it is even more important to visit a farmers’ market every once in a while to reconnect with the notion that our food comes from the land and that protecting the environment around cities is vital for our health. I hope you have a wonderful time when you visit a market soon. 🙂
Lisa @ LTTL says
Oh, I LOVE a good farmer’s market. I was spoiled where I use to live we had an excellent one. In my new town it is not so good. :(, but I’ll still go back becasue I believe in supporting my local growers.
Thank for joining Life Thru the Lens
Lisa
globallocavore says
Supporting local food producers is so important and I’m so happy to hear you do. It’s too bad there isn’t a nice one where you live now, but I’ve found they are getting more and more popular so perhaps one will pop up soon! Thanks for reading.