Media: BCAFM In The News :: Farmer's market offers something for everyone all year
Farmer's market offers something for everyone all year
Alberni Valley Times
Fri 27 Feb 2009
Page: A5
Section: News
Byline: Heather Thomson
Source: Alberni Valley Times
These days there's a big push on shopping locally and following the 100 Mile Diet.
In Port Alberni the Farmer's Market makes both of these more feasible all year round.
"During these uncertain times Port Alberni residents are among those lucky enough to have a traditional farmer's market," explains Vicki Lee, a member of the local market. "Unlike public markets, the Port Alberni market is proud to proclaim that there are no middle men. Every product offered for sale is grown, baked, made in the Valley, and the vendor standing in front of you is that grower, baker or craftsperson. The Port Alberni Farmers' Market is proud to be local and serving the community."
John VanApeldoorn, Ben Potter and Elaine McKay, who are still members today, first started the farmer's market in 1995. For a number of years people supported the market all summer, so much so that in 1998 Cathy Kurucz and her son Peter decided to expand the market and offer it through the winter months. There has been a winter market every year since, and every year more and more vendors take part in the only year round outdoor market on the Island.
"Over the years the farmer's market has woven itself into the social fabric of Port Alberni," Lee explains. "In the spring and summer no Saturday morning is complete without a visit to the market. There old friends and new meet and exchange news, gardeners compare notes with some of the Valley's finest vegetable producers, cooks find the freshest ingredients, everywhere there are friendly faces. Vehicles are not permitted within the Market Square during market hours in order that children can hop skip and jump throughout the market without fear of being run over. Winter visits are just as welcoming albeit usually of a briefer nature."
Although the market offers a great variety of items, from crafts to fresh produce and baked goods, they are somewhat limited in what they can offer. That's because it falls under the jurisdiction of the health department and is considered a "temporary food market." As such they must follow some stringent health rules. That's why you won't see things like meringue topped pies, cream cheese fillings or icings, or meat fillings. These items are considered "hazardous" by the health department and therefore must be prepared in a department of health-inspected kitchen.
The farmer's market organizers take safety seriously. Each vendor is required to take a food safe course and have the certificate on display at every market.
Not only does the market offer people access to locally made and grown products, they also make sure they give something back to the community that has supported for so many years. One way they do this is by offering non-profit groups, schools or community groups doing fundraisers a free table at the market to promote their efforts. The only requirement is that if the fundraisers is a bake sale at least one person at the table must have their food safe certification and that they are considerate of the health regulations and avoid hazardous food.
The farmer's market also does its part with an annual fundraiser for the Bread of Life. Every year, thanks to support from Naesgaards Farm, they hold a corn boil. The market always matches the donations from the public and a donation is made to the local soup kitchen.
"The Port Alberni Farmer's Market is truly a local treasure and an important place for country to meet city," Lee explains. "The members look forward to many more years serving the community."
The Alberni Valley Farmer's Market is open for business every Saturday morning at the Harbour Quay.