Farmers' Market

How did the market come about?  It's a question that many ask.  Here's the basic story.....In 2005 Community members were expressing their desire to have a farmers' market in our park.  I  brought the idea to a Friends of Trinity Bellwoods Park meeting, subsequently we had a call out for people to join a committee to get it off the ground.  Research informed me that it was not a task for one person alone.  No one stepped up at that time so it went on the back burner.  Then in 2006, I met Scott Cinello, who was totally into it.  Yay.  From there we started work on it - a year before it actually began.  We put together a proposal, got the Councillor on board who arranged a meeting with city departments.  We also got over 600 support signatures!  That was important as it showed the city that the community would come out to support it.  

2007 was the inaugural year.  Each year since it becomes more solidified in the community and into their shopping routine.  We have supported our farmers/vendors and watched them flourish with the success of the market.  It is important to understand that the  market is entirely community run and operated and on large, volunteer work - the market depends on these dedicated people for operations.  There is no financial organization or corporation behind it, other than the Friends of Trinity Bellwoods Park, a volunteer community group i.e. see this site for more ;-).  The market sustains itself and manages to give back to the Friends and the green house at year end. 

Thank you to the all the patrons for their continual support of our little market!   It has been effective in educating the people - see mandate - and supporting our local farmers/producers.

 Visit our dedicated site; www.tbfm.ca. Follow us on Twitter, twitter.com/TBFarmersMarket for on the day produce news!

Trinity Bellwoods Farmers Market Mandate

Our mandate is to support and promote local, sustainable agriculture.  It is farmer focused and strives to educate the community in the foods they eat, the source in which it comes and how it is grown and/or prepared. To increase community access to healthy, local, organic and naturally grown produce, meats and dairy. We support slow food - which is gathering regional foods, taking it home to cook and eat your meal at the hearth with your loved ones.  

All vendors participating in the Trinity Bellwoods Farmers Market have gone through the application and approval process adherent to our Mandate. Vendors are not permitted to participate without prior approval or arrangement by the Trinity Bellwoods Farmers Market management.  

Please NOTE: We are food focused and currently do not consider non-food vendors.

TIME: Tuesdays 3pm to 7pm
SEASON: May 7th to Oct 29th, 2013 (rain or shine) 
LOCATION: north/west end of park, Dundas W. & Shaw/Crawford
ACCESS: foot, bike, wheelchair, TTC

• Please bring your reusable shopping bags.
• Please make efforts to arrive by foot, bike or TTC.
• No parking along east curb of Shaw, south of Dundas W. and lane way & Dundas W. btwn Shaw and Crawford this area is reserved for participating vendors only. Do not block the driveways.
• No smoking in designated market area.
• Pets must be on leash.
• Cyclists, please slow waaay down or dismount.

Would you like to help sustain the market?  It's easy, come volunteer! 

If you are interested in helping sustain our market, getting to know farmers/vendors, appreciate a little great urban-outdoors and not afraid of a little physical work, then this is for you. It's a rewarding experience and our vendors (farming is back breaking work) truly appreciate the hand. Volunteers are needed during market season: shifts 12:30 to 1:30pm / 2pm to 3:30pm / 6:30 to 7:45pm.  There are also other ways to help out i.e. occasional flyer distribution.  Drop us a line This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , we would love to have you. The more the merrier we say!

Sincerely,

Carolyn
Farmers Market Manager
Friends of Trinity Bellwoods Park
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