Farmers’ market joins pilot program
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 28/06/2023 (1216 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
A pilot program involving vendors from the Brandon Farmers’ Market will help provide fresh fruit and vegetables to those in the community who need a hand up, according to the head of the local organization.
Westman vendors can now take part in the Manitoba Community Food Currency Program, which was introduced in 2020 by Direct Farm Manitoba, an association that represents producers at farmers’ markets and farms.
The program was first launched in and around the city of Winnipeg, and for the first time this summer, will include the Brandon Farmers’ Market.
Jeanette Ens, co-ordinator of the Brandon Farmers’ Market, poses for a photo at her booth selling fresh fruit, vegetables and meat at a past farmers’ market in Brandon. The selections are included in the Manitoba Community Food Currency Program created by Direct Farm Manitoba. (Michele McDougall/The Brandon Sun)
Under the program, clients of social service agencies will be provided with currency to spend at farmers’ markets, said Jeanette Ens, co-ordinator of the Brandon Farmers’ Market.
“It is fantastic,” Ens said. “They can come to the market, either Friday or Saturday, and use their currency to spend on anything that is a whole agricultural product, like produce, berries, honey, eggs, or meat.”
“It’s the goal of Direct Farm Manitoba to help families with their food security, and to grow the farmers’ market, overall.”
Direct Farm Manitoba has been in existence since 2007, but it was originally known as the Farmers’ Market Association of Manitoba.
In 2015, the association brought in small-scale farms to increase market share, and eventually, members became interested in providing food security for those who need it, said Kristie Beynon, executive director of Direct Farm Manitoba.
As of today, there are 730 households signed up for the food currency program across Manitoba, with 28 community partners and 13 farmers markets taking part.
“This supports food security in our province, and it supports local producers, so that’s a win-win supporting people who benefit from greater food access, as well as their communities,” said Beynon.
“Also, when people spend this alternative currency at the farmers’ market, we’ve always had great redemption rates. In fact, more than 93 per cent of all the community food currency that is distributed amongst participants is redeemed at the farmers market,” Beynon said.
The vendors are reimbursed through provincial funding that was announced by the government in November 2022, which pledged $1.1 million over three years to Direct Farm Manitoba.
A shopper at a Manitoba farmers’ market with fresh fruit, vegetables and meat that are included in the Manitoba Community Food Currency Program created by Direct Farm Manitoba. (Submitted)
“It’s multi-year funding for this year, 2024 and 2025, and will cover all of our program funding,” said Beynon.
“We’re really happy to be able to come alongside all these great farmers’ markets, community organizations, and above all, to support better access to local food which supports local producers.”
The Brandon Farmers’ Market runs every Friday inside The Town Centre from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays in The Town Centre parkade from 9 a.m. to noon, from July 8 through the beginning of October.
» mmcdougall@brandonsun.com
» Twitter: @enviromichele