VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouverites will have two new locations to shop for fresh, local food this summer. Vancouver Farmers Markets (VFM) – the non-profit organization that runs nine weekly markets throughout the city – will launch its new Downtown Farmers Market on Wednesday, June 2nd at šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square (Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza) and False Creek Farmers Market on Thursday, June 3rd at Concord Community Park.
“We’re thrilled to be adding new locations and new vendors to our market line-up this summer,” says Laura Smit, VFM’s Executive Director. “The addition of Downtown and False Creek will provide more options for people to shop in safe, outdoor settings, while offering additional sales opportunities to new and existing farms and producers.”
The two new markets will open just weeks after the launch of VFM’s summer season, which kicks off this weekend at Trout Lake Farmers Market and Riley Park Farmers Market on Saturday, May 1st, and Kitsilano Farmers Market on Sunday, May 2nd. Fans of the Kitsilano Market will have an additional hour to shop this season – the market will now run from 9:30am-2:30pm to help alleviate wait times experienced by shoppers last summer.
Shoppers should take note that Vancouver Farmers Markets continue to operate as essential services with full COVID-19 protocols in place, including physical distancing, limited shopper capacity, and no sampling or eating on site. VFM organizers ask that attendees follow the “Shop, don’t stop” protocol in effect at grocery stores and other businesses, and send only one member of their household to the market whenever possible.
“We all miss the lively, community atmosphere of pre-COVID markets, but it’s now more important than ever to focus on safety,” says Smit. “We know farmers markets are essential for more than just food, and look forward to being places that foster community and connection when we’re through this pandemic.”
More info on market dates and locations can be found on the VFM website.