Consumers are increasingly becoming more concerned about where the food they buy comes from as well as who grew it and what methods were used in the process. This has led to a growing trend of buying from local farmers markets and Islanders are jumping on the bandwagon, says the co-ordinator of a new farmers market in Charlottetown.
David MacKay, who is co-ordinating the establishment of the new outdoor Queen Street Farmers Market set to open July 2, says in a news release the Queen Street Farmers Market will be one of seven markets operating on P.E.I. by early summer and as new markets open, more and more Island families are including them in their weekly shopping trip.
“For today’s food shoppers, where their food comes from is becoming an increasingly important aspect of the food-selection process,” MacKay said.
The new Queen Street Farmers Market addresses the concern and offers a number of additional positives, MacKay said in the news release. “The outdoor market on the south side of the Queen Street Food Co-operative will provide a great opportunity for city residents as well as tourists visiting the city to sample local food, meet the local farmers and take home fresh Island produce.“
The market will offer organic sausages, bread, ethnic foods, strawberries and variety of other fresh produce and products including freshly cut flowers and a selection of herbs and spices.
The market will be open 3-8 p.m. Friday evenings to accommodate people who work downtown and want to buy food on their way home. The Queen Street Farmers Market isn’t the only new market Islanders will see this summer.
The Downtown Farmers Market is set to open July 4 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays. The market will be located on lower Queen Street on the blocks between Richmond and Dorchester Streets and will operate in the parking spaces along the two blocks.
Downtown Charlottetown Inc. has set a goal of having at least 20 vendors take part in the market for 12 weeks, ending Sept. 19.
Dawn Alan, executive director of Downtown Charlottetown Inc., said the Downtown Farmers Market offers Islanders and visitors one more way to buy P.E.I. in the capital city. “A downtown farmers market will increase pedestrian traffic in the downtown, improve sales for nearby retailers and expand Sunday shopping options,” Alan said.
Vendors interested in learning more on space availability can contact Jason Lee at Spry Consulting at 626-7720.
It's coming!
