The Vankleek Hill Farmers’ Market will be open in a new, temporary location and with new procedures for foodies on Saturday, June 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The new location is at 79 Derby Avenue in Vankleek Hill (in the parking lot of the former day care building).
Market organizers are calling it a “reboot” as they organize for re-opening; the year-round market, usually located Saturday mornings at Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute, has been working closely with Farmers’ Markets Ontario and with the Eastern Ontario Health Unit to get the necessary approvals in place to re-open.
Market vendors are also currently at work to get their products set up in an online shop as part of the Open Food Network, operated by a not-for-profit organization.
This means that foodies will have two ways to buy fresh, local food. Pre-ordering can take place and then, orders can be collected at a safe pre-order pick-up space at the Vankleek Hill Farmers’ Market. But the market will be open to permit people to browse and shop in person, but there will be safety guidelines and volunteers in place to guide people through the process.
Vendors will have their product displays set up and once purchasers make their choices, items will be bagged or wrapped up for customers. There will be more information at the market on how to shop.
The market offerings will include its usual abundance of fresh greens and produce, local meats, herbs, bread, baked goods and other food products.
The market will be freshening up its look soon with a new website, but in the meantime, you can find a list of upcoming vendors on the existing website or on the market’s Facebook page, where there is contact information for the vendors who will be present at the Saturday market. The list is updated weekly.
Find out more about the Vankleek Hill Farmers’ Market here: www.vankleekhillfarmersmarket.ca or look for the Facebook page for regular updates.
BTW: The market could use a few volunteers to help out at the Saturday market. Note that you will need to be updated on the new practices, so if you are interested in helping out, contact the Vankleek Hill Farmers’ Market soon by calling: 613-677-4152. Help and support of local food is always appreciated, say market organizers.
