Community Food Markets in Guelph Neighbourhoods

August 27, 2018

Since July 2017, the GNSC has partnered with The Seed to bring Community Food Markets to different neighbourhoods across the city. The pilot project launched in the Guelph Community Health Centre downtown and saw great success.

Grange Hill was next to get on board this April and has been a wonderful addition to the neighbourhood. Jen Terry, the Support Worker for Grange Hill loves the market and how it can serve the families in the neighbourhood. “The market has moved outdoors for the nice weather! We have noticed a better turn out with the exposure.” she shares. “We are serving approximately 60 families a week. Lots of people return every week and tell us how much the market means to them and their families.”

You may have seen more about the Community Food Markets this summer as the number of markets has doubled, adding both West End and Brant Markets this August. Maddie Barber from The Seed let us know that so far, things are looking really good! “The number of markets has increased so quickly because our sliding-scale model has proved to be really successful in a few different ways: improving food access for those experiencing physical or financial barriers to healthy food, by offering affordable prices on high quality produce right in Guelph neighbourhoods, bringing together Guelphites of all incomes in a friendly community space, and sustaining itself financially as a social enterprise, with the help of volunteers.” She’s excited about the success. “The new markets are only a few weeks in. So far, the feedback from our partners and customers has been overwhelmingly positive.”

When asked about future plans, Maddie says that there aren’t any new markets planned for the fall but the hope is to see more in the future. “Eventually we would love to be in every neighbourhood in Guelph. The best way to support us and ensure our growth is to shop here!”

Learn more about the Community Food Markets over on The Seed website or check out this great article done by the CBC. Hopefully we will see you there!