We Did It! And We’re Here to Stay! ????

I can hardly believe it! Despite the many, MANY challenges, we finally had our first market in the “new” space. If you were there to experience that, perhaps you’ll agree that it was incredibly special. And if you missed out (for whatever reason), you’ll have another chance this Thursday – and every Thursday! Yippee!! haha

Such a happy space – with so many smiling faces! Including this delightful trio. From left to right: Ellen Manney, Erella Ganon, and Anne Freeman (who got us started! ????)

But honestly, it was a community effort that got us to where we are now – thanks everyone!

For those of you who spoke to Michelle Hjort (right), of the Dufferin Grove Clean Energy Group, she thanks you! She was at the market last week, and loves the response she got. But if you’re unaware of this initiative, here’s some background:

“We’re helping homeowners move towards a gas-free home while improving comfort, lowering energy costs, and cutting emissions. We provide one-on-one assistance to help understand options and navigate technology, audits, incentives, loans, and implementation for clean energy retrofits. You become part of a neighbourhood buyers group that offers reputable, skilled contractors at their guaranteed best prices.”

Vendor News

First, we’ll have a brand new vendor, Bitter Better, joining us this week. Owner, Tammy Fung specializes in foods made from Himalayan Tartary Buckwheat! A brief bio:

“At Bitter Better, we believe  “Eat Bitter, Live Better”. Bitter in taste, doesn’t mean bitter in life – in fact, it’s the other way around. Bitter tasting foods help our gut and digestion, so everything else in the body works in harmony. Our products include Himalayan Tartary Buckwheat (HTB) which is a nutrient-dense product, high in antioxidants.  It helps with controlling blood sugar, and lowering blood-pressure, and cholesterol. We have (HTB) tea, noodles, flour – as well as  double dark chocolate cookies, and more. We also sell Norwegian Spruce Tree Extract – a high-performance functional food, providing a strong antioxidant supply to protect us against free radicals. We are excited to have you try these Bitter Better products, and show you why a bitter taste is good for you!” Tammy will have samples – be sure to try some!

And for returning vendors, we’ll have a few: Noki Farms, Hammerhead Fish, and Rogers Ranch. All three will be looking forward to their first market in the new space.

And just a heads up about Green Florin – Vasile is off for a few weeks, and will return in mid-February. He thanks everyone for welcoming him on “day one”! 

And here is our LIST OF VENDORS for this week:

• Nith Valley Organics
• Plan B Organics
• Noki Farms
• Johnson Family Bakery
• Forbes Wild Foods
• Hammerhead Fish
• Rogers Ranch
• Estelle’s Caribbean Cuisine
• Magic Oven
• Kalmplex Snax
• Bitter Better – new!

And hey! Did you know?

Dufferin Grove Farmers’ Market was recognized for Marit Stiles’ “Good Neighbour Award”! It’s true! Back on January 11th, I was among the recipients of this wonderful honour. I’m not sure who nominated me, but if you’re reading this, “thank you!” Tamara Romanchuk and David Anderson, of Clay and Paper Theatre, were also awarded. In the words of Erella, who was also a recipient: “Thank you to all the people who took time to nominate people in our community. It makes us stronger.” Well said! 

Thanks everyone, for keeping our community strong. ????

See you Thursday, 

-Nicole

*in the Clubhouse at Dufferin Grove Park – every Thursday. 3-7pm