Food, Farmers & Community – It’s All Here! 🙌

With the hustle and bustle of the market (especially at Plan B Organic’s stall like seen above), it’s nice to be able to sit down and have a nice chat with friends. 

written by Lillian Carcao,
Market operates Thursdays, 3-7pm, 
*full vendor list here

Hey there, Dufferin Grovers! It’s Lillian, writing this week’s newsletter. 👋😎✨

Hard to argue that the month of April had an “interesting” start. From last week’s snowstorm (right after “April Fool’s”), to the wonderful, sunny market we had last Thursday – wow! That had to (at least in part) be a reminder of the important relationship between climate and environment. A fitting conversation for Earth month, I’d say. And perhaps equally important, is how that relationship is connected to, and impacts, our food supply. What a moment to say “hooray for farmers’ markets!”

Organic veggies and hot sauces from Plan B Organics — what a pretty basket of goodies!

Throughout this year’s Earth month, there will be plenty of opportunities to engage in ecological and sustainable learning – and practices. Dyson Forbes, of Forbes Wild Foods, for example, is hosting a masterclass later this week all about foraging foods that are native to our environment — which had so much interest, that it completely sold out! (See here). Glad to see so many curious minds wanting to learn more about foraging.

From syrups and preserves, to powdered seasonings and dried herbs – and mushrooms, Forbes Wild Foods is the “go-to” place for all things foraged!

A Shoutout To TPL!
When it comes to free programs, and opportunities to learn, hooray for public libraries! 📚

Toronto Public Libraries across the city have their “Our Fragile Planet” (free) educational program running, which touches on topics such as growing your own plants, shopping for beauty products more sustainably (and cost effectively) – as well as ways to explore our urban forests throughout the GTA. In addition, just using our libraries for the borrowing of books, movies, technology, and musical instruments is all far less expensive, and much more sustainable, than having to purchase any of these individually!

It’s also nice to see that our libraries are “farmers’-market-friendly”. (Photo taken in August, 2024, at the market.)

This “When To Plant Outdoors” map, is another free and easy resource coming to you straight from Urban Harvest! Colette displayed this at last week’s market. Sadly, she’ll be away this week market, as she’s opening up her storefront location – but how exciting for her! But not to worry – she’s back at the market on April 17th.

Delicious scones, (Nicole’s favourite) – available every week from Johnson Family Bakery.

Shopping at your local farmers’ market is one of the best ways to protect and sustain our local food system. Also a great opportunity to meet your farmers, and learn exactly where your locally-grown produce is coming from – and how it was grown!

Incredible root veggies from Nith Valley Organics.

Dried strawberry fruit leathers from Kalmplex Snax — the outdoor sun last week was perfect for this shot!

During Earth month (and beyond), let’s keep supporting and, where possible, participating in, green initiatives throughout the city. Last weekend’s community cleanup in Dufferin Grove Park is a great example. And why not organize your own community cleanup? The more we can show that there’s a demand for these programs, (including farmers’ markets), the greater our ability to keep them running! But if ever you’re not sure how to “get involved”, volunteering is always a a great option! Send us an email to: info@dufferingrovemarket.ca.

Wild Enoki mushrooms from Noki farms — what gorgeous colours! 💛

A delicious meal of bbq chicken, rice and salad, from Estelle’s Caribbean Cuisine – jerk chicken also available!

Sometimes the “amount of sauce”,  just isn’t sufficient. Thankfully, that’s NEVER the case at Magic Oven! They know a sauce-lover when they see one – be satiated, my saucy friends!

Planning For Easter & Passover..

First off, Happy Passover for those (soon to be) celebrating – and Happy Easter to those gearing up for that! 
But if neither of those applies to you, “Food, Farmers & Community” is plenty to celebrate, each and every Thursday afternoon with us – thank you for that. 
And with so many festive dinners coming up, you may want to consider pre-ordering your favourite specialty-cut meats at this week’s market, for your “grand meal”! 

Nith Valley Organics, will be taking pre-orders, and also will have fresh lamb available for purchase for the next two weeks. If there’s a particular cut you’re looking for, Nathan will be taking special orders to prep for next week’s market. He’ll also have plenty of free-range eggs for those needing some to decorate, chicken for your roasts – and as always, an amazing assortment of veggies for your delicious and nutritious side dishes! Yay!!

For those with more of a taste for fish, Fisherfolk will also be taking pre-orders! 

I’ve heard in particular, that their salmon is a favourite for this holiday season – which means they could sell out! Pre-ordering is a great way to avoid that. And Sabrina will also be taking special orders for fish and products that she might not normally stock at our market! So feel free to check in with her this week. 🐟

A “Cheesy & Spicy” Delight!

Making their debut at our market last week were these amazing jalapeño & cheddar sourdough loaves from Johnson Family Bakery!! How delicious!

Vendor News..

Full vendor list here.

Excited to announce that both Linkhaus and Alma Bakery will be back at this week’s market!
Many felt the absence of Linkhaus last week, so it’s great that their top quality sausages, will be back (freshly cooked or frozen)! 

David (from Linkhaus), talking with a customer about their FunkyFungi Chicken sausages — so good! 

Gorgeous sesame seed bread from Alma Bakery
 

Full vendor list here.

Look Who! 

You may have spotted Karim, from JiggyPopz, “popping by” throughout the indoor market season. Yes, while he’s been busy studying to improve the flavour (and nutrition) of his fantastic popzicles, he also sets aside time to support his fellow vendors.  Thus making make sure that he and his family are eating healthy, organic home-made meals.
We’ll have to wait until next month, before Karim is back at Dufferin Grove selling his “popz” – but it’s always nice to see him at the market in the meantime.
 

Even when packing up after the market, wonderful moments of human connection take place. I wonder what Kalmplex, Nathan, and Chuck were all joking about…

And speaking of “packing up”, it’s about time for me to wrap this newsletter up!

Thanks for reading everyone – and see you Thursday!

~ Lillian

 

VENDORS_April 10, 2025

Growers:

• Plan B Organics
• Nith Valley Organics
• Noki Farms

Meat & Fish:

• Link Haus
• Fisherfolk
• Nith Valley Organics (lamb & chicken)

Eggs:

• Nith Valley Organics

Bakeries:

• Johnson Family Bakery
• Alma Bakery 

Prepared Foods:

• Magic Oven
• Estelle’s Caribbean Cuisine
• Link Haus (grilled sausage & chips)

Preserves & Specialty Items:

• Forbes Wild Foods
• Kalmplex Snax

“Extras”:

• Poetry (with Marc) – only til 5:30pm
• Happy Earth Month!

A heart of maple candies from Forbes Wild Foods ~ 💖🍁