written by Nicole Jacobs
Market operates Thursdays, 3-7pm, 
in Dufferin Grove Park 
*full vendor list here

Hooray for summer! So much to celebrate! Perhaps you were taking in Canada Day festivities over the last few days, or maybe just enjoying the summer weather all around. Either way, cheers to you! July is here, and boy are we ready!
Also ready for this very “fruit-forward” month, is local Ontario cherries!! In our feature photo, “the hand” that you’re seeing, belongs to none other than that of Cheyenne, of Sundance Harvest. And yes – she’ll be bringing cherries to this week’s market. Don’t miss out!

And speaking of summer, JiggyPopz has you covered! Try one of their incredible strawberry-chia popz this week – limited time only!

 

Market Passports Are Here!  “Time To Get Yours”!

Hopefully you’re just as excited as we are, about the launch of our brand new, Farmers’ Market Passports! Just $5 each, (or PWYC.) Such a great way to show your support for local food and local farmers – while also visiting/“discovering” different communities in the city. Thirteen farmers’ markets are participating, and the program is running until September 26th, 2025. “Milestone draws” for various prizes, will be happening throughout the program’s duration. Be sure to pick up a passport, and get it stamped this week! Visit the market’s info table, to get yours. 
And a big thank you to all of you “keeners” who helped us get things started, and actually purchased a passport last week. All were entered into the “Day-One Draw” – and one lucky winner received $15 in market bucks!

Incredible curly kale from Aldergrove Farm – last week, just $2 per bunch! 

Fresh beets from Nith Valley Organics. Remember to also eat your beet tops – so much nutrients!  

“Sundance Commons” – Doing Such Great Work!
In case you’re wondering why Sundance Harvest will (also) be bringing us cherries, here’s a few words from (owner) Cheyenne Sundance, about the incredible work she’s doing.

From Cheyenne:

“I co-founded an agricultural non-profit called Sundance Commons, that operates at five farm locations in southwestern Ontario. We provide the tools, guidance and land access for new farmers, who face barriers to entry in the agricultural sector – and land access more broadly. Sundance Commons has also been able to provide paid apprenticeships, through the “New Farmer Training Program”. One of the locations is an organic (non-cert) orchard, which SC and Amma Canada have begun co-managing. The orchard includes apples, pears, and cherries. As there are thousands of pounds of fruit available to the non-profit, I then purchase quantities at a fair price, eventually selling the fruit. The wholesale income for the non-profit, supports its operational expenses. So (in short), your support helps to continue Sundance Commons’ important land access and farmer training work!” Super cool, right?

Phenomenal sourdough from Johnson Family Bakery. 

 

Hey Dufferin! Bert Says “Hi”!

Some of you may remember this adorable face being at the market last summer (and fall.) Bert (pictured here), of Monforte Dairy, is known by many, as “Ruth’s faithful sidekick”. And to let you know, even though no longer “working” at Dufferin, Bert’s doing just fine. But if you’ve been missing him as much as I have, and also have a “free moment” on a Tuesday afternoon, pop over to the Trinity Bellwoods Farmers’ Market, and catch him there. And more great news! Bert “promised” me that Monforte will be back at this week’s market! Yes, Ruth also confirmed this – but it  just “felt” much more reassuring, when Bert sealed the deal with a handshake – and gave me his right paw. I’m also choosing to believe that that was his way of saying he misses us, (at Dufferin Grove.) Aww.. Come on back anytime, Bert! 💜

Incredible Monforte cheeses that you’ll find at this week’s market.

New Vendor Alert!
Full vendor list here.

Yes, it’s true! Get ready for tacos at Dufferin Grove Market! Coming to you, from the chefs at Magic Oven – yippee! 😋

Tacos can also pair nicely with a cold beer from Blood Brothers Brewing – they’re also at the market this week!

Other Vendor Updates..
1) (Along with Kooner Farm), House of Tigernut, Bitter Better, and ChocoSol, are all back this week!

2) Urban Harvest and Dento Dream Foods are both back later this month – (updates to follow.)

3) Vander Heyden Farms sends their regrets. Their start date (at Dufferin Grove) has been unfortunately delayed. Sadly, their main market staffer was injured, after having had a very bad fall. They hope to be at Dufferin as soon as they can – (and I will, of course, keep you posted here.)
 

“Market Map” for July 3rd, 2025.

Full vendor list here.

Have You Met Flavour Harvest Yet?

Yes friends – take a “food tasting adventure” with Flavour Harvest this week! Perhaps you’ve seen them set up at the market for the last few weeks – and also looking fabulous! And if not, do stop by their stall – in between Jiggy Popz and Nith Valley Organics. And if you’re not at all sure why they’re set up at the market (in the first place), all the more reason to stop by – and also get a tasty sample! 

And (if you’re still with me ), here’s a description of what Flavour Harvest is all about:
“Our project is focused on using behavioural science and the power of taste, to promote the consumption of healthy, sustainable food. It’s a collaboration aimed at driving consumer behaviour change towards making food choices that are beneficial for both people and the planet.” Sounds like a “win-win” to me! 🥳

And please consider making a food donation (purchased at the market), to Community Fridges. Even a small contribution, means a lot. 🙏

Breaking News! Food Programs Are Back In The Park!
1- Friday Night Suppers 🍽️:
Every Friday, (starting at 6pm) – $7, vegan and meat options available. 
July 4th: curry & rice – July 11th: burrito bowls. 

2 – Pizza Making 🍕

(by the south-end wood oven):
Every Sunday, 12 to 3pm – $4 (BYO toppings optional) 

3- The Cob Cafe has reopened – Monday to Friday, 12 to 2pm
(Above-listed food programs, are all happening in Dufferin Grove Park – and organized by the City of Toronto.)

Fresh Microgreens – also available from Noki Farms, (in addition to incredible mushrooms!) 



My Kind Of Canada Day!  

July 1st, 2025 – hanging out at a farmers’ market? Yes please!! (Second from left), here I am, having fun with other “market manager folk”, at the Trinity Bellwoods Farmers’ Market. Carolyn, (right), also manager of TBFM, is seen here holding a farmers’ market passport. Next to her, is Kyla, of MarketCity TO (who’ve helped to fund this project.) And far left, is Laura, manager of the Withrow Farmers’ Market – and also a big part of getting this project off the ground. 
And again, if you’ve always wanted a “documented record” of how much of a “local food superstar” you are, this is your moment!  

Delicious “doubles”, from “Estelle’s Caribbean Cuisine” – ask Estelle why these hot & tasty treats, are among her most popular item!

Hooray for Thursdays – and see you at the market! 
~ Nicole 
*every Thursday, 3-7pm – in Dufferin Grove Park


 

 

Vendor List_July 3, 2025

Growers:

• Plan B Organics
• Nith Valley Organics
• Noki Farms
• Reyes Farms
• Knuckle Down Farms
• Sundance Harvest
• Aldergrove Farm
• Kooner Farm

Meat, Fish & Dairy:

• First Fish
• Monforte Dairy
• Nith Valley (lamb & chicken)

Eggs:

• Nith Valley Organics
• Sundance Harvest
• Kooner Farm

Bakery: 

• Johnson Family Bakery
• Robinson Bread

Prepared Foods:

• Estelle’s Caribbean Cuisine
• Tapioca Toronto 
• Magic Oven
• Uno, Dos, Tacoz!

Preserves & Specialties:

• Forbes Wild Foods 
• Kalmplex Snax (dried fruit)
• ChocoSol
• Jiggy Popz 
• Green Florin (nuts & seeds)
• Bitter Better (HTP buckwheat)
• House of Tigernut

Brewery:

• Blood Brothers Brewing Co.

“Extras”:

• Community Fridges
• Flavour Harvest
• Poetry (with Marc)
• Face Painting  (with Isabel)
• Music: TBD

*Every Thursday, 3-7pm – in Dufferin Grove Park


Hooray for Isabel! If you haven’t met our wonderfully talented face painter, do stop by and say hello. Just look at the magic she creates. 💜