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

Yes, it’s true – with just one month to go, summer is in its final stretch. But thankfully, still so much of its generous bounty, indeed continues – and with so much more to come! And (as I’ve said it many times), hooray for farmers!
(Our feature photo is of the farm fresh foods of Nith Valley Organics.)

Speaking of “generous bounty”, here’s a sample plate from last week’s “tomato fest”, which many of you took part in (pictured below) – thanks so much! The delicious and juicy tomato medley was provided by our wonderful farmers – including: Nith Valley Organics, Plan B Organics, Kooner Farm, Aldergrove Farm, Knuckle Down Farm and Sundance Harvest. 

And if you’re wondering about the sliced cucumber, (on the sample plate), those are Indian cucumbers from Kooner. The refreshing and delicious crunchy texture, pair perfectly with sweet and tasty summer tomatoes. Add a little sea salt and olive oil, and then sprinkle on your favourite herb – yum!

Indian cucumber from Kooner Farm.

Donut peaches from Reyes Farms

Repair Cafe Is Back!

Yes folks, it’s already the third Thursday of the month! So get all your broken/less than perfect, household items ready! This is Repair Cafe’s second to last visit to the market this season – so take advantage while you still can. Just bear in mind: 3-6pm only, and one item per person. Their services are free, but donations are most welcome. Thanks everyone – let’s see how much we can keep out of those pesky landfills!
Incidentally, do you recognize this photo? It’s going back to 2018! And it is of the “pre-renovation” clubhouse building. Memories..



Questions About Organics?

Look out for the Organic Council of Ontario, at this week’s market, (August 21, 2025.)

From OCO:
“Come say hello at our table! 
We’ll have:

• Free resources to take home
• Friendly faces to answer your questions
• Ways to get involved in building a healthier, more sustainable food future 

Plus, representatives from Foodland Ontario will be onsite taking photos, capturing stories, and connecting with farmers and shoppers, a great chance to showcase Ontario organics in action!”

And perhaps OCO’s timing is most fitting, as (I’ve been hearing) many, a market conversation, around the increasing impact of wildfires – and what it means for the future of agriculture. Obviously, lots much to unpack there for sure – including health and air quality concerns, along with climate change effects. But definitely a topic OCO has been delving into – stop by and chat with them. 

Fresh veggies from Aldergrove Farm


Vendor Updates..

Full vendor list here.

Market layout for August 21, 2025 – or click here.

First off, please note that both Piccolo Farm Organics and House of Tigernut, are unfortunately away this week. But great news – Jiggy Popz is back!



And more great news – our craft distillery is back. Laneway Distillers will be back, with their premium gin and vodka.

Bitter Better (pictured), Saint Spore, and Casa Shrooms, are also back this week.

Our craft brewer this week is Blood Brothers Brewing.

And Toronto Public Library is here too! Talk to them about good summer reading – and get some free TPL swag for your “trouble”.

Full vendor list here.

Incredible zucchini from Sundance Harvest.

Busy times at the Johnson Family Bakery stall. No surprise there – the sourdough is fantastic.

Fisherfolk is also back this week. Try their Spanish fish stew, for a quick and easy dinner solution.

Full vendor list here.


There’s Still Time To Get One!

Market passports are still available, and also a great way to support the market’s summer fundraiser. Just $5 (or PWYC.) It’s also a great way to explore the many other farmers markets in our fair city. Stop by the market info table, with any questions you may have.


Go Archie, Go!

Meet Archie – who clearly is as happy as we are, about tomato season! This adorable rascal belongs to one of our amazing market volunteers, Cayla. Obviously, Cayla must have told him all about “tomato fest”, which happened at last week’s market. And (from what I can tell), Archie must have been “less than thrilled” that dogs could not participate, and therefore decided to “take action!” Love your commitment Archie – hope it worked out!


Friday Night Supper

Hi friends – (as per usual) the FNS is happening this Friday, (August 22nd), and every Friday – at 6pm – at the Dufferin Grove Clubhouse. Sadly, I cannot share (this week’s) flyer/menu, as it has not yet been shared with me. However I (restate) that the price is just $7 a plate – with both meat and vegetarian options are always available. A great way to  spend time with your community, while having dinner in the park – and maybe even make a new friend!
I did pop by the last event, on (August 15th), which was a full-on barbeque, and watched city staffers firing up the grill! 😎

Here’s “grill-master Tyler”, showing those burgers who’s boss!

Finished product looks good Tyler! 

I’m On Break, Please & Thank You!

The youngest “staffer” of Nith Valley Organics, David, must have decided to “take his break”, but perhaps didn’t want his dad to know? Adorable!

Thank You, Fat Quarter! 

Our musicians last week (“Fat Quarter”), were just fantastic. They’ve been coming to the for the last few years, and band leader, Gaby (on drums), tells me repeatedly, that Dufferin Grove is her band’s favourite market. That is largely because of, well, you! Thank you for continuing to make our market so awesome.

See you at the market – couldn’t do it without you.
~ Nicole 

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

Vendor List_August 21, 2025

Growers:

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

Meat, Fish & Dairy:

• Fisherfolk
• Monforte Dairy
• Nith Valley (lamb & chicken)

Eggs:

• Nith Valley Organics
• Kooner Farm

Bakery: 

• Johnson Family Bakery
• Robinson Bread

Prepared Foods:

• Estelle’s Caribbean Cuisine
• Tapioca Toronto 
• Magic Oven
• TC Tibetan Momos

Bakery: 

• Johnson Family Bakery
• Robinson Bread

Preserves & Specialties:

• Forbes Wild Foods
• Kalmplex Snax (dried fruit)
• Jiggy Popz
• Green Florin
• Choco Sol
• Bitter Better
• Casa Shrooms
• Saint Spore

Brewery / Distillery:

• Blood Brothers Brewing
• Laneway Distillers

“Extras”:

• Repair Cafe!
• Toronto Public Library
• Organic Council of Ontario
• Community Fridges
• Flavour Harvest
• Poetry (with Marc)
• Music: Andrea Kuzmich
   

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

Love Thy Neighbour

Pardon the biblical reference, but I must share this. So these two delightful looking ladies, are sisters (Mary and Anita), and were visiting Toronto from Chicago, to see the Cubs/Jays game, last week, (August 14th, 2025.) Spoiler – our Blue Jays beat them! – haha. But when I asked them, “how did you find this market?” They said they were just walking by, and happened to see what (to them), looked like “a really happy place”. Anita (right), went on to tell me that visiting our market was her favourite thing, about her time in Toronto – and that Canadians, in general, had been so wonderful and accommodating to her and her sister. Wow. Despite all of the “political chaos”, (currently going on south of the border), it was nice to have a feel-good reference to counter all of that. Farmers’ markets bring joy – pass it on!