There are multiple ways to access high-quality, local and sustainable foods in Vancouver and the surrounding areas. A quick search of your local area on Google can show you where to find produce box subscriptions from local farms, local farmers’ markets, and markets in your areas that sock local produce, meat and specialty items. Recently, there have been more local, organic options available in big box grocery stores but, I find these stores to be overcrowded, overpriced and overstocked with processed foods. Decreasing exposure to processed foods reduces the likelihood of including them in our diet, so I rarely shop at these types of stores. Additionally, shopping through local markets compared to big box stores gives more of the profits directly to farmers, reducing large-scale food companies profiting off of our farmers and taking advantage of increased food prices. The more direct our purchase, the more benefit they will have on our local economy.
Thankfully, there are more options now than ever before for accessing high-quality, nourishing foods online and through direct-to-consumer sales. The majority of them will even deliver your order directly to your door, decreasing the amount of time you need to spend shopping in your personal time. Here is a list of resources you can use to find local, sustainable suppliers in your area.
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Farmers’ Markets
Farmers’ Markets are an excellent way to shop for local, sustainable food that directly supports local farmers. These foods are produced on a local scale often using responsible farming practices, decreasing carbon emissions and transportation of food. This increases the nutrient density of our produce, as it spends less time off the vine and is not artificially ripened with chemicals. Here is the link to the Vancouver Farmers’ Markets website to find a market closest to you.
Farm Market Shops
As farmers’ markets are generally seasonal, Farm Market shops are an excellent year-round alternative. These are small, locally-owned shops that typically carry produce and other foods from local farmers, artisans and small businesses. The produce is fresh from local growers and they often have sales on items that are in season and plentiful. This is a great way to naturally adjust our diet to become influenced by the seasons. This helps support local small businesses and increases access to grower’s products during the off-season. Here is a small list of Farm Markets around Vancouver and North Vancouver – or simply google “Farm Market” in your area.
North/West Vancouver
Lonsdale Quay Artisan Farm Market – Lonsdale Quay
Foxy Farm Market – Lonsdale + 1st Ave
Columbus Farm Market – Edgemont, Queens road
Farm to Table Market – West Vancouver, Marine drive
Kin’s Farm Market – Ambleside, Capilano mall
Vancouver
Farm to Table Market – Richards st.
Granville Island Market – Granville Island
Kins Farm Market – West end and Kitsilano
The Local Farm Market – Kitsilano, 16th ave
Nature Way Farm Market – Kingsway
Organic Acres Market – Main st.
Be Fresh Market – Kitsilano, 1st ave
Local Produce Delivery
Produce boxes and subscription-based direct-to-consumer product delivery is an excellent way to support local farmers, increase the quality of our diet, support our local economy, and save time and money on grocery shopping. The list of fantastic small businesses joining this business model is growing and helping to reduce food waste and transportation. Here is a list of businesses in Vancouver you can get to deliver their products to you.
Local Pasture-Raised and Sustainable Products Direct from Farmers
Using online direct from farmers’ e-commerce platforms cuts out the middle man, allowing our farmers to gain better profits from their hard work while also keeping prices lower than what you will see in grocery stores. This is a great way to increase the quality of animal products in our diet while also supporting a more sustainable and humane agriculture system for the future.