Launch of the Regent Park Farmers' Market

Yesterday was the launch of the Regent Park Farmers’ Market, and Regent Park Boulevard** was bustling with patrons taking in all that the vendors had to offer (see the full list at the end of this post).  The Market will be running every Wednesday, until October 30^th, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and will be serving locally grown foods and locally made goodies.

BBQ corn, butterfish sandwiches, samosas, smoothies, and butter tarts were just some of the food people were enjoying yesterday. Homemade breads, spices, organic herbs, and fresh root vegetables were in abundance. This market is aimed to be different from others in the city; Regent Park Farmers' Market is an affordable option where you will experience the wonderful diversity found in the community.  

Besides the delicious food and treats, the atmosphere was lovely. In many instances, people were meeting each other for the first time on the Boulevard and taking time out to engage with their neighbours. Several of the vendors were from Regent Park and provided some cultural favourites that will surely keep you coming back every week. The Market truly has something for everyone and is a lovely place to meet new people in the community.

We see a bright future for the Regent Park Farmers’ Market and hope you will support this endeavour. We will have a table there each week and hope you will stop by and say hi. For more information about the market please visit their website at www.regentparkfarmersmarket.ca.

**Regent Park Boulevard has not yet been officially named. It is the street colloquially known as "Street P Parking," running north/south on the East side of the Daniels Spectrum. Make sure to come out to the official street naming the same day as Sunday in the Park, on July 7th.

This list is of the venders at the market June 5, 2013. List will change throughout the season.

• Arman Farmers' Market (Wali) - bbq corn / coconut juice / sugar cane juice = RP local resident & hero
• Fish Shack (Ali) - cod fish & veggie fritters / fish & veggie sandwiches / homemade juices
• Hymark Farms (Zach) - beans / potatoes / other fresh produce = will also have Halal Goat at future markets
• Southern Horizon (Margaret & Rodney) - fresh greens / root vegetables
• The Food Smyth (Dave) - artisan cheeses
• Simply Buds (Maryann & Andrew) - raspberry & blueberry berliners / pecan tarts = RP local residents who cooked at Paintbox Bistro
• Exact Edge (Denzil) - knife sharpening
• Incredible Spices (Sanjiz) - all homemade spice blends / sauces / dips and samosas / mango lassi
• Red Pocket Farm (Amy) - fresh greens / root vegetables
• Wicklow Way (Greg & Elaina) - organic vegetables / flowers / honey
• De la Terre Bakery (Chad) - fresh baked assorted breads / muffins / date squares = they grow their own grain for the breads / treats
• Fathima's Tasty Treats (Fathima & Ahamed) - veggies & chicken samosas / fish balls / cupcakes = RP local residents who cooked at Paintbox Bistro
• Sally's Spring Rolls (Sally) - veggie & chicken spring rolls / chutney = RP local resident (caters many community events) = cooked at Paintbox Bistro
• Fresh City Farms (Arlene) - fresh greens / broccoli / root vegetables
• Paintbox Bistro's Boxie - coffee / fruit smoothies

Regent Park Food and Gardens

 Ensuring all people have access to affordable, culturally diverse, fresh and nutrient-rich foods is vital to the overall health of the community. Regent Park has a long history of food advocacy. In the 1980s, the high cost to buying fresh food was identified as a barrier to good nutrition, so the Regent Park Community Health Centre, along with the CRC, negotiated various green spaces in Regent Park to convert them to urban gardens. Well over 300 families worked on their own allotted gardens and grew foods for their families.

What we found was we had some excellent urban farmers living in Regent Park. They’ve been able to grow such foods as okra, black pepper, and even rice! 

However, we also knew that not everyone could farm nor did we have the space to ensure there was enough room to grow food for everyone who lives in the community. Developing food security initiatives has therefore long been a priority for Regent Park. 

Currently, there are several new projects that are working to enhance food security for the community. The new Food Centre at the Christian Resource Centre and the Regent Park Farmers’ Market are just a few of the initiatives that are coming into the neighbourhood this year.  

Even more food initiatives will be developing alongside the completion of Regent Park park and still more when the Athletics Grounds are complete. This unique approach to urban agriculture speaks to the creativity and ingenuity found in Regent Park.

With the support of long-serving community agencies, urban farming continues to be a vital tool for many residents, and we are excited to see the new food projects being initiated in Regent Park -- especially the Regent Park Farmers’ Market, which launches today! Make sure to stop by and check out the flyer on our website for more information.