The Kwantlen St. Farmers Market held its grand opening celebration today at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Richmond, 8771 Lansdowne Road. The celebration included a children’s ‘Eat the Rainbow’ Workshop, traditional Chinese dance performances, comments from KPU President Dr. Alan Davis, Director of the Institute for Sustainable Agriculture Dr. Kent Mullinix and KSA President Alex McGowan.
KSA Sustainability Coordinator Mairi Lester introduced the Junior Foodie Passport program, a children’s activity program that will run all summer. Starting at the Tuesday July 5, 2016 market the passport program aims to engage and educate children about local seasonal food and cooking at home. The passport allows kids to track the lessons they have learned, and document their experiences with new foods.
The Kwantlen St. Farmers Market creates a space in Richmond where shoppers, families, and students can access products grown and crafted by local farmers and artisans, including KPU’s own Sustainable Agriculture students. “Building the Kwantlen St. Farmers Market on-campus is a unique opportunity to support small local student owned businesses,” said Alex McGowan, Kwantlen Student Association President. “Students benefit by getting to learn from a community of seasoned vendors and gaining exposure for their businesses,” continued McGowan.
“Since opening in late May, it is clear the market is an event Richmond is ready to embrace,” says Market Manager Anne Janzen. “We are thrilled to deliver a market that everyone can be proud of, and celebrate the area's long farming history.” Jenzen looks forward to continuing to see great community and student support of the market, hearing their feedback, and continuing to grow the market.
The Farmers Market runs weekly on Tuesdays from 3pm to 7pm at KPU Richmond, offering a rotating selection of food trucks and carts, vendors with local produce, farm fresh Okanagan fruit, SPCA Certified chicken and eggs, natural soap and body care products, and an array of other exciting local foods, and handcrafted wares. Located in the north corner of the Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) Richmond parking lot, the market runs rain or shine. Free parking is accessible from both Lansdowne Road and Kwantlen Street.
The Kwantlen St. Farmers Market is hosted by the Kwantlen Student Association and produced by Farm Fresh Events.
