To the Editor,
Re: Cost of market food too dear for shopper, Letters, Aug. 25.
The Cedar Farmers’ Market is one of the Island’s premiere, long-standing markets with a community focus.
In order to engage the public, it offers four special events throughout the season, as well as live music at every market.
A main priority is keeping its vendors and customers happy. In order to maintain fair pricing, the managers research market prices for produce via Internet observation and make price comparisons via local stores.
The Cedar market honours Island farmers, who every week toil to bring nutritious food to the public, and in turn support the local economy by taking their market dollars and spending them locally.
It also gives back to the community by contributing produce to the Nanaimo Food Share gleaning program. At the end of every market, gleaners get fresh produce from about 10 different growers. This produce is delivered to the Salvation Army kitchen and is transformed into nutritious meals for the city’s homeless and hungry.
Farmers are among the hardest working, least-appreciated people in our society. It’s time to recognize the cost of not buying local food, and then getting out there to support the local economy.
It’s in our own best interest after all.
Nadine Wiepning
Nanaimo