2. Artisan Farmers’ Markets – Safety & Security at Farmers’ Markets

Organization Information

Organization Name

Artisan Farmers' Markets

Mission and Vision of Organization

Mission To connect consumers directly with local farmers, small food producers and artisanal makers in order to support the community’s financial, social and environmental objectives. Vision To celebrate BC farmers, food and handmade items in vibrant, welcoming, community-connected markets.

Guiding Principles + Values

To support local farmers and small business people who grow, make, bake, raise, or wild-harvest their product in BC by creating strong sales channels.

Contact Information

• Primary Contact Person(s): Tara Immell
• Email: [[1]]
• Phone: 604-446-8272  
• Address: Brentwood, Burnaby, Lonsdale Quay, and West Vancouver Markets
• Website: artisanmarkets.ca  

Preferred Method of Contact

• Best method(s) to contact: Email
• Best day(s) to contact:Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays
• Best time(s) to contact: Mornings, Afternoons

Preferred Platform(s) for Remote Collaboration

• Zoom
• None.

Project Description

Context: What challenge or issue does the project aim to address?

The project will focus on the safety and security of access to fresh, local foods at farmers' markets during the COVID-19 pandemic. Students will approach safety and security from the aspect of the shopper, the farmer/food vendor, and the market non-profit society. Specifics of safety include physical distancing and work environment policies, while specifics of security include vendor job and income security and market viability.

Main Project Activities

Students will undertake internet and phone research into health regulations and market policies. There will be no requirement to visit markets.

Expected Project Deliverable(s)

Students will create a comparison of the policies of different markets and experiences of vendors at different markets.

Intended Project Outcome

Visibility into farmers' market policy differences and financial impact on vendors during COVID-19.

Student Assets and Skills (preferred or required)

• Students willing to conduct remote research and speak with farmers' market vendors.

Student Assets and Skills (to be developed through the project)

• Interviewing skills Data analysis skills Graphic design.

Are there any mandatory attendance dates (e.g. special event)?

• No

Is a criminal record search (CRS) required?

No

If a criminal record search is required, when should the process be initiated?  

Preferred Days of Week and Hours

Wednesdays 1-4 during flexible learning days

Related Community Service Opportunities for Students

Farmers' markets welcome volunteers.

Required Reading

Project/Partner Orientation Materials

Students should review these materials prior to the first partner meeting:

• Quickly review the following websites (no need to read word-for-word):
• http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/community-settings/farmers-markets
• https://www.artisanmarkets.ca/become-a-vendor/general-information-for-vendors/
• https://www.artisanmarkets.ca/become-a-vendor/
• https://eatlocal.org/for-vendors/covid-19-updates/
• https://eatlocal.org/assets/uploads/2019/02/Vendor-Handbook-2018.pdf

Additional Project/Partner Orientation Materials

The following will be provided at the first community partner meeting:

• No.