8. Vancouver Farmers Markets: Promoting equity, diversity and inclusion at farmers’ markets

Organization Information

Organization Name

Vancouver Farmers Markets

Mission and Vision of Organization

Our Vision

A resilient local food network that values people and the land.

Our Mission

We create vibrant and welcoming markets that build community, feed people, and support small farms and producers.

Guiding Principles + Values

In guiding our work, we prioritize:

Local

We work in neighbourhoods and support producers who make, bake, grow and harvest in BC

Sustainable

We seek health and endurance for the land and our communities, stewarding resources (human, financial, creative, environmental) with integrity and respect

Community-Centred

We pursue inclusive communities by bringing together urban and rural dwellers, organizations and businesses, producers and neighbours

Contact Information

• Primary Contact Person(s): Tara Immell (she/her)
• Email: [[1]]
• Phone: 604-446-8272
• Address: Vancouver
• Website: Vancouver Farmers Markets

Preferred Method of Contact

• Best method(s) to contact: Email
• Best day(s) to contact: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, meetings during dedicated community project days
• Best time(s) to contact: Mornings, Afternoons

Preferred Platform(s) for Remote Collaboration

• Zoom

Project Description

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

The vendor handbook containing policies for businesses selling at the markets is currently undergoing a review by vendors and market staff. The project aims to flag existing policies for revision which have the potential to pose a significant barrier to farmers and local food producers who wish to sell at the markets.

Main Project Activities and Deliverables

• To become familiar with the policies at a farmers' markets, each student team member will review the policies from one market in the Greater Vancouver area (e.g. Artisan, UBC, Coquitlam, New Westminster, White Rock, etc.) and one city in North America (e.g. Toronto, Montreal, Seattle, New York, San Francisco, etc.).
• Students will learn about the barriers farmers face to vending at farmers markets by reviewing a past LFS 350 project
• Students will then interview farmers about the barriers to vending at markets in an interview or focus group format. Students have the opportunity to speak with both current vendors and potential vendors (e.g. farmers who sold at a market and stopped; farmers who submitted a vendor interest form, but never joined a market; farmers in close proximity to Vancouver who are small-scale and operating CSAs, farmers who supply local greens to green grocers)
• Students will document their findings in a report

Student Assets and Skills (preferred or required)

• Knowledge of equity, diversity and inclusion goals
• Strong communication skills to communicate with farmers
• Interest in learning more about farmers' markets as a marketing channel

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

• All Vendor Meeting (date is not yet set)

Will the project take place online, in person, or a combination?

• Online

Is a criminal record search (CRS) required?

• No

Related Community Service Opportunities for Students

• Visit our Volunteer page for more information on becoming a market volunteer!

Required Reading

Project/Partner Orientation Materials

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

• Anti-Racism in Farmers' Markets: A Toolkit for Markets and their teams
• Vancouver Farmers Markets Vendor Handbook
• BC Association of Farmers’ Markets: Supporting the Flow of New Farmers in BC (2018 LFS350 project): Request the final report from your TA

Additional Project/Partner Orientation Materials

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

• Vancouver Farmers Markets Vendor Handbook