Wellington County, Ont. – Local farmers’ markets have teamed up to bring the award-winning Market Box Series and the Taste Real Farmers’ Market Trail back to Wellington County and Guelph.
All eight Wellington County and Guelph farmers’ markets and the County’s Taste Real Programme are collaborating on a Farmers’ Market Box Series featuring a curated goods from a different market every two weeks. The initiative aims to highlight the unique flavour of each market, showcase new vendors and products, and promote local markets as destinations for outstanding local food.
The Market Box Series launched in 2021 and was well received by the community with boxes selling out quickly. The innovative initiative won provincial and international awards via the Economic Developers Council of Ontario and the International Economic Development Council.
Taste Real Market Boxes cost $59.00, feature pick-up and home delivery options, and can be ordered on the Taste Real website. The first box featuring the Elora Farmers’ Market is scheduled for Tuesday, June 20 with orders closing one week prior.
This year, the Market Box programme has partnered with the Wellington County Social Services Department to further support access to healthy, nutritious food in a manner that maintains dignity, builds health and community, and challenges inequality. When ordering a Market Box, individuals have the option to donate to the Market Bucks programme which enables recipients to purchase food at Wellington County farmers’ markets.
The season also sees the return of the Taste Real Farmers’ Market Trail, a Wellington County food tourism experience encouraging residents and visitors to explore the different local markets.
“Farmers’ Markets are an important seasonal economic driver, especially for rural communities. They provide a sales venue for local farmers, an incubator space for startup businesses, and a great setting for established businesses trying out a new product,” says Jeff Duncan, Chair of the County’s Economic Development Committee. “They are a reason for locals and tourists to visit our downtowns and explore our communities. Based on data provided by Farmers’ Markets Ontario, up to 70% of market-goers visit neighbouring businesses.”
Market Trail passport holders can collect stamps at each market visit and can enter a draw once they have collected three stamps for a chance to win one of eight market prize packs worth $100.00. Passports are available at all local farmers’ markets, at Wellington County Libraries, or can be requested at www.TasteReal.ca.
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Media Contact:
Christina Mann
Manager of Economic Development
T 226.971.0264
E christinam@wellington.ca
W www.TasteReal.ca