Hooray For Earth Day! 🌏

Yes, it’s true – another Earth Day has come and gone! (April 22, 2024.) Did you enjoy yours? Hope so. 🙂 Either way, (among many things), hopefully Earth Day can serve as an on-going reminder of the importance of our green spaces – including of course, community farmers’ markets. But you knew that! 💜

But also, maybe you spent the day just taking in the beauty of our city’s cherry blossoms, (also the feature photo.)  And why not? This is certainly the time. I recently, found myself in High Park, doing just that. But I was also prepared for “the frenzy”. However, if you’re looking for other great spots, (along with interesting facts about the blossoms), here you go! Cherry Blossoms in Toronto. But hurry! “Peak bloom” is only for a few more days.

Organic Bok Choy from Nith Valley Organics.

Ok, now going back to Earth Day for a moment, I’m happy to report that mine was a little extra special this year. It all started a couple weeks ago, when a group of elementary school students, (Ben, Laith and Victor), from Ossington Old Orchard Public School, (“OOOPS”), visited me at the market. (If you didn’t know), OOOPS is a great little school just south-east of our Dufferin Grove hub, (near College and Ossington.) Also, my daughter went there! 🤸🏿‍♂️

Ok, so these eager young minds, also known as the “Eat Local Team”, contacted me, wanting to see a farmers’ market “in action”. That also involved asking me questions about how community farmers’ markets and the local food movement in general, help the environment. My first response: “well how much time have you got??” haha 

But jokes aside, they actually made an incredible short film that day – to screen at their Earth Day assembly on Monday. Sadly, I can’t post the film here, because I don’t have (full) permissions. But to let you know, it had lots of Dufferin Grove Market footage – and many of you folks “made the cut”! Even “famous” local musicians, like our very own “Dufferin Groovers”, were on “the big screen”. Sure – it was only for the 300+ OOOPS student body, but still. And hey, the kids think we’re cool – I’ll take it! 

OOOPS students watching a “Dufferin Grove Farmers’ Market movie” – April 22, 2024.

And a small highlight from last week’s market – but a big win, in keeping promises! Pictured (on guitar), is Ira, of The Dufferin Groovers! Last week, (if you saw my newsletter), the only part of Ira that I “captured”, was “the infamous striped-sleeve”. Well now you can see his face too, (if you haven’t, in person). See Ira? I promised I’d “get it right next time” – yahoo! xo 

And last week, Colette, of Urban Harvest, made her long-awaited return to the market. And (to no one’s surprise), was met with much warmth and joy. Here she is, alongside Rodrigo of Plan B Organics. And stay tuned folks – Colette will be at the market much more frequently soon. She’ll also have her organic seedlings available in the next few weeks – can’t wait!

Another smiling face, was brand new pop-up vendor Deven, of Casa Shrooms. Deven’s lion’s mane mushroom health products, including teas, coffee and chocolate, were a big hit! He had a lot of buzz at last week’s market – so he will be back!

New For This Week..

“House of Tigernut” will be our pop-up vendor this week – and is very excited to be a part of Dufferin Grove Market. They offer a delicious selection of tigernut (or chufa) products – including beverages, granola, and snacks. All products being nut-free, gluten-free and vegan.

From business owner, Michael Mosuwaifo:

“Our products are made from fair-trade, sustainably-sourced chufa nuts. Our signature, tigernut milk, is a creamy and flavourful dairy-free alternative packed with essential nutrients. In addition to being rich in fiber, healthy fats, and vitamins, tigernut also greatly aids in digestion.

Info On Moving Outdoors..

If you missed this last week, (or just need a reminder), here goes:

• May 16th, (hopefully), the FULL market goes outdoors 
• Back at the north-end of the park, after five long years!
• Vendors will be spread, on the west-side of the building (facing Dufferin Mall), and wrapped around, some spilling into the courtyard, (facing the rinks) – still at 875 Dufferin St
• Landscaping issues could cause delay with vendors being “on the west side” – but the market will be happening either way

However, updates will (continually) follow, as I learn more.

Reza of Alma Bakery, vending outdoors, at last week’s market.

LIST OF VENDORS for April 25th:

• Nith Valley Organics
• Plan B Organics
• Noki Farms
• Johnson Family Bakery
• Rogers Ranch
• Fisherfolk
• Forbes Wild Foods
• Green Florin
• Kalmplex Snax
• Magic Oven
• Estelle’s Caribbean Cuisine
• House of Tiger Nut! (pop-up)

Delicious vegan chow mein, with vegetables, from Estelle’s Caribbean Cuisine. 🙌

Last market of the month – hope to see you there!

-Nicole

(*in the Clubhouse at Dufferin Grove Park – every Thursday, 3-7pm)

Fresh sourdough bread from Johnson Family Bakery.