WELLINGTON COUNTY – Customers don’t even have to go to the farmers’ market to be able to enjoy market wares, thanks to the Farmers’ Market Box Series from the County of Wellington’s Taste Real program.
Taste Real partnered with all seven of Wellington County’s farmers’ markets and the City of Guelph to bring the award-winning Market Box Series back for the 2024 season.
The series features a curated box of local food and goods from a different market every two weeks. The boxes can be purchased online at www.wellington.ca/farmersmarket for $59 each, and there are pick-up and home-delivery options available.
“Taste Real’s Market Box Series does an excellent job of showcasing Wellington County’s local flavours, seasonal offerings, and the dedication of our community’s producers,” stated county councillor Jeff Duncan, economic development committee chair, in a news release.
“The initiative is supporting local farmers, artisans and businesses, while also helping foster stronger connections with our communities.”
The series launched in early June, and started with curated boxes from the Aberfoyle and Elora farmers’ markets. Six more boxes are still available this season, with orders closing one week before the delivery date while quantities last:
Upcoming boxes and their respective delivery dates include:
– Guelph Farmers’ Market, July 2;
– Rockwood Farmers’ Market, July 16;
– Wellington North Farmers’ Market, July 30;
– Erin Farmers’ Market, Aug. 13;
– Minto Farmers’ Market, Aug. 27;
– Mapleton Farmers’ Market, Sept. 10.
“When you order a Farmers’ Market Box you’re not just receiving a delicious assortment of local food and products; you’re investing in our communities and supporting our local farmers and businesses,” county Warden Andy Lennox stated in the release.
“Farmers’ markets are a reason for both locals and tourists to visit our communities, and this initiative has been a very successful way to encourage culinary exploration.”
Market Bucks
The Market Box Series has also partnered with the county’s social services department to support the Market Bucks program to help provide access to healthy food to people in need.
When customers order a market box, they have the option to add a donation to the Market Bucks program. Market Bucks, redeemable at local farmers’ markets are then given to residents in need.
Prizes available
Taste Real’s Farmers’ Market Trail initiative is also back for the 2024 season, offering people a chance to win prize packs if they visit local markets.
Customers can pick up a Farmers’ Market Trail passport at any of the participating markets, then get the passport stamped when they visit. Submit a photo of the stamped passport to be entered in a draw to win one of seven market packs worth $100.
“Each market showcases the unique tastes and flavours of its community and offers visitors a gateway to explore beautiful towns and rural destinations,” the county’s website states.
