WELLINGTON COUNTY – 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 promote area 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, 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 June 20 with orders closing one week prior.
This year, box program 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,” states a June 2 press release.
When ordering a Market Box, individuals have the option to donate to the Market Bucks program 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 county food tourism experience encouraging residents and visitors to explore 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 seventy per cent of market-goers visit neighbouring businesses,” Duncan added.
Market Trail passport holders can collect stamps at each visit and can enter a draw once they have collected three stamps for a chance to win one of eight market prize packs.
Passports are available at local farmers’ markets, county libraries, or through tastereal.ca.
