If you haven't already heard of YYC Growers, then it is time to get out from under that rock and get to market!! This co-operative of 19 farms works together to bring you fresh, local, tasty produce and other high-quality food products. Although they started with us as the individual farm members of Country Thyme Farm and Eagle Creek, they have been with us as YYC Growers for a year now and are a keystone vendor here at the HSCA. YYC Growers is an incredible display of how working together can accelerate a whole community. Stop by the market and say "Hi" to Laura-Leigh, their markets manager (and so much more!!).
Q: Why do you do what you do?
A: We are a cooperative of urban, rural and micro farms. We started when a handful of urban farmers realized that they kept showing up at all the same markets and that they could all benefit from coming together and sharing the market space instead. We brought the rural farms on board a few years later to expand our offerings and leverage the strength of a rural-urban partnership. Our customers benefit too! By creating a stable sales outlet for our farms, we are all able to focus on what we do best – farming!
Q: Why do you choose Farmers' Markets to sell your products?
A: We want to get to know our customer and want our customers to get to know us. We want that direct connection so we can offer 100% transparency and give our customers the chance to “shake hands” with the farmers.
Q: Why is it important to you to support local?
A: There is nothing more important in a globalized economy than to support those contributing to the local economy. Not only does it create more jobs and prosperity in our own communities, but it also reduces our ability to “externalize” the aspect of production. As such, we are more likely to make choices that support the health of our community and that of the planet.
Q: What do you love most about your HSCA Farmers' Market community?
A: I personally love the sense of community that this market has. All of the vendors look out for each other, to the extent that we become each other’s customers when things get slow! It’s an incredible group of people!!
Q: Tell us something exciting that is up and coming for your business!
A: We are excited to have launched our 2018 Harvest Box sales – anyone is welcome to sign-up for our Spring or Summer program for fresh local veggies and fun additions like cheese and granola.
Find them online, on Facebook, Instagram and at our market every Wednesday!
Or check out any of their co-operative farms (farms in bold are also present individually at our market this winter!): Grand Trunk Veggies, Happiness By The Acre, Dirt Boys, Sweet Earth Garden, Calico Farms, Eden Project, Eagle Creek, Country Thyme, Shirley’s Greenhouse, Our Family Farm, Seeds To Greens, Maple Greenview Honey, Greenberry, Pennybun’s Mushrooms,micro yyc, Seed + Soil, Radiant Roots, Little Laoves & Tricklin’ Water Produce
Vendor Profile | Ambrosial Cheesecake Shop
Karin is a born and raised Calgarian and has been a part of the HSCA community since she attended preschool here! As an entrepreneur, registered nurse, and mother of 3, she is a busy busy bee, but we are so happy to have her as part of our market family. Her handcrafted cheesecakes made with homemade cheese are undeniably delicious. After an extended break, she returns to us weekly starting THIS Wednesday, February 21st!
Q: Why do you do what you do?
A: I make cheesecakes from my own handcrafted cheese. I use natural, local ingredients and wanted to share an especially delicious cheesecake that is truly made from scratch. Not to mention I needed a break from my kids ;)
Q: Why do you choose Farmers' Markets to sell your products?
A: They provide a great platform to start a small business and test the waters. Plus being outside all summer and being able to shop for my family while I am 'at work' is a bonus!
Q: Why is it important to you to support local?
A: Being able to talk to the maker, baker or farmer. Most small businesses still give a little something special to their products or customers. It is so cool to see and support the innovation and talent from people in our own community.
Q: What do you love most about your HSCA Farmers' Market community?
A: The quality of vendors and great community feel.
Q: Tell us something exciting that is up and coming for your business!
A: I have been working on new items in the test kitchen and can't wait to introduce them to you all!
Find her online, on Facebook, Instagram and at our market every Wednesday! Her cheesecakes are also available through SPUD, Organic Box, Marda Loop Cheese, and the Market on MacLeod year round. Keep up with her social media to see what markets and pop-ups she will be attending in the summer.
Vendor Profile | The Apple Lady
Liisa Hawes, or as most know her- The Apple Lady, has been a part of the HSCA Farmers' Market for over 5 years. Her and her dedicated team market fresh orchard and farm direct produce from B.C. growers. Their purchasing model is based off a fair-trade system, ensuring that the farmers and their employees are well-paid for their work. The Apple Lady team is also a consistent donor to our Fresh Food Basket Program, and for this and many other reasons, we are grateful to have them in our market family.
Q: Why do you do what you do?
A: I was visiting some old friends who are orchardists in B.C. and we were sitting around a swimming pool and learning the challenges involved for them in getting fair prices, even after getting through all the difficulties in getting a crop ready to deliver. I like to see small, local businesses thrive- and in that, I include these small, local farms and orchards. I like to be involved and encourage them to grow more varieties, develop new methods, and expand their product line through value added like juicing or drying.
Q: Why do you choose Farmers' Markets to sell your products?
A: I was selling at various other venues, but I do love being part of the bigger picture at Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Association as I can both learn and support through product donations. I love the challenge and support of both the customers and leaders.
Q: Why is it important to you to support local?
A: I think simple, local and small shifts in practices of sourcing food do make a difference for growers. I have seen small growers "come back to life" as producers, planting new varieties, developing storage, experimenting with preservation methods, investing in their farms and regaining HOPE.
Q: What do you love most about your HSCA Farmers' Market community?
A: I love this community of vendors and shoppers that go through thick and thin, show up in all weather, rejoicing along with us in every step forward, and still shopping when we are in trouble.
Q: Tell us something exciting that is up and coming for your business!
A: Good question! We need to reinvent ourselves constantly to stay current in the changing marketplace. We also have a fruit share program year-round.
Find her online, on Facebook, Pinterest and at our market every Wednesday! Liisa also has a bulk buy club each Monday for those looking for larger quantities- find this special group on Facebook.
Vendor Profile | Shammi's Kitchen
Shammi is a familiar face around the Hillhurst Sunnyside Farmers' Market. Having been a vendor with us for several years now, she is always looking out for her fellow vendors and customers. Her diverse selection of frozen meals, spices, treats, dips, naan and more will keep you coming back week after week for that easy dinner solution.
Q: Why do you do what you do?
A: I am a teacher so I wanted to spread my knowledge and share my skills with a diverse society. I really enjoy sharing, and letting people know the benefits of spices. Cooking is my passion- every hour in the kitchen for me is a happy hour!
Q: Why do you choose Farmers' Markets to sell your products?
A: This is the place where people really come for homemade stuff. People here are health conscious and enjoy products made with a warm heart.
Q: Why is it important to you to support local?
A: I am originally from North India and have my masters in teaching from there. Local means you are able to share your knowledge with the people who really care- those who want to learn about authentic, exotic meals and spices.
Q: What do you love most about your HSCA community?
A: This is a very vibrant community. Lot's of positive energy around. I love this market- the staff is so very friendly and helpful.
Q: Tell us something exciting that is up and coming for your business!
A: In the summer time I will be attending at least 5 markets!
Find her on Facebook or at our market every Wednesday!
Harvest Fair - September 20th!
For rules and regulations click here!
