Social distancing requirements and other restrictions have made the local food landscape look a bit different, but it only reinforces just how essential agriculture is to our community!
We won’t be gathering shoulder-to-shoulder in bustling markets the way we used to. But, growers and producers are finding ways to get us the season’s freshest produce, flowers and warm baked goods with new safety measures in place. Find out below how you can get the (local) goods in your community!
Please continue practicing physical distancing measures (6 feet or 2 metres) at each location. Abide by any additional rules put in place by each municipality.
Belleville
15 Market Square, downtown Belleville
OPEN: Tuesdays, THURSDAYS + SATURDAYS, 9 AM – 5 PM
The historic Belleville Farmers’ Market has definitely earned its title, established over TWO HUNDRED years ago (yes, 200!) in 1816. Since that time, growers and artisans across the Quinte region have gathered to sell seasonal produce, cut flowers, prepared foods and a variety of handmade wares.
After a few months of living virtually with the support of its customers through a Facebook group, the market is back at its home in Market Square behind Belleville City Hall. Follow along on the Historical Farmers’ Market Facebook page for the latest details.
Quinte West
67 Front Street, downtown Trenton
OPEN: SATURDAYS, 8 AM – 1 PM
We’ve definitely missed the waterfront views of the Front Street Farmers’ Market in downtown Trenton! Thankfully the market is back up and running, with some new protocols in place to keep vendors and visitors safer.
Shoppers will be asked to move only in one direction through the market, maintain distance from others and not touch the products, allowing vendors to handle their items. In case you’re not totally comfortable with the in-person shopping experience, check out the vendor profiles online here and reach out to individual vendors to arrange for your own pick-up or delivery outside of market hours.
Brighton
2992 County Road 30, Codrington
SUNDAYS, 10 AM – 1 PM
The Codrington Farmers’ Market, which takes place outdoors at the Codrington Community Centre, started off a little differently this spring. The group was temporarily following the REKO model — a digital network connecting multiple producers directly with consumers. Now that restrictions have eased, the market is back outside at the community centre with safety protocols (distancing and disinfecting) in place.
Head to this charming rural market on Sundays to get your fill of local produce, meat, cut flowers, honey and hard cider!
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