The Revelstoke Local Food Initiative Farmers’ Market was awarded “most outstanding community impact” among markets across B.C. this year.
This story is part of a feature that first appeared in print in Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine’s January 2023 issue. Read the entire e-edition here:
Saturday mornings buzz with the bustle and babble of marketgoers. The heart of Revelstoke is lined with stalls in the spring, summer and fall, bursting with local goods. For many, the Revelstoke Local Food Initiative Farmers’ Market is a social hub — more than just a place to shop.
Revelstoke’s LFI Farmers’ Market was awarded ‘Most Outstanding Community Impact’ among medium-sized farmers’ markets across B.C. this year. The award, presented by the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets, recognizes the foundation of community that is at the core of the local market. The BC Association of Farmers’ Markets is a non-profit organization committed to supporting, developing, and strengthening farmers’ markets in all regions of British Columbia.
“We’re thrilled to recognize Revelstoke Local Food Initiative Farmers’ Market for their community impact and a very successful season,” says Heather O’Hara, Executive Director at the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets. “This year, the market recorded a record high in Farmer Market Nutrition Coupon reimbursements, supported a Local Food Initiative booth sharing gardening tips and community events and offered over fifteen community groups the opportunity to have their own booth at the market to promote causes that are important to the community. There is lots to celebrate!”
The market is organized by the Local Food Initiative (LFI), a non-profit based in Revelstoke that is focused on creating a vibrant, resilient local food system. The LFI began hosting their weekly Farmers’ Market in 2017. They are proud hosts to “super-local producers” including several farms, breweries and distilleries located less than two kilometres away. From balloon animals and sidewalk chalk masterpieces to live music, a wide variety of fresh produce and artisanal products, there’s something for everyone. “This award comes after a great season full of amazing Saturdays on First Street,” says Executive Director of Revelstoke Local Food Initiative Society Kelsey Gasparini. “The market moved back downtown this summer and brought with it a wave of excitement and a fantastic group of dedicated shoppers and producers.”
Revelstoke Local Food Initiative farmers' market recognized for … – Revelstoke Mountaineer
