Market Times - January 30, 2012

         Photo: Susanna Redekop

WEFC News

Last week the people working closely to get the building permit secured had a gathering  in the new space to celebrate the approval from the city of our permit. The Board also went down to the space after the recent Board meeting at PCHC for a quick look around, and admired the chalk drawings and labels that will grow into such marvels as a walk in cooler, bread display, freezer, shelves, bulk display, etc.  We want to extend a general thanks to all of you who helped get us to this point-- the amazing and dedicated volunteers, committed and determined Board, funders, bond-holders, donors, members, market-goers and supporters, now from across Canada. The wide extent of the support speaks to the timeliness and importance of this community project! Lynn is busy on the next stage now, meeting engineers, general contractor, trades and equipment suppliers; keep an eye out for blog updates soon!

Ride for Real Food Bike-A-Thon 2012

Guess the location!
The Ride for Real Food Bike-A-Thon 2012 is already planning for this fall's big Ride. We have an exciting new venue to announce very soon-- a small band of intrepid cyclists tested the route a few weeks ago-- even in January we're riding for real food. See if you can guess the location from the sneak peek en route in the photo.

Market News  

As always, our vendors have some great veggies, cheeses, breads, and meats for you at the market.  And we have some fantastic prepared foods that are ready-to-eat, so come hungry! ChocoSol will be bringing their fresh, made to order tortillas this week.  This mexican specialty grown locally from Amish heritage (GMO/Gluten free) grain corn is prepared by a tradional method called nixtamalization. This process maximizes digestibility, nutrional value and deliciousness.  Enjoy a savoury quesadilla with Monforte cheese, local beans and fresh market veggies.  Finish off with a melted-chocolate dessert tortilla dipped into a frothy hot chocolate.  If you're hungry for something homemade to take home with you, Greengate Farm has delicious pot pies and other heat-and-serve meals made with their meats. 

Producer Profile: Wheelbarrow Farms

When you enter the Sorauren Park fieldhouse for the Farmers’ Market, one of the first, welcoming aromas that meets you is the smell of warm, freshly made pulled pork sandwiches.  Wheelbarrow Farm’s Tony Neale happily serves his hungry customers the homemade sandwiches, made with the heritage, pastured pork from his farm.  Tony has always had a passion for farming and food.  Before operating Wheelbarrow Farm, he worked in Toronto restaurants for twelve years, was active in food politics, and always had his own garden... (continue reading)

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Get Involved with the Co-op                                                          

There are many opportunities for volunteers at the WEFC -- you can sign up to join the volunteer pool, and tell us what you'd like to do.  To support your co-op financially you can donate online now.

 

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For more events and information check these out:

Garden Jane Gardening and Local Food Events
Ecological Farmers of Ontario Events & Courses
Everdale Events & Workshops
FarmStart Current Events & Workshops
Food Forward Calendar of Toronto Good Food Events
Foodlink Waterloo Events
Sustain Ontario Calendar of Events
The Stop Community Food Centre Events Calendar
FoodShare Toronto Upcoming

A new co-operative organization is searching for member/owners to collaborate on the preliminary Feasibility Study for a new Worker Co-operative in the Health Sciences, Arts Education and Natural Medicine sector. Please contact: Rachael A. Kukreja, DSW, Conscious Evoloutionary Psychotherapist, Divine Healing Services, transrend@live.com or call 416-760-2782

THIS WEEK AT THE MARKET

Alli's Baked Goods
Breads, loaves, pastries, & other treats

Augie's Soups
Homemade soups, with both vegetarian and meat options.

Bees Universe
Local honey, candles, bee pollen, and creams

Bizjak Farms
Tree fruits: apples and pears

Choco Sol
Bike powered chocolate, direct trade coffee, local hemp, and more

Deer Valley Farm
Grass fed venison, poultry, + fresh mushrooms

de Floured
Gluten free gallettes, tarts, pot pies, cookies, and treats

De La Terre Bakery
Organic sourdough, artisan loaves and more

Fish Shak
Roti's, sandwiches, & fritters w/ local & seasonal ingredients

Fisherfolk         Sustainably-caught, fresh and frozen fish and seafood

Greengate Farm
Naturally raised beef & pork +  prepared meals

Growing Spaces    Preserves, jams, soup, and gluten-free bean burgers

Kind Organics
Sprouts, micro-greens, gourmet salad blends, kale chips, apple chips

The Living City Farm
Seasonal heirloom vegetables

Monforte Dairy
Sheep, goat, cow milk cheese, salamis

Oso Leo Farm
Apples and cider, and other fruit

Wheelbarrow Farm
Berkshire pork, veggies,  and more

Ying Ying Soy Food
Organic tofu & more

Farmers' Market Recipe:

Winter Squash Soup

The colder winter weather is starting to roll in, so why not pick up some squash to take home and warm up with a deliciously smooth winter squash soup.