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Farmers Market

Every Monday Afternoon in Sorauren Park

Come to our fabulous farmers' market, outside on the grass when it's warm and days are long, or inside the fieldhouse when it's cold and darkness comes early.

Now all year round!
 
Winter hours (inside, in the Fieldhouse):  3 PM - 7 PM
Summer hours (outside, in the Park): 3 PM - 7 PM

See this week's event listings or the Market Times (below) for more details.

Previous issues of the Market Times are also available.
 

Producer Profiles

Find out more about the people who produce and bring you the foods that you enjoy and keep you healthy.

Come back to this page in the coming weeks as we post more profiles.

Recipes

Discover what kinds of deliciously local meals you can make with the foods you get from the market.


Market Times - February 6, 2012

West End Food Co-op Logo Market Times
Monday, February 6, 2012

DylanAndAcornSquash
         Photo: Nathan Payne

WEFC News

Plans, engineers, architects, equipment, signs, and sewage oh my! We are still looking for the remaining funds we need to open the food hub with the kitchen and all other operations fully functional -- we've come a long way, but still need your support to get us the last little bit.  You can donate, buy a bond, or join us here!

Market News  

Our Sorauren Farmers' Market is in the news!  Check out the story here about the warmest, friendliest, tastiest place to be on Monday afternoons.

Our vendors still have lots of great winter produce like potatoes, squash, carrots, winter greens, turnips, cabbages, and radishes.  And don't forget the cheeses, naturally-raised meats, and baked goods.  For those sensitive to wheat and gluten, deFloured is the vendor table to visit for a variety of gluten-free pastries, muffins, savoury galettes, cookies, and other sweet treats.  The most amazing part is that they are absolutely delicious!!  Keep an eye out for their heart-shaped flourless chocolate cakes with raspberry purée for upcoming Valentine's Day.  And if you're looking to warm up and stay a while, why not grab a bowl of soup from Augie's Gourmet Soups - she always has both a vegetarian and a meat option.

 

These Are the People in Your Neighbourhood...

A new section of our newsletter introducing you to people who are a driving part of our delicious, sustainable food community

We would be remiss if the first in this series was any other than the most steadfast fixture at the market - Ayal!  Ayal Dinner is a founding member of the West End Food Co-op, and the market wouldn't exist without him... (continue reading)

At The Cannery

We have another canning workshop coming up for Wednesday February 22nd!  We'll be making Apple-Cranberry sauce.. we're just confirming a location at the moment - more details to come!

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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.

Who-we-are
 

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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

SPIN Basics with Pedal Power Urban Farmer Curtis Stone Feb. 9th (7:30-9:15pm), at the Centre for Social Innovation Annex

"A truly special event is happening in downtown Toronto on Feb. 9th. Curtis Stone, a SPIN-farmer extraordinaire, is coming.  He is knowledgeable, passionate, and captivating.  His farm inspired me to start City Seed." -Erica Lemieux of City Seed Farms

 

 

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

Fresh City Farms      Greens and Veggies grown in the City

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:

Ginger Roasted Carrots with Mellow Miso Dressing

GingerRoastedCarrots

Try this delectable recipe of garlic-carrots roasted in spicy ginger and sweet orange, drizzled with miso. 

Market Times - January 30, 2012

West End Food Co-op Logo Market Times
Monday, January 30, 2012

Alli'sMiniPizza
         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!Bike-A-Thon 2012 Location Hint
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.

Who-we-are
 

-----

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.

Market Times - January 23, 2012

West End Food Co-op Logo Market Times
Monday, January 23, 2012

Squash and Greens
         Photo: Susanna Redekop

WEFC News

BIG NEWS!!! We just received our building permit, which means we will be starting our green renovation on the ground floor of the Parkdale Community Health Centre. The West End Food Co-op, store and kitchen are even closer to a reality!  Keep your eye on our newsletter to see snapshots of the renovation and stay updated as things progress, and join us, buy bonds, donate, visit us at the Market and support building our green co-op!

 

Market News  

Come and and join us inside the fieldhouse for warming treats like soups, apple cider, and frothy hot chocolate.  If you're hungry, a warm pulled-pork sandwich, mini-pizzas, and veggie or fish rotis will fill your belly.  We've got a cozy place for you to sit down and enjoy your meal with your friends upstairs, and lots more goodies from our vendors downstairs.  Our farmers and producers have lots of baked goods, potatoes, squash, sprouts, greens, meats, cheeses, gourmet tofu, preserves, and much more!
 
Bee's Universe is back after vacationing this week with their honey, bee pollen, propolis, candles, and other honey-related products.  Come get a little bit of sweetness!  Even though Field Sparrow Farms may not be at the market this week, they have begun their winter CSA in collaboration with other local farmers to bring you fresh, grass-fed cuts of beef, pork, and lamb from January through April.  Click here for more details about their CSA, or talk to Sarah next week at the market. 
 

At the CanneryCanningWorkshop

Our next canning workshop for Tuesday January 24 is currently full.  We will be preserving a fabulous Pear Chutney with pears from Bizjak Farms and other delicious ingredients. 

Stay tuned for other upcoming workshops from our Cannery!

------

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.

Who-we-are
 

-----

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

 

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, eggs, and more

Ying Ying Soy Food
Organic tofu & more

Market Times - January 16, 2012

West End Food Co-op Logo Market Times
Monday, January 16, 2012

MonteforteCheese
         Photo: Nathan Payne

WEFC News

The Co-op’s Kitchen and Programming Coordinator has been active in networking and supporting other co-ops, a fitting endeavor for this International Year of Co-operatives. You can find Ayal at the Guelph Organic Conference on the panel on co-operatives here. He also presented recently to the GTA Community Health Centre food security network on our innovative partnership with the Parkdale CHC. The concrete link between food and public health is a model and perhaps inspiration to other communities trying to link health and food, a strategic goal the city has long recognized, most recently in their latest Food Strategy Report. Ayal also met with Rowan Shirkie from a new food co-op in St. Catherines—check out their blog with an innovative circular design plan at http://our-community-food-store.blogspot.com/.

Meanwhile our Co-op Coordinator, Lynn, has been hard at work developing policies and plans for the expanded staffing and operations in the new food hub, as well as meeting with the city, contractors, engineers and architects preparatory to launching into the renovation. Stay tuned for more news on the Building Our Green Co-op project, funded by (among others) Livegreen, Ontario Trillium Foundation, and the enthusiastic support of our community members through our community bonds and donations.

Market News  

Come to the Farmers' Market this Monday for delicious soup, warm cider, ChocoSol hot chocolate, and warm smiles.  Forbes will not be coming to the market for the next few weeks, but we'll keep you posted as to when they return.

We have two new vendors who have recently joined our market in the Sorauren Park Fieldhouse.  Last week we welcomed Growing Spaces to our market, bringing jars of homemade preserves, jams, pickles, and borscht made from organic produce grown right on the farm.  Starting this week we will also be including Fisherfolk, who bring in both fresh and frozen fish, mussels, and scallops (seasonal availability) that are sustainably-caught here in Canada.  Be sure to check out what they both have this week!

We also have Eric Rosenkrantz (formerly of Matchbox Garden) continuing on with us, bringing produce from his new endeavor, The Living City Farm.  The Living City Farm (a collaboration between TRCA and Rosenkrantz Sustainable Agriculture) is a food and farming business, integrating sustainable practices into all parts of the food cycle.  This project will produce over 100 varieties of vegetables, fruit, animal products and plants for market, wholesale and CSA, while offering educational opportunities. For more info please visit: www.thelivingcitycampus.ca.

At the Cannery

CanningWorkshopOur next canning workshop is Tuesday January 24.  We will be preserving a fabulous Pear Chutney with pears from Bizjak Farms and other delicious ingredients. Come and learn from experts James Partanen and Heather Kilner - a great recipe, techniques and methods of preserving, and history and context of canning all in one evening!

For details and to register for the workshop go here.

------

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.

Who-we-are
 

-----

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

 

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.

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

Field Sparrow Farms
Grass-fed naturally raised beef

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

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, eggs, and more

Ying Ying Soy Food
Organic tofu & more

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