The City of Calgary’s Farm Stand Program is back for another season, continuing its mission to increase access to fresh, locally grown produce to Calgarians across the city, making nutritious food more accessible for everyone.
“The Farm Stand Program has seen a lot of success since it began in 2017,” says Abby Landon, Food Program Coordinator with The City of Calgary. “It’s exciting to hear how many Calgarians are interested in seeing farm stands in their communities.”
As part of the CalgaryEATS! Food Action Plan, the Farm Stand Program builds on community interest to create a healthy, equitable and sustainable food system. Currently, there are nine local and regional farmers and vendors involved in the program and over 30 locations. New locations added this year include:
- Broxburn Vegetables: Valley Ridge Community Association – runs every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Shirley’s Greenhouse: Downtown: Harley Hotchkiss Gardens – runs every Friday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Shirley’s Greenhouse: Discovery Ridge Community Association – runs every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- FreshPal Farms: Northern Hills Bus Terminal – runs every Saturday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- Land of Dreams: Penbrooke Meadows Community Association – runs every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., starting August 9
- Land of Dreams: Farm Site – runs every Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., starting July 19
- Ruben’s Veggies: Triwood Community Association – runs daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., starting July 17
Supporting farm stands means participating in food shopping in a new and personal way; Calgarians can ask questions about how their food was grown, get recipe ideas, connect with neighbours and support the local economy.
“We are thrilled to bring our fresh, local and pesticide-free food to more communities this season,” says Pete Dhiman, Farmer and Owner of Shirley’s Greenhouses. “The City of Calgary has helped us build connections with new communities and promote our stand. We’re excited about our new downtown location near the C-train line because we think it will make it easy for Calgarians who take transit to access the farm stand.”
Most farm stand vendors are open weekly between May to October, depending on the type of food, seasonal harvests and growing practices. To find a farm stand near you, or to apply to host a farm stand in your community, visit calgary.ca/localfood.
