Local Food Matters are the proud new operators of the Golden Farmers Market. A local non-profit organization working in support of building a resilient food system for Golden and Area A, Local Food Matters and the Golden Farmers Market Society officially amalgamated in November of 2023, with Local Food Matters becoming the governing and managing body of the Market.
The Golden Farmers Market has been vendor-run since its inception in 2007, however in the last few years, volunteer board members found themselves stretched beyond capacity and welcomed the additional resources of LFM to manage and grow the Market.
“Our goal is to create a vibrant, bustling community hub in which vendor small businesses thrive and community members come together around food & art”
Chrystel Vultier, Executive Director of Local Food Matters
LFM is investing in an update and a refresh of the Market brand, online presence and communications. The organization has hired a year-round Market Manager, updated their logo, created a new website, and is refreshing market signage in the community.
They have established a Farmers Market Advisory Committee consisting of vendors and community members to advise on the management of Market operations.
The coming together of the Golden Farmers Market and Local Food Matters was inspired by the successful blossoming of the farmers market scene in neighbouring Revelstoke where non-profit Revelstoke Local Food Initiative successfully operates a new and bustling farmers market.
The Golden Farmers Market Manager, Megan Grant, has begun a mentorship program with the Revelstoke Market Manager to gain insight into the process of successfully growing a farmers market culture in our community. Local Food Matters is committed to keeping the Market a part of the BC Association of Farmers Markets which ensures that farmers and food producers are priority vendors while also maintaining BCAFMs policies on what qualifies as “local” and “handmade”.
“The Farmers Market is a critical point of access to local food in Golden, and we would really like to see an increased presence of locally produced food at our Markets” says Vultier. Local Food Matters is prioritizing vendor recruitment to ensure that the Summer Markets are all full, bustling, lively and showcasing the diverse wares of local growers and makers.
This winter and spring Local Food Matters has focussed on pairing the indoor Farmers Market with other community events. The Market on Saturday March 23rd will occur alongside the 7th annual Seed Swap. On Saturday April 20th, the Market will co-host with KHCCC the “Out of the Woodwork Trade Faire” event showcasing Golden’s diverse array of home-based businesses and side-hustles.
Established originally in 2017, Local Food Matters underwent an organizational overhaul in 2023 that involved a new Board of Directors and a strategic planning process that led to an inspiring update to the direction and work of the organization. From this process, the organization hired their first executive director, and is committed to growing its administrative and operational capacity to address issues of food security in Golden and Area.
Vision: A thriving and resilient food system for Golden and Area.
Mission: We work to 1) support local producers 2) increase access to local food 3) educate and inspire our community on food security issues
Values: We strive to be a catalyst for collective action towards building a resilient local food system. We value the importance of food for our ability to thrive We value healthy and regenerative soils. We believe a collective approach is the key to community resilience. We prioritize empowerment through learning & sharing We acknowledge that equity & accessibility are imperative to a sustainable food system. We value inclusivity, authenticity & professionalism in our work We honour Mother Earth whose nourishment sustains all life.
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