ABOUT THE VIU FARMERS' MARKET
The VIU Farmers' Market started as a pilot project in 2013 when VIU instructor and long-time farmer Craig Evans introduced the idea to his class. Craig is an instructor of the WEST (Workplace Essential Skills & Training) Program, one of VIU's Access Programs for individuals with developmental and cognitive disabilities. Students of the program go out to the Growing Opportunities Farm and help harvest produce. Later the students sell the produce to students and staff at VIU with 25% of the sales going back to the WEST Program. Through the program, students learn interpersonal and employability skills that will equip them with the ability to build independence into their lives.
In 2014, VIU's Healthy Communities Coordinator conducted a food value survey to assess how the campus could improve its food system. Results showed that students wanted greater access to inexpensive, local, healthy, and sustainable food on campus. In response, numerous initiatives were put in motion including a project to expand the existing farmers' market on campus. We are currently working on getting more local vendors to the market and are excited about helping cultivate a healthy, sustainable food system on campus!
The VIU Farmers' Market runs every Thursday, from 10am until 2pm, starting in January and going through until the end of April. See you there!
In 2014, VIU's Healthy Communities Coordinator conducted a food value survey to assess how the campus could improve its food system. Results showed that students wanted greater access to inexpensive, local, healthy, and sustainable food on campus. In response, numerous initiatives were put in motion including a project to expand the existing farmers' market on campus. We are currently working on getting more local vendors to the market and are excited about helping cultivate a healthy, sustainable food system on campus!
The VIU Farmers' Market runs every Thursday, from 10am until 2pm, starting in January and going through until the end of April. See you there!