Community Market
Did you know that a donation of $25 will provide two weeks worth of fruits and vegetables to a family of four?
A weekly fruit and vegetable market is held at Share the Warmth. The market functions on a pay what you can model. The main goal is to make fruits and vegetables more accessible to lower income individuals and accessible to individuals with higher incomes. The market is not a food assistance program, but rather an opportunity for clients to take charge of their diet and to choose the fruits and vegetables they want. We want clients to pay what they can: if for example, one week they have a more limited budget, they can pay less. If they have more money to spend on produce the following week, they should attempt to pay the suggested price.
Pay what you can (PWYC) is a non-profit business model that does not depend on set prices for goods but is rather based on a customer’s ability to pay. What this means is that every product at the market has a suggested price, and customers who can afford to pay that price or more are encouraged to do so, while customers who cannot pay the suggested price can still buy the fruits and vegetables they need to feed themselves and their families. The market is open to everyone and we invite all residents, regardless of financial situation, to shop here. The aim is to create a balance, where shoppers who pay the suggested price, or more, make up the difference for shoppers who pay less.
The market also has a pedagogical component. Culinary demonstrations and tastings take place during market hours. Here clients will be able to taste delicious, simple and nutritious recipes made from vegetables that are available that day. The aim is to encourage clients to expand their culinary horizons: these demonstrations will focus on lesser-known fruits and vegetables and show simple and healthy ways to eat them. We also want to encourage discussions on healthy eating habits and most of all provide an inclusive and welcoming space where residents can socialize.
Open on Mondays from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
