The idea of eating locally has become increasingly popular for many North Americans. There are so many great reasons to eat locally – from supporting the local economy, helping the environment, and getting delicious produce at their prime ripeness and nutrition levels.
If you want to eat locally this summer, here are some places you can get your hands on some fresh local produce!

Farmer’s Markets
Farmer’s Markets in Vancouver are a great way to buy straight from a farmer near you. Check out the Farmer’s Markets available in the summer, right here in Vancouver:
– Yaletown
– Kitsilano
– Downtown
– Main Street Station
– Mount Pleasant
– West End
– Trout Lake
– Hastings Park
– Nat Bailey Stadium (Near Queen Elizabeth Park)
For more information about times and locations, go to: http://eatlocal.org/markets/

Community Supported Agriculture Programs (CSAs)
A Community Supported Agriculture program is a way for members of the community to buy seasonal produce directly from a local farmer. Most programs will provide you with a set box of seasonal fruits and vegetables. Sometimes meats, eggs, and dairy may be incorporated into boxes. Price and quantity for boxes will vary, depending on the program.
Something to be mindful of is that many of these programs require pickup at specific locations and do not deliver. Another thing to be mindful of is that program memberships require sign up before the start of the program (for example, you might pay $500 for 20 weeks of produce from June – October).
Below are a list of some of the CSAs that deliver to Metro Vancouver. Check them out!

Cropthorne Farm
Service Locations: Delta, Vancouver
Phone: 604 910 5803
Email: info@cropthornefarm.com
Website: www.cropthornefarm.com

Farmers on 57th
Service Locations: Marpole, Oakridge and Fairview Slopes
Phone: 604-327-2002
Website: www.farmerson57th.ca
Email: karen@farmerson57th.ca

The Honest to Goodness a Farm Company
Service Location: Langley area, straight to your door
Phone: 604-454-4782
Website: www.honestfarming.ca
Email: carolyn@honestfarming.ca

Klippers Organics
Service Locations: Vancouver, Cawston, Keremeos
Address: 2205 Ferko Rd., Cawston BC
Phone: (250) 499-2050
Website: klippersorganics.com
Email: klipperscsa@gmail.net

TFN Farm School
Service Locations: Vancouver, Richmond, Tsawwassen
Website: www.kpu.ca/tfnfarm/box-a-week
Email: corine.singfield@kpu.ca

UBC Farm
Service Location: UBC
Website: http://ubcfarm.ubc.ca/food-production/csa/

For a more extensive list, go to: http://www.farmfolkcityfolk.ca/resources/knowledge-pantry/csa/
Eating locally is a great way to support your community while getting something tasty in return, and just having fun.