Village Vancouver

Vancouver's Leader in Transition toward Strong, Resilient, Complete Communities

Reposted from www.helladelicious.com.

 

I have been following closely the adventures of the Underground Market that was started up in San Francisco a couple years ago and I would really like to see one get going here in Vancouver BC. I recently read this update from them, which takes a look at the lessons they have learned over the year and mentions that these types of markets have sprung up in Boise Idaho, Amsterdam, London and Colorado. If Vancouver wants to stay on the cutting edge of food security and sustainability this is a key ingredient.

 

The very first Underground Market they held in San Francisco was visited by Health Inspectors, tipped off by someone from a normal Farmer’s Market (they were upset by these vendors not having to pay all the fees etc etc that Farmer’s Market vendors have to pay). The Health Inspectors were actually very friendly and gave them some tips on how to do this legally. Basically they had to form a club and every vendor and shopper has to join for free by signing up and providing a legitimate email address. Seems simple and logical enough. Under the umbrella of a private club there is no reason why you can’t eat food that your neighbour makes in their own home.

With the current economy very shaky and looking to get more so a market like this will be a huge help for up and coming food-vendors. As the San Francisco Underground Market webpage says:

The SF Underground Market is an incubator. A place where budding businesses can get a leg up on their road to legitimacy.

Since they started the market about a year and a half ago with only 8 vendors, they have now grown to 47 vendors. It is wildly successful. In order to become a vendor all you have to do is have something to sell, have your own table and pay $50 for either the night or day market, this also covers the electricity fees. You don’t need to have produced your food in a commercial kitchen and you don’t need to pay for insurance or whatever else you normally have to pay for at Farmer’s Markets.

I am relatively new to Vancouver myself, but being one of the food loving folk (who isn’t really?) I have always dreamed of having some way to sell my food to others. I have been in the hospitality industry for nearly 20 years and have never managed to get enough money together in one place to even be able to have my own food cart. Perhaps this is a way to get started. Plus it is a great way to build sustainable community.

I’ve got to be honest. I pretty much suck at organizing things in general. If anyone would like to help get this organized who knows Vancouver a little better. Let’s figure out when and where we can get together, find a venue and get Vancouver’s Underground Market rocking the city. Please post a comment and let’s figure it out! I already know what I am gonna be selling :)

 

We will be meeting Tues March 15 @ 6:30 -- 850 East 13th Ave. For this first brainstorming meeting it is probably more practical to not have too many folks or we may not be able to decide anything. At the moment we have about 7 people expressing interest to come and brainstorm and that seems like a good number. If more people are interested in the market, please stay tuned for future meetings.

Views: 574

Comment

You need to be a member of Village Vancouver to add comments!

Join Village Vancouver

Comment by Cylia on February 16, 2011 at 11:19pm

good for me. c

Comment by Amy Tran on February 16, 2011 at 11:16pm
Tues March 15 @ 6:30pm sounds good to me!
Comment by Karen Andrew on February 16, 2011 at 10:45pm
So, lets firm it up for Tues March 15 @ 6:30 -- my house -- 850 East 13th Ave. Sound OK everyone? I'm looking forward to meeting all of you and exploring this exciting idea.
Comment by Hella Dee on February 16, 2011 at 9:42pm
OK great so we have to choose the 14th or 15th now then it seems. Sorry Cylia! --pax is people I am used to catering lingo from New Zealand :)
Comment by Cylia on February 16, 2011 at 6:29pm

March 14 around 6 pm is ok, March 15 around 630 pm, not available March 16.

Tea and treats sounds good to me. What does "pax" mean?

c

Comment by Hella Dee on February 16, 2011 at 1:05pm
I'm good with moving it to March 14th week. I have heard from a couple other people directly as well so maybe around 6 pax? I like the early evening and tea and treats idea too...
Comment by Amy Tran on February 16, 2011 at 10:31am
For the week of Mar 14th, the 15th or 16th would work best for me.
Comment by Karen Andrew on February 16, 2011 at 9:59am
I'm looking at my calendar and wondering if we could move to the week of Mar 14th?  My family will be visiting on the following week.  I suggest early evening for tea and treats (homemade) --say March 15 or 16th or 17th? I count 4 of us so far...
Comment by Hella Dee on February 15, 2011 at 11:53pm
OK good! Wednesdays aren't good for me but how bout March 22nd or 24th East 13th and Fraser? A potluck sounds good, but maybe leave it open, except to encourage homecooked of course?
Comment by Cylia on February 15, 2011 at 10:34pm

Generally early evening weekdays work for me.  Will depend on which week is chosen as to whether I'm available. How about March 23 around 630 pm ?  Shall we make this a veg. potluck ?   

Village engages individuals, neighbourhoods & organizations to take actions that build sustainable communities & have fun doing it. Join us!

Donate or Join VV Transition Society

Join VV Transition Society

Make a donation here or here:

Become a Monthly Donor here or here (click on desired option before hitting subscribe):

Buy Books -- Support Village Vancouver

Village earns 15% on your book purchases from New Society Publishers. Details here.

Latest Activity

Alicia Wei is now a member of Village Vancouver
Jun 13
Samantha Pavlik is now a member of Village Vancouver
May 30
Village Vancouver's event was featured
Thumbnail

*Depth of Field: Film Screening and Community Event at Community Hall, Kitsilano Neighbourhood House

March 21, 2024 from 5pm to 8pm
Mar 18
Village Vancouver posted an event
Thumbnail

*Depth of Field: Film Screening and Community Event at Community Hall, Kitsilano Neighbourhood House

March 21, 2024 from 5pm to 8pm
Mar 18

Ongoing Activities

Interested in getting involved or volunteering with Village Vancouver? check out http://www.villagevancouver.ca/page/volunteering-1.

Regular activities:

Interested in participating in a VV garden? We have collaborative gardens/garden spaces in 5 neighbourhoods. Contact us at gardening@villagevancouver.ca. Gardening now in progress. New gardeners welcome (space allowing).

Kits Village Recycling Depot (Kits Community Centre) Next depot: Thursday, June 15th

Main St. Village monthly gatherings (1st Tuesdays Little Mountain Neighbourhood House) Currently on hold due to COVID

Permaculture Vancouver Meetups (3rd Wednesdays VV McBride Park Fieldhouse (sometimes elsewhere) Next meetup: Special date Thursday, July 29th

West End Community Potluck/WE Urban Garden Club (3rd Sundays West End Community Centre, in July and August 4th Thursdays - July 22nd and August 26th.

© 2024   Created by Yael Stav.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service