Raglan shoppers will be able to get their fix of locally grown fresh produce at the inaugural Raglan Growers’ Market, and get down their food miles at the same time.
Held weekly, the first market is on Friday, November 12 from 4-7pm at 1 Stewart Street on the grounds between the Raglan Union Church and hall.
A collaboration between iHub and the Whāingaroa Environment Centre, the market is part of the Food Project which is developing strategies to foster food resilience and sovereignty in Raglan.
Especially in theses uncertain times, project coordinator Tania Ashman says, the market provides the opportunity for keen backyard growers to share their garden’s bounty.
“The market is a great way to encourage people to consider whether they can grow food as part of their livelihood because that would also increase our resilience.”
The produce on offer will be seasonal, some of it will be spray-free or organic and all of it will definitely be grown with love, Tania says.
The waste-free market will include local market gardeners and smaller backyard growers, food stalls and, Tania hopes, a coffee to wander the markets, with a BYO cup of course.
“We are keen to keep in line with the great work being done by Plastic-Free Raglan and everyone will have to bring their own containers and bags, and our vendors will deal with their own waste.”
The Whāingaroa Environment Centre’s Food Project team is also working on growing the number of Aroha stands, progressing the community garden and the Oram Park food forest, developing the seed library and working with schools.
“We believe that local food growing and local food consumption is helpful for the environment and an important part of making our community more resilient,” Tania says.
The growers’ market is still looking for more stallholders and if you think you’ll have a surplus in mid-November you can book a stall or find out more by contacting Tania at food@whaingaroa.org.nz.
The weekly Raglan Growers’ Market starts on Friday, November 12 from 4-7pm at 1 Stewart Street on the grounds between the Raglan Union Church and hall – rainy day alternative at the Old School Arts Centre.
Food sovereignty is people’s right to healthy and culturally appropriate food produced through ecologically sound and sustainable methods, and their right to define their own food and agriculture systems.
Food resilience is a community’s ability to prepare for, withstand, and recover from a crisis or disruption. A resilient food system is able to withstand and recover from disruptions in a way that ensures a sufficient supply of acceptable and accessible food for all.
Janine Jackson
