Port Coquitlam, BC, May 22, 2020. . .The Port Coquitlam Farmers Market is opening a new virtual shopping experience June 1 with curbside pick-up each Thursday.

Port Coquitlam residents will be able to purchase fresh, locally grown and produced foods from their favourite market vendors online while staying safe, as part of the city’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We know how much our residents love the Port Coquitlam Farmers Market every year and we are pleased to provide them with a safe alternative,” said Mayor Brad West. “It’s more important than ever that our residents have access to affordable, fresh and healthy food choices while supporting local farmers and businesses.”

COVID-19 has changed the way farmers’ markets are operating throughout the region.

With limits on the numbers of people who can gather and the need to maintain physical distances, many markets are looking on alternative ways to provide access to locally produced food.

The Fraser North Farmers Market Society, which runs the Port Coquitlam Farmers Market for the City, is turning the Gathering Place into a food distribution hub rather than restrict the number of vendors and shoppers at Leigh Square.

As of June 1, residents will be able to browse and shop for fresh food and produce at www.farmersandmore.org. At the time of purchase, customers will select a pick-up time at the Gathering Place on Thursdays between 3 and 7 p.m. Orders must be submitted by Wednesday at noon to be ready for pick-up Thursday the same week.

“The Farmers Market is an important part of the culture of Port Coquitlam and we encourage residents to take advantage of this opportunity to buy fresh food and other products from local vendors,” said Councillor Nancy McCurrach, the Council designate for arts, culture and heritage.

Customer parking will be reserved along Donald Street on Thursday afternoons. When the order is ready, market staff will text the customer to collect their order from the Gathering Place gallery door facing Donald Street. This system minimizes the number of interactions between customers, staff and vendors to ensure the safety of all.

The market is bringing more and more vendors online each week. To get updates on what will be available each week, residents are encouraged to sign up for the Farmers Market email newsletter at www.farmersandmore.org.

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MEDIA CONTACTS

Pardeep Purewal
Manager of Communications & Admin Services
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel 604.927.5335 Cel 604.218.0533
Email purewalp@portcoquitlam.ca