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Calgary Herald

Farm Stand Program success sees more than a half dozen new locations around Calgary

Calgary's Farm Stand Program is returning for the 8th summer running, aiming to help Calgarians eat more green, and spend less of it. Article content 'The Farm Stand Program really resonated with residents, especially those who are older. The produce is incredibly fresh and very reasonably priced. It is also a gathering place for residents,' said Andrea Trainor, a board member for the University Heights Community Association. Article content Article content Article content The program hosts nine Albertan vendors in more than 30 locations across the city, allowing the local farmers to set up stands and sell their wares directly to Calgarians whom they may otherwise have trouble reaching. Article content Article content 'As a smaller producer, the Farm Stand Program reduced barriers and made it easy for us to enter the Calgary market,' said Kevin Tetzlaff, owner and operator of Tetzlaff Family Farm. 'Support from local residents has been incredible with many coming back every week. We love talking to everyone, hearing their thoughts on the produce and different ways they have prepared it.' Article content The Farmstand Program has been running since 2017. According to the city of Calgary, more and more communities are clamouring for a stand of their own. Rob Garnett, Centre Manager for the Deer Run Community Association, said that the farmers aren't the only ones who are getting access they wouldn't otherwise have. Article content Article content 'Deer Run does not have a grocery store within its community boundaries, so it's a great benefit to have fresh food available closer to home. It has gained quite a loyal customer base who appreciates the high-quality produce. We're frequently asked why we can't host it more days of the week,' Garnett said. Article content That clamour has led to seven new locations around the city seeing stands this year. Several of them are along sites of public transit, like the Freshpal Farms stall at the Northern Hills Bus Terminal running every Saturday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The stands were placed strategically, hoping to get farm fresh food in the hands of Calgarians who rely on transit. Article content The farmstands are just one program of the city's wider food action plan. The CalgaryEATS! food Action Plan aims to simultaneously support local food growing, and make nutritious food easier to acquire. Urban hen and beekeeping programs are also included in the wider strategy.