Around this time every year, seasonal farmers’ markets both big and small start opening in neighbourhoods around the city. Friends and family meet at cozy evening markets on the weekdays and busier weekend events to shop an array of local produce and other offerings.
In Edmonton, the commitment we feel to supporting local isn’t a fad or a phase. It’s part of our identity as a city. Most of us are accustomed to purchasing fresh produce, bread, and baked goods from farmers’ markets every week in the summer.
Because of the current social situation, many farmers’ markets will remain closed this spring and for at least part of the summer. But, there’s still hope for us!
A handful of farmers’ market vendors are offering pandemic-friendly pick-up and delivery at this time. Plus, one specific company, Steve & Dan’s Fresh B.C. Fruit, is collaborating with other businesses to offer customers a better way to purchase produce online.
As of mid-April, Steve & Dan’s Fresh B.C. Fruit launched a new website: Steve & Dan’s Online Market. Here, customers can purchase a variety of fresh, local produce from three main Canadian farmers:
- Steve & Dan’s Fresh B.C. Fruit: Based in Edmonton, owners Steve and Dan are committed to bringing fresh, B.C. fruit to Albertans. At the moment, you can purchase apples, pears, kiwi, and carrots online. As the season progresses, you’ll be able to shop B.C. peaches, plums, nectarines, and cherries.
- Lacombe Fresh: Gull Valley Greenhouses and Doef’s Greenhouses recently joined forces as Lacombe Fresh. These two powerhouses are behind most of the vegetables available on Steve & Dan’s Online Market. Shop greenhouse-grown cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, potatoes, lettuce, and more.
All orders must be a minimum of $50 to qualify for delivery. But, reaching this minimum isn’t hard when there are so many other products available for purchase online including snacks, meats, jams, and sweets. A few of our favourite other vendors on the site include:
- Happy Camel, a one-of-a-kind vegetarian bakery and deli serving up Mediterranean hummus, dips, falafel, pita, and flatbread!
- Effing Seafoods, selling fresh and flash-frozen fish, oysters, and sustainably caught seafood products sourced from all across Canada!
Not sure what to order? Steve & Dan’s offers special bundles ranging from $40-$80.
While farmers’ market season might not be the same this year, it’s still possible to fill your fridge with fresh, local produce. Start filling up your virtual basket today at Steve & Dan’s Online Market.
