Neighbourhood Markets in Waterloo Region The 2010 Neighbourhood Markets are open again for the season. There will be three markets in operation this year with locations at Preston Towne Centre (Farmers Market, Central Park (King and Argyle, Cambridge), Mill Courtland Community Centre (216 Mill Street, Mill and Stirling, Kitchener), and Centerville Chicopee Community Centre (141 Morgan Avenue, off Fairway Road, Kitchener). Neighbourhood Markets Schedule Location Address Time Preston Towne Centre, Central Park King & Argyle, Cambridge 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Thursdays Centreville-Chicopee Community Centre 141 Morgan Avenue, Kitchener 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Wednesdays Mill Courtland Community Centre 216 Mill St., Kitchener 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Wednesdays In the News Cambridge Now, July 29, 2010 Cambridge Times, September 4, 2009 Cambridge Times, July 23, 2009 Cambridge Now, July ,2009 View Preston Market Benefits of Neighbourhood Markets Primary benefits of neighbourhood markets are: health benefits economic benefits community benefits Health benefits improved access to fresh locally grown vegetables and fruit increased physical activity levels by promoting walking increased social connectivity by providing a place for people to gather Economic benefits Neigbourhood markets support local farmers and the rural economy by promoting the purchase of locally grown products. For local farmers, neighbourhood markets provide a venue to sell their products at a time when they face competition from imported products. Community benefits Neighbourhood markets provide an opportunity for: collaboration of community agencies and businesses to work together to serve the public skill development for volunteers (e.g. customer relations, retail skills, etc.) Tips for Attending a Neighbourhood Market Walk, bike or use Grand River Transit to get to the market. Parking is limited. If walking, consider bringing a wheeled cart or wagon to take your purchases home. Bring your own bags or baskets. Bring cash in smaller amounts (e.g. loonies, toonies, $5 or $10 bills) Buy something you have not tried before. A market is a great place to try a new vegetable or fruit. Bring your children and let them help pick. Children who choose some of the produce and talk with the vendors may be willing to try new vegetables and fruit. Buy what your family is able to eat. Instead of overstocking, make the neighbourhood market part of your regular shopping. Shop early for the best selection. Variety and quantity of items diminishes over time. Come with a flexible shopping list. Be open to substituting different vegetables and fruits on your list. Plan to go straight home after your day at the Market or bring a cooler with an ice pack. Dress comfortably. Comfortable shoes are important. Remember to wear your sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Take your time. See what is available before deciding what to buy. Tell a friend. For more information: Please contact Sanjay Govindaraj, Public Health Planner, Region of Waterloo Public Health, 519-883-2004, ext. 5305. To read and/or print the Neighbourhood Markets Backgrounder, click here. For more information on the status of food and food accessibility in Waterloo Region, click here. Also, please check the Neighbourhood Markets Initiative Evaluation Report and the Outcome Evaluation Report. Neighbourhood Markets, 2008 photo gallery. Tips for freezing fruit & vegetables: Extend your local growing season - It's easy. Check our Food Skills site for recipe cards on how to freeze vegetables and fruit.