Beer, wine and spirits will likely be on the table at the White Rock Farmers’ Market this season – but not in time for its May 25 opening day.
Market manager Helen Fathers – who is also a City of White Rock councillor – said she expects the weekly offerings to include alcohol “by mid-June.”
“As soon as the government makes the decision, we’re ready to go,” Fathers said.
The provincial government approved the sale of alcohol at farmers’ markets in March. Fathers said all that’s left is finalizing “across-the-board” policies around it.
One thing is for certain, she said – at no point will there be sales of open alcohol.
“That’s not what the intent of this is,” she said.
Also new to the market this year is the Food & Nutrition Coupon Program – an initiative that provides coupons to low-income families and seniors which they can then use at the market to purchase products including fruit, vegetables, meat, fish and dairy.
Last year, the B.C. Association of Farmers’ Markets program operated in 34 B.C. communities. Fathers said the White Rock market has been approved for 40 families and 20 seniors, with the coupons to be administered through Sources’ food bank and women’s programs.
It includes an education component.
“It’s going to help people eat more healthy,” Fathers said.
Throughout the summer season (May 25-Oct. 12), the market will run Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with “easily” 80 vendors every week.
Fathers said opening day will include a vegetable toss, cake and music.
For more information, visit www.whiterockfarmersmarket.ca