Community owned Grey Lynn Farmers Market celebrates 5th anniversary

Fifth birthday posterMedia Release Grey Lynn Farmers Market

10 September 2014

Community owned Grey Lynn Farmers Market celebrates 5th anniversary

Grey Lynn Farmers Market, community owned and operated social enterprise, celebrates 5 years of providing access to local, seasonal food in a vibrant inner city venue for local farmers and producers to sell their goods direct to consumers.

“The market is far more than a shopping experience” says Market Manager Louise Carr- Neil. “Over the years the market has provided an opportunity for budding artisan food producers to test the market and grow business skills. It is a community space with regular workshops, fundraising stalls, buskers and activities for kids.

“The market has also been a trail blazer for operating sustainably. The market aims to be zero waste, with no waste to landfill created at the market”.  Producers are prioritised who use locally sourced ingredients, as well as those who use fair trade, organic, free range and are GMO free.

Louise Carr- Neill with the GLFM signUniquely, the market has a community trading table, where backyard growers can sell their garden surplus. Any profits are returned to running and promoting the market.

“As a social enterprise we’ve been able to succeed because of the support of the community who want an alternative to supermarkets and the many hours put into the market by volunteers. We think there is lots to celebrate that the market is still operating after 5 years” says Ms Carr-Neil

Contact:

Louise Carr-Neil, Grey Lynn Farmers Market manager Mobile: 0211530714

Website: http://glfm.co.nz/

Twitter @GLFM

facebook.com/GreyLynnFarmersMarket

Notes:

The Grey Lynn Farmers’ Market is a community owned and operated by a volunteer management committee (I have been Chair of the Management Committee for the last four years).  The idea for a market came from a meeting held by Grey Lynn 2030 Transition Town community group in 2008.

The Grey Lynn Farmers Market opened on 9 September 2009 providing an alternative to supermarkets with locally grown, seasonal produce. The market is committed to working towards zero waste. We prioritise artisan producers who use locally sourced ingredients, as well as those who use fair trade, organic, free range and are GMO free.

The market is on very Sunday from 9am to 12.30pm at the Grey Lynn Community Centre, 510 Richmond Road.

Birthday celebrations are on Sunday 14th September.  Live music with Bernie Griffen. Special guest Lynda Hallinan, Editor at large, NZ Gardener.  Cake cutting at 11:30am, free entertainment for the kids.