Our long-awaited summer has finally arrived, and farmers’ markets bursting with homegrown goodness are springing up across our city. With their colourful seasonal produce, the farm-fresh food is a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach. This summer, skip the grocery store and explore what our local Mississauga markets have to offer!
Mississauga Lions Club Farmers’ Market
Mississauga Celebration Square | Wednesdays 9a.m.-5p.m., June 5–October 16
3 Robert Speck Parkway | Sundays 8a.m.-4p.m., June 2–October 27
With two locations to choose from, the Mississauga Central Lions Club has been operating farmers’ markets in our neighbourhood since 1975. Ensuring that the money raised goes directly back into the community, they use profits to support a variety of programs, from kids’ camps and sports teams to preserving our local Mississauga heritage. Celebration Square is the largest farmers’ market in Mississauga, so you’ll have no trouble finding what you are looking for! Rain or shine, the vendors at these busy bazaars are always happy to meet and discuss their best in-season wares. As well as the usual fruits and vegetables, you can enjoy a selection of homemade pies, crumbles, and breads, cured meats, sauces, and so much more.
The Backyard Farm and Market
2475 Eglinton Avenue West | Thursdays 3:30p.m.-7:30p.m., July 11–October 10
One of the more recent farmers’ markets to grace our city, The Backyard Farm and Market is a not-for-profit organization established in 2016. Started with a passion for agriculture and a goal to bring locally grown food to urban neighbourhoods, the farm now operates with the help of volunteers from the community. Cultivating their own produce to sell, the market also includes a variety of other vendors, like The Little Garden Company and Living Chocolate, that showcase their herbs, flowers, chocolate, and homemade nut milks. If you are looking for natural beauty products, Captain Jamie’s also delivers her line of handmade soaps and skincare products.
Herridge’s Farm Fresh Market
780 Southdown Road | Open 7 days a week, April–September
This is not your traditional farmers’ market! Herridge’s is a third generation family-owned business, and is open every day. A Clarkson fixture for over 50 years, Herridge’s grow many of their own fruits and vegetables on their farm, and what they don’t grow they purchase from local producers. The store itself is situated on their orchard and you’ll often see apple pickers in the fall. Herridge’s is so much more than just table fare! In spring, they feature gardening necessities such as annuals, vegetables, and herb plants. In fall, find Hallowe’en pumpkins and gourds, and at Christmas, gorgeous wreaths, trees, and natural garlands abound.
Port Credit Farmers’ Market
200 Lakeshore Road East | Saturdays 8a.m.-1p.m., June 9–October 6
Walk or cycle to this farmers’ market, located at Elmwood Avenue and Lakeshore Road in the heart of the Port Credit community. Looking for a gift? Browse the selection from local artisans while you enjoy weekly live musicians that play alongside the vendors. You can even make it a family day trip and bring the kids to the drop-in crafts and gardening workshops they host on site! With Planet Organic and Elmwood Meat Market in the same plaza, you can find all you need to keep your family healthy and well-fed for the entire week.
Streetsville Lions Farmers’ Market
128 Queen Street South | Saturdays 8a.m.-1p.m., June 1–October 12
The Streetsville Farmers’ Market relaunched in 2017 with a wonderful variety of vendors. Local residents look forward to spending the morning at the bustling market, shopping for healthy, colourful food surrounded by Streetsville’s gorgeous architecture and historic charm. Take time afterward to sit in one of the many cafés and restaurants the village has to offer.
Sherway Farmers’ Market
1536 The Queensway, Etobicoke | Fridays 8a.m.-2p.m., June 7–October 27
If you’re willing to go a little further afield, head to Sherway Farmers’ Market. A tradition in Etobicoke for more than 20 years, the market has everything from produce to cookies to wine… and even a Mexican food stall with homemade salsa! Other favourites include Marigold’s Maple Syrup and fresh baked goods from Quality Bakeries. Drop by on a Friday to shop with other locals seeking healthy food.
by Kristen Psihogios
Local Links
Lions Club Farmers’ Market
lionsfarmersmkt.com
Sherway Farmers’ Market
farmfreshmarkets.ca
Port Credit Farmers’ Market
portcredit.com/explore-port-credit/farmers-market
Herridge’s Farm Fresh Market
herridgesfarmersmarket.ca
The Backyard Farm and Market
embackyardfarm.com
