Vancouver has two types of food markets: farmers markets and community food markets.
Both can be excellent ways to:
Support local food production and small businesses
Access food in your neighbourhood
Find fresh (and often local) produce and unique food products
Meet your neighbours, local producers, and food processors
Farmers markets
In neighbourhoods across the city, farmers markets bring together a community of farmers, fish and seafood harvesters, artisans, local breweries, distilleries, and food producers who supply locally-grown and produced foods.
Phone our Development and Services Building Centre at 604-873-7611 to discuss your plans with an enquiry centre officer.
Community food markets
Neighbourhood houses, BC Housing sites, community centres, and other social serving organizations can organize and manage community food markets.
Community food markets are small pop-up markets that sell fresh fruits, vegetables, and other foods. These markets are typically offered in neighbourhoods with few food stores nearby, or where residents' mobility may prevent them from getting to stores. They emphasize low prices and good quality.
Community food markets address accessibility challenges that are sometimes associated with regular farmers markets, such as physical access or affordability.
Current locations for community food markets, and other low cost food resources, can be found on the free and low cost food programs map. For more information about specific programs, follow up with the host organization. The map is updated regularly with current food program information.
Sign up to get an email when the map is updated by choosing Food map on our subscription form.
We encourage community organizations that operate in "food deserts" (areas short on affordable, fresh, and healthy food) to develop community food markets on their property.
Apply to start a market
We made our process easier: when you meet the conditions, below, you don't need additional land-use permit approvals.
However, if your market gets approved, you need to get a farmers market business license, and may also need a building permit if booths or tents exceed 60 square metres.
