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RFP: Marketing and Communications Coordinator

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The Royal City Farmers Market (RCFM) is a mid-sized, well-established farmers market in New Westminster, B.C. that operates outdoors year-round. RCFM will be entering its tenth year of operation in 2017. It is a member of the B.C. Association of Farmers Markets and registered as B.C. non-profit society. RCFM has an active seven member board of directors, as well as operational staff and a number of dedicated volunteers.

We seek a qualified candidate to join our organization and act as a communications and marketing coordinator. This is a paid, contract position.  

Duties:

  • Plan and deploy social media engagement on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, any other emerging platforms, and write for our blog, which features a weekly market preview post and various educational articles
  • Generate press releases as required by the board (usually one per quarter, occasionally more)
  • Perform basic market research and develop a good understanding of current customers, competitors and target audience
  • Work with committee members and a contract graphic designer to develop assets; collaborate with operations manager
  • Refine and maintain organization’s brand identity, including style guidelines
  • Possibly work with a student practicum placement for the summer
  • Additional duties and tasks may be assigned as needed

The work is somewhat seasonal though the expectation is that the monthly contract amount would stay the same, however the duties may change. The market from mid-May to the first week of October is weekly and from November to early April it is twice per month. During the winter months, we expect the contractor to spend more time on asset development, analysis and planning, and preparation for the busier summer months, and then switch to a more implementation-focused list of tasks in the summer.

Although a presence at the market for the entire duration of the market is not required, there is value in attending each market to snap pictures and connect with vendors for website features for a limited time. Our markets are currently Thursdays from 3pm-7pm at Tipperary Park in the summer and Saturdays 11am-3pm on Belmont Street in the winter.

Qualifications:

Experience in all established social media channels as well as an interest in emerging channels is an asset. Writing clean copy that reflects the market’s brand is also essential.

Other valuable assets for this role: experience writing online, photography experience, an interest in farmers market and food culture, understanding and knowledge of New Westminster as a community.  

To apply, submit a proposal or cover letter/resume that outlines: monthly fees, previous experience, and interest in the position to info@newwestfarmers.ca. Deadline: September 1, 2016.  

Farmers Market Challenge: Road Trip!

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My, oh my, how planning for road trips has changed over the years.

Back in the day—the, ahem, less healthier, less grown-up day—road trip snacks were all about the salts and the sweets: chips, chocolate, what more did I need, really… besides a bathroom, that is. Inevitably, a good portion of those trips were spent with a belly ache, not to mention blood sugar readings that had my diabetic specialist cringing.

But now, a prospective dietitian, and a mom of an impressionable youngin’, I am more conscientious of nutritional goodness. The salty, sugar-laden road trip snacks of years past are just that: a thing of the past.

This week’s $40 challenge was all about planning for the road trip.

I was off to Shuswap with my four-year-old son, and his five-year-old cousins the day after the market. Just the three of us in one car for six hours with one meal stop in between. Two of us in the car have type-1 diabetes.

I don’t know about you, but I am always extra hungry on road trips. Maybe eating is my way of passing the time, giving me something to do other than asking that age-old question: “Are we there yet?” Regardless, my mouth is in constant need of chewing when on the road.

The healthier, the better.

The market did not disappoint.

With my cooler in hand, I searched out all snacking possibilities the market had to offer.

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This week’s “road-trip” loot:

  • 5 mini cucumbers: $3 (Greendale Herb and Vine)
  • Carrot bunch: $1.50 (Bose & Sons Family Farm)
  • 5 Okanagan gala apples: $5 (Rai Produce)
  • 5 pears: $4 (Outwest Ranch)
  • 12 eggs: $6 (Outwest Ranch)
  • Tatsoi and Pizzo mustard greens: 2 for $5 (Zaklan Heritage Farm)
  • 2 salmon burgers: $8 (Wheelhouse Seafoods)
  • 2 zucchini: $1.50 (Fresh Quality Produce Ltd.)
  • 6 corn: $3 (Fresh Quality Produce Ltd.)
  • 1 Russian garlic $2.25 (Rancho Los Andes)

Total spent was $39.25. We were 75 cents under budget, but last week we were $1.20 over budget.

FullSizeRender

The cucumbers and carrots were fantastic for the ride up. As were the apples and pears. The apples were so juicy good, my son, who normally takes a few bites of the apple before discarding it ate the entire thing right to the core, and asked for a second one right after exclaiming it was the best apple he’s ever eaten!

Sure it was a bit messier than other snacking options, but when you’ve got a toddler in the car, chances are you’ve also got wipes handy and a garbage for the waste.

And I felt a whole lot less guilty, and my belly felt a whole lot less turmoil eating subsequent mini cukes over subsequent chips and chocolate bars.

A five-day trip also required some foods at the cabin, which is where the eggs, corn, greens and zucchini came to play. The eggs were great for the mornings, and the corn and greens served us well for lunch and dinner sides.

The salmon burgers were for my husband who did not join us for the trip.

We weren’t perfectly healthy on this trip. My nephews introduced me to the world of s’mores, there were ice cream cones, and the grandma of the cabin did a whole lot of tasty fine baking. But, by balancing that all with the nutritional goodness of the market fruits and veggies had me feeling not only balanced, but happily satiated.

The complete series of the farmers market challenge is here. 

August 25th Market Day

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Eggplants

Recreate a dish with our eggplant/artichoke logo! We have not one… not two… but THREE vendors bringing eggplants to the market. Who are they? Pick up eggplants from Greendale Herb & Vine, Zaklan Heritage Farm or Ripple Creek Certified Organic Farm. You can even grab an artichoke from Ossome Acres Certified Organic farm and VOILA you can create an RCFM logo dish!

We are delighted to be bringing you two special guests this week!

Emergency Services

New Westminster Fire and New Westminster Police and are encouraging everyone to be prepared for an emergency and will be onsite at the August 23,2016 Royal City Farmers Market to provide public Safety Information and answer any questions people may have.

Zhoosh Fitness Garage

Local small business, ZHOOSH Fitness Garage, brings health, wellness, fitness and community to New Westminster residents and beyond; offering Boxing BAD, Youth Boxing, Foxy Kickboxing, Personal Training, FIGHT CLUB Bootcamp, specialized Parkinson’s Exercise Programs such as PWR!Moves & ROCK STEADY BOXING New West, Capoeira with Abada Capoeira Vancouver and Karate with Tashu Martial Arts Centre.
Prizes:
Visit the ZHOOSH Booth up on the grassy area and enter to win prizes such as one month of Youth Boxing (ages 7-15) and one month of Karate (any age)
Services

Let Tanner take your cares away! Tanner is providing chair massages at the market for $1 a minute.

Entertainment

Yoga

For the Kids

  • Have fun in our Mini Farmers Market play area (free)
  • Chill out in our Baby/Parent “lounge” on the grass (free)
  • Fun crafty craft with Music Box New West (free)
  • Join in for some Karate for all ages with Tashu Martial Arts Centre – 3:30 – 4:00 pm (free)
  • Try some Youth Boxing for all ages with ZHOOSH Fitness Garage 4:00 – 5:00pm (free)
  • Face painting with Allyson ($)

For information on where our market is located, how to find parking and transit directions visit our Summer FAQ page.

Download the Ultimate Farmers Market Shopping List to help with your meal planning and purchases for the week.

Farm Fresh Produce

  • Greendale Herb and Vine – herbs, mini cucumbers, eggplants, greens, sweet red peppers, garlic, apples, heirloom tomatoes, plums, squash, cherry tomatoes, two bite apples
  • Ripple Creek Organics – chard, kale, beets, nugget potatoes, zucchini, brocoli, green onions, green beans, fresh garlic, cabbage, cucumber, cauliflower, cherry tomatoes, onions, eggplants, carrots (Certified Organic)
  • Ossome Acres – pea shoots, eggs, raw walnuts, parsley, kale, swiss chard, rainbow chard, purple cabbage, broccoli, scallopini, scallions, sunflower shoots, wheat grass, kohlrabi, potatoes, cucumber, artichoke, plum, bartlett pears, zucchini, celery, beets, castile soap (Certified Organic)
  • Bose & Sons Family Farm – lettuce greens, carrots, potatoes, green peppers, tomatoes, zucchini, turnips, corn
  • Harvest Direct Farms – Peaches, plums, nectarines, apples, pears
  • Fresh Quality Produce Ltd – strawberries, blueberries, blackberries zucchinis, nugget potatoes, green beans, wax beans, corn
  • Zaklan Heritage Farms – Head lettuce, mini gem head lettuce, radishes (all sorts), salad mix, mustard greens, arugula, swiss chard, kale, baby cucumbers, zucchini, carrots, beans, leeks, potatoes, peppers (hot/sweet), eggplant, roma tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, beets, onions, garlic, flowers, plums.
  • Country Village Market – blueberries, strawberries, corn
  • Rancho Los Andes – tomatoes
  • Nutrigreens – microgreens, potatoes, zucchini, cucumber
  • RCFM Merchandise Stall – Dried morel and porcini mushrooms

Cut Flowers

  • Rancho Los Andes – expertly made bouquets for you to enjoy

Cheese & Dairy

  • Golden Ears Cheesecrafters – Cheddar-Aged Medium, Brie, Jersey Blue, Cultured Butter, Havarti-Aged (Flavoured), Gouda-Aged Medium (Flavoured), Feta (Plain, Cranberry, Garlic Scape), Curds, Neufchatel (Plain, Herb & Garlic), Quark (Plain, Cranberry), Emmental, Velvet Blue
  • The Local Churn – hand churned gourmet butter
  • Greendale Herb & Vine – goats cheese

Beef, Eggs, Poultry and Seafood

  • Rockweld Farm – BC SPCA Certified frozen chicken and chicken products including eggs, dog and cat food
  • Wild West Coast Seafoods –  flash frozen fillets of Rock Sole, Petrale Sole, Rockfish, Ling Cod, Pacific Cod, Sablefish, Chinook/Spring Salmon, Coho Salmon, Sidestripe Shrimp, Halibut, Albacore Tuna Loin.
  • Wheelhouse Seafoods – seafood pasta and crab cakes, frozen salmon and spot prawns
  • Local Beef & Eggs – wild blackberries, purslane, onions, chives, rhubarb, eggs, kale

Artisan Breads

  • A Bread Affair – breads, baguettes, ciabattas, rolls, scones (Certified Organic)

Gluten Free Breads & Baking

  • Delish Gluten Free – bread, scones, muffins, brownies and cookies
  • Marie’s Guilt Free Baking – bread, cookies, pizza dough and snacks

Bakery

  • Sweet Thea Cakes – tarts, pies, cookies and cakes
  • Guilt Free Gluttony – guilt free allergen friendly desserts
  • Feeding Change – raw coconut cakes, ganaches and decadent desserts

Coffee & Snacks

  • Handworks Coffee – hot and cold pour over coffee
  • Gary’s Kettlecorn – kettle corn (traditional and caramel)

Food Trucks & Eat On Site

  • Gypsy Trunk Gourmet Fare – vegan burritos sausages and more!
  • The Pepper Pot – fusion Caribbean and Vancouver flavours
  • D-Original Sausage House – sausages, bratwurst, salamis, pretzel buns
  • Country Village Market – delicious pakoras
  • Wheelhouse Seafoods – salmon burgers
  • Rocky Point Ice Cream – locally made ice cream by the cone or pint

Prepared Food (Dry Goods & Seasonings)

  • Greendale Herb & Vine – Nuts (hazelnuts), Muesli, Infused Vinegars, Popcorn Kernels, Herbal Teas, Dried Lavender
  • Simply Delish Soups & Salads – delicious mixes for soups and more!
  • Sidney Smoke House – locally made jerky

Prepared Foods (Pantry Staples)

  • Anne’s Gallery – jams, chutneys and preserves
  • BobAli – hummus, olive tapenades and delicious spreads
  • Lilise Applesauce – gourmet applesauce
  • Chanthorn Orchids & Thai Sauces – tasty sauces for authentic Thai dishes

Jewelry & Artisan Crafts

  • Anne’s Gallery – hand knit Irish sweaters
  • Bits & Keys – funky jewelry and fun crosstiches
  • Lighten Up Jewels – timeless pieces made by Holly

Wine, Beer & Spirits

  • Blind Tiger Winery – Lake Country wines
  • Dragon Mist Distillery – locally made vodka and gin

Special Thanks to our Music Stage Sponsor Roland Kaulfuss:

rolandkaulfuss logo

Farmers Market Challenge: It’s All About the List

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Seven weeks into the Farmer’s Market Challenge, we’d fallen into an easy and familiar routine; call up the list of vendors on the market’s website on Wednesday evening and craft a meal and shopping plan for the coming week.

It was time to shake things up a bit.

Katie had a meeting with one of her instructors at Douglas College and late Thursday afternoon was the best available time. But that’s Market Time! she exclaimed.

Not to worry, I replied. I’ll do it.

After all, I do the cooking, and the bulk of the grocery shopping.

Usually that means checking the fridge and pantry to get an idea of what’s running low, scanning the supermarket flyers for the week’s specials, then making a list. Meal planning is done on the fly, based on those specials, cravings, whims.

It’s not the best way to do things. It’s inefficient; sometimes we buy too much, or items we bought get left uneaten as those cravings subside.

The times we did take the time to formulate a plan meant fewer trips to the grocery store, less overripe fruit and vegetables in the crispers, more space in the freezer.

The Farmer’s Market Challenge brought discipline back to our food consumption, reduced my supermarket stress. It brought a little adventure as we explored new produce options. And we’ve been eating healthier, more flavourful meals.

So flying solo at Thursday’s market wasn’t intimidating at all.

Since taking on the Challenge we’ve devised some method to our madness. Each week’s list has a column for “Must Haves” and another for “Maybes” according to their availability and room in our $40 budget. We also set out to construct at least one “Market Meal,” with the bulk of its components from the market.

It’s efficient, predictable, with room for spontaneity.

mario

Since our first bite of albacore tuna loin from Wild West Coast Seafood, we knew wanted it again; so that was going to be our most expensive acquisition and the centrepiece for one of our TWO planned market meals.

The other would be a grilled pizza topped with fresh arugula, plum tomatoes, basil and roasted garlic.

cutting pizza

From there, we needed to replenish our salad spinner with greens and the vegetable crisper with onions and cucumbers. Anything left over would be up to my discretion.

With a couple of tokens still knocking together in my pocket, I eyed the microgreens, but settled for a bunch of purslane. Since discovering the tender succulent we’ve grown to appreciate the flavourful crunch its deep green stalks bring to salads and sandwiches. And it’s half the price of the microgreens.

That left just enough for a single artichoke, a new arrival to the season and a new challenge for my grill skills.

This week’s haul:

From Wild West Coast Seafoods:

  • Tuna loin $15

From Zaklan Heritage Farms:

  • Garlic $2
  • Mustard greens, purslane $5
  • Arugula $4
  • 4 plum tomatoes $1.70
  • Basil $1

From Bose & Sons Family Farm:

  • Red lettuce $2

From Ossome Acres:

  • Kale $3
  • Artichoke $2

From Ripple Creek:

  • 2 cucumbers $2.50
  • 3 spanish onions $3

Something we learned this week: The Spanish onions’ long green crunchy stalks that filled three plastic containers when we first bought them have been cut short. Not as a way for the farmers to get us to buy their onions more frequently; the summer’s heat just starts drying them up and making them tough.

 

Join Our Team! RCFM Hiring a Part Time Bookkeeper

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The Royal City Farmers Market is a mid-sized, well-established farmers market in New Westminster BC that operates outdoors year-round. We are members of the BC Association of Farmers Markets, are a registered BC non-profit society, and will be entering our tenth year of operation in 2017. We have an active seven member board of directors as well as operational staff and a number of dedicated volunteers.

RCFM currently retains the services of a CGA to perform our annual financial reporting however we seek a qualified candidate to join our organization as bookkeeper. Reporting to the treasurer, and working with operational staff, you would keep and maintain our books using Quick Books online. Other duties would include: managing payroll for two staff, preparing cheques, and possibly making deposits.

This is a paid, contract position, compensated hourly for services provided.

To apply, submit a brief proposal or resume/cover letter that outlines: hourly rates, an approximation of time required, previous experience, and interest in the position to info@newwestfarmers.ca. Preference will be given to candidates who have experience with non-profits.

Deadline: August 30, 2016.  

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