Zero Waste Month: Central Park Farms

For the month of July, the Coquitlam Farmers Market is highlighting some of the great work vendors are doing to reduce their waste, both at market and throughout their production chains.

(Courtesy of Central Park Farms)

Kendall from market staple, Central Park Farms, says making sustainable choices within her company goes beyond just farming operations.

The goal behind our farm is ‘helping our community make ethical and sustainable food choices,’ so it’s important that we focus on sustainable and zero waste initiatives wherever we can.

Central Park Farms has forged relationships with various companies in food production and supply chain so they can work together to divert food otherwise destined for the land fill. Kendall says their pigs are fed through a cleaver food waste recovery program.

We feed spend brewery grains from local breweries, cast offs from a local organic granola bar manufacture so they get nuts, honey, whey, and oats, and then fruits and vegetables.

(Courtesy of Central Park Farms)

In addition to this program, the farm now simply uses vacuum seal bags for their meats instead of using an additional meat tray, and liner. Kendall says she was a bit concerned about how customers would respond to the change in packaging.

But when I explained to our regular customers why we were changing our packaging they were thrilled. Less waste they have to deal with in their homes as well. Plus as a bonus because the meat takes up less room without the tray we’re now able to use smaller bags therefore further reducing the amount of plastic we use.

With a more widespread push to better take care of our planet, Kendall says she the number of calls from food producers wanting to see if the farm could take on their byproducts or cast offs have increased, a “bit of a snowball effect”. While many companies are trying to reduce their environmental impact, some of what she has been receiving surprises her.

(Courtesy of Central Park Farms)

It’s really shocking to see what great shape this food is in that we feed but unfortunately in many cases by the time it goes through the supply chain from the grower/packer/producer to the distribution centre and then the grocery store it will have gone bad. But when we get it, it’s still in fantastic shape. Our kids often pull perfect fruit out before it goes to the pigs and eat it themselves while they work around the farm.

Kendall says we all need to do our part to leave the world a better place for our kids and that these changes go far beyond business operations and success.

That was the reason I got into farming in the first place is I was feeling like there was so much abuse in animal agriculture to both the animals and the environment so I just want to make sure we operate in a way that aligns with my values and how I want the world to be left for my family.

Look for future sustainability endeavours from Central Park Farms! Kendall says as her business continues to grow, constantly in a state of improvement, she is always looking for opportunities to integrate more efficient and eco-friendly systems and supples into farming operations.

Sunday, July 1

Celebrate Canada and local goods at the market this Canada Day! We are open and will have all you need for your Canada Day festivities!

Visit our Kids Craft Table to make a Canada Day paper bag beaver!

We’re happy to have John Bowman joining us as our musician this Sunday! Not only is John a talented performer, he is also a loyal market shopper and volunteer. Get a sneak peek of his music HERE.

We’re learning about pollination in the POP Kids Club this week! And, there will be lots of smiles at our 2-Bite Club station with the kids tasting cherries this week.

                Vendor List for Sunday, July 1

POP Club – Week 5

Join the POP Club and discover the Power of Produce!

Week 5: Sunday July 1 – This Sunday’s activity will be about pollination. Come by the POP tent any time during the market to make a pipe cleaner bumble bee and learn about the process that makes such a big contribution to the production of our food supply.

For the Two Bite tasting we’ll be enjoying one of the many fruits of pollination – cherries!

Drop in anytime during market hours from 9am – 1pm to sign up and participate in the POP Club!

The POP Club is a farmers market-based kids program. Children (ages 5 – 12 years old) will learn about fruits and vegetables, local food systems and healthy food preparation through fun activities.

Each week children will earn a $3 market token to use towards any fruit or vegetable of their choice.

There is no cost to participate. Sign up at the POP tent this Sunday! The POP Club runs every Sunday until the end of October.

On The Wild Side With: Food Migration

Inspired by a traditional Taiwanese snack, Ethan of Food Migration has created a line of bite sized treats perfect for tea lovers.

Where I came from, Taiwan, people enjoyed tea on daily basis. Traditionally, these type of snacks are often enjoyed with tea. As Chinese drink tea with no sugar or milk added, the taste of tea could sometime be dry (or astringent) and bitter. Little sweets like ChaNut serve perfectly in tea drinker’s mouth and balance out less wanted sensation with mild sweetness and nuttiness. That’s why we call it perfect snack of tea.

Food Migration’s brand most familiar to market customers is called ChaNut, which has a more meaningful connection to its purpose as a compliment to tea than some may realize.

Our brand name ChaNut is actually the combination of Chinese phonic of tea, “Cha” and English word “Nuts,” which we are hoping will catch the spirit of tea and deliver the message to our customers.

There are currently three lines of ChaNut creations. Depending on the flavour, their main ingredients range from peanuts, to pumpkin and black sesame seeds, all bound by malt syrup, giving them their distinct and unifying flavour.

It’s actually my mother’s recipe. She cracked the formula from the traditional snack, we have in Taiwan. My Mom, like most of the parents, disbarred all kinds of junky snack. As nut gaining its popularity in the recent years, she decided to make her own snack. I learned from her after she proudly shared it with me on my trip back home couple years ago. I did tweak the recipe a bit afterward, but the basic taste is inherited from my mother.

Ethan says he used to think inspiration to create new food products was like a sparkle, coming from nowhere and caused by many of happy coincidences. Now he says new flavours are first inspired by the familiarity of Taiwan recipes and are then given a Canadian twist.

We ask our friends and family from time to time and improve the product base their feedback as well, trying to find the taste that can relate to our community. I guess you can say the inspiration is from where I am from and where I live now, and its a combination of who we are.

With its current success, Food Migration is looking to further migrate its favourite foods into the Canadian market. Ethan says he hopes products will continue to perk customers interest.

Much like a friend sharing great stuff with each other, I am hoping Food Migration would be your foodie friend. We hope the customer to know that ChaNut is a great healthy nutty snack, a great product before or after work out, and most importantly its a snack they could enjoy in any given day.

POP Club – Week 4

Join the POP Club and discover the Power of Produce!

Week 4 – This week’s activity is to solve a riddle about the difference between vegetables and fruit. Come by the POP tent anytime between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to take a look at the clues and uncover the answer to the riddle.

For the Two Bite Club we will be tasting Microgreens donated by Get it Greens!

Drop in anytime during market hours from 9am – 1pm to sign up and participate in the POP Club!

The POP Club is a farmers market-based kids program. Children (ages 5 – 12 years old) will learn about fruits and vegetables, local food systems and healthy food preparation through fun activities.

Each week children will earn a $3 market token to use towards any fruit or vegetable of their choice.

There is no cost to participate. Sign up at the POP tent this Sunday! The POP Club runs every Sunday until the end of October.

Sunday, June 24

Come to the Market this Sunday to enjoy the best of local produce, baked goods, artisan crafts and more! This weekend is the LAST week of our June Member Month, and we have plenty of Member-Only vendor specials for you to take advantage of! This Sunday’s Member-Only specials include:

Aslan Organics: Save $1 if spend $10 or more and save $2.50 if you spend $20 or more
Central Park Farms: 10% off pork chops
Dageraad Brewing: 10% Off a Purchase of 4 (or more) Bottles
Ela Made Me Do It: $2 Off Fresh Family Sized Soups
Einai Designs: 10% off
Gary’s Kettle Corn: $1 off large bags
Gesundheit Bakery: $1 Off $5 or more purchase
Gypsy Jean Jewellery: Receive a Free Pair of Earrings with ANY Necklace
Kics Lemonade: FREE cup of lemonade
Rocky Point Ice Cream: Free Waffle Cone Upgrade
Sable Shortbread: Free Cookie for Kids 10 & Under
Sisters Making Scents: Two For $5.00 on Lip Balm and 10% Off Everything
Sweet Thea Bakery: $1 Off Any Loaf of Bread (9 Grain or Campagne Loaf)
Trinity’s Tea Creations: Large Jar (500ml) Is $2 Off, Small Jar (250ml) Is $1 Off, Iced Tea (1 cup) Is $1 Off
Wax Poetic Creations: Buy One Get One 50% Off!

Come hungry and grab breakfast or lunch at Island Time Food Truck. Don’t forget your coffee from Biscotti Joe and a delicious ice cream for Rocky Point Ice Cream!

We’re happy to have Kelly Koebel joining us as our musician this Sunday! This is Kelly’s first time performing at the market, so be sure to stop by and welcome him to Coquitlam!

Kids! We’re celebrating Garden Days at the craft table and planting seeds this Sunday! Choose a seed to plant to take home and nurture at home!

Vendor List for Sunday, June 24

Getting To Know: Wax Poetic Creations

Creating Wax Poetic Creations was a no brainer for Alexandra. Starting out as a way to fill her creative drive, making candles has blossomed into a career.

To finally find my niche was so empowering. Over the next few months I explored the local artisan community and decided it was something I’d love to be a part of. Entrepreneurship runs in the family, and it snuck up on me. Before I knew it, Wax Poetic Creations was born.

Made from soy wax with lead-free wicks, Alexandra’s light scented candles are born out of seasonal inspiration- from citrus scents during the Summer and more sweet smells come Winter.

I take in a lot of recommendations from customers and decide what scents will be best received by others as well. One scent is available all year round, because it’s such a hit. It’s called Unwind, an essential oil blend of Bergamot, Neroli, and Mandarin.

There are a number of combinations of wax, wick and scents that can be chosen to create the perfect candle. Alexandra says she always chooses higher quality products to most importantly, support local businesses.

I believe that Wax Poetic candles should meet my own standards and values. Soy wax burns longer, burns cleaner, is environmentally friendly and is made in North America and even needs to be FDA approved. Paraffin wax, on the other hand, releases toxins into the air, burns faster, and is made from crude oil. Soy wax is made from the earth, and is biodegradable as well. Can’t go wrong with that! As for wicks, many candles use lead-core wicks. These have been known to release the lead back into the air as the candle burns. The materials I use do not release carcinogens. They instead are clean burning and longer lasting than the alternative!

For Wax Poetic Creations, small scaled, artisan production is the way to go. Alexandra says while the process can be challenging, it is very rewarding when she sees a customer’s satisfaction.

Smaller scaled production allows each candle to get the same attention. I can customize a single candle, change one’s colour, or alter its scent. To make candles, I spend hours dedicated to melting down the wax in small sets, pouring six candles or so at a time, and then individually designing, printing and placing labels. When all is said and done, I have completed each candle as a one-woman show. All sales support my ability to make more and continue with my passion.

Wax Poetic Creations has one of the most simple and elegant logos. Created by her sister Natalia, Alexandra says she wanted to get to the core of what makes a good candle so she literally turned to the element for inspiration.

The simple candle flame reflects on the simplicity of a soy candle. As my inspiration changes, I am slowly allowing my logo to adapt and become more simple, but the flame and wick will stay the same.

Alexandra has recently changed her focus to summer farmers markets and to continue to build her brand, giving her more opportunities to become further involved in the community.

 In addition, Wax Poetic is soon to be a part of a new subscription box, some brick and mortar stores, and more! Near future goals include a summer full of events and markets, as well as my new home candle making classes that can be booked on my website.

Sunday, June 17

Come to the Market this Sunday to enjoy the best of local produce, baked goods, artisan crafts and more! This weekend is the third week of our June Member Month, and we have plenty of Member-Only vendor specials for you to take advantage of! This Sunday’s Member-Only specials include:

Aslan Organics: Save $1 if spend $10 or more and save $2.50 if you spend $20 or more
Central Park Farms: 25% Off Large Wing & Drumette Bulk Packs (Great For BBQ Season!)
Eagle Mountain Leather: Key Fob – two For $5 (Limit of Two)
Ela Made Me Do It: $2 Off Fresh Family Sized Soups
Fresh-N-Home Products: Free banana pouch on purchases over $20
Gary’s Kettle Corn: $1 off large bags
Gesundheit Bakery: $1 Off $5 or more purchase
Kics Lemonade: FREE cup of lemonade
Kizzy’s Macarons: One Free Macaron With the Purchase of 5 or More
Quality Oak Accents: 15% Off Certain Styles of Cutting Boards
Rockweld Farm: 20% off wings
Sweet Thea Bakery: $1 Off Any Loaf of Bread (Either 9 Grain or Campagne Loaf)
Wax Poetic Creations: Buy One Get One 50% Off!

Come hungry and grab breakfast or lunch at Island Time Food Truck. Don’t forget your coffee from Biscotti Joe and a delicious ice cream for Rocky Point Ice Cream!

We’re celebrating Dads this Sunday and giving out one FREE mini cookie for Dads at the market. Come early – supplies are limited!

We’re happy to have Caden Knudson joining us as our musician this Sunday! Get a sneak peek HERE.

Kids! Visit our craft table this Sunday to make a wooden salmon necklace perfect for Dad!

Vendor List for Sunday, June 17

On The Wild Side With: The Raw Guy

Kale is one of those vegetables that some would like to not include in their diet but what we can all agree on is its nutritiousness.

Kale is a super food, so a great source of Vitamins A, B6, C, K, Calcium, Potassium, Copper Manganese, Iron, and fiber. The list goes on and on. We could write a book and some have.

Brian, “The Raw Guy” has created a product that takes an unconventional approach to consuming kale, enticing more people to enjoy the benefits of having a healthy snack option.

The foods that I offer at market are “Transitional Food”. Foods that have a familiar look, taste and mouth feel to the foods most of us are used to. This helps us move into a more raw plant based way of eating without feeling deprived. So these are flavours you would see in any chip out there and yes maybe a couple you wouldn’t.

Brian has taken his own raw food diet experience and desire to share this with others to create a range of uniquely flavoured kale chips, further inspired by his customers and own desire to fuse different food together.

So when I heard some talking on raw food a light went on and I’ve been following the light since then….It’s more a desire to share the power of food as a medicine.

Raw organic food leaves the nutritional profile of the food in tacked as nature intended. Brian says this means maximizing the nutritional value with the least amount of bodily energy expended and this concept is carried over into his products as well.

All this in order to maximize our health while having a yummy taste treat. There are exceptions naturally, but if you’re looking to optimize your health a diet high in raw plants is an impressive way to go.

Kale can grow almost all year in the Lower Mainland. Brian says it’s a hardy plant, not requiring perfect soil conditions or copious amounts of sunlight.

It’s one tough customer, but delivers a ton of nutrition. Go figure.

Fun Fact: Did you know a serving of kale has more Vitamin C than an orange?

Now you know! 

POP Club – Week 2

Join the POP Club and discover the Power of Produce!

Week 2 –  Our activity will be a market wide scavenger hunt. Come by the POP Club Tent anytime during the market to pick up the scavenger hunt instructions, then head out to explore and meet some farmers. Accompanying adults will be responsible for helping their kids complete the scavenger hunt.

Once the scavenger hunt is complete, come back to the POP Club Tent where the kids will try kohlrabi for the Two Bite Club, and receive their token!

Drop in anytime during market hours from 9am – 1pm to sign up and participate in the POP Club!

The POP Club is a farmers market-based kids program. Children (ages 5 – 12 years old) will learn about fruits and vegetables, local food systems and healthy food preparation through fun activities.

Each week children will earn a $3 market token to use towards any fruit or vegetable of their choice.

There is no cost to participate. Sign up at the POP tent this Sunday! The POP Club runs every Sunday until the end of October.