FOOD MARKETS SERVE TO CONNECT LOCAL PRODUCERS WITH CONSUMERS
Stores such as Saskmade Marketplace are the heart and soul of any thriving local food community.
Without someone serving as the bridge between the producer and customer, it can be difficult for both parties to come together.
In Saskatoon, Emily Li Yan and her knowledgeable staff are that bridge. Emily took over Saskmade in 2017.
The Eighth Street store has been an institution for more than a decade, providing everything from fresh produce and frozen meats to canned and dried goods from Saskatchewan producers, along with an inspiring collection of local art and books.
“I have a huge passion in terms of teaching my kids, and influencing everyone around us about farmers and telling their stories,” said Emily, who has two young daughters.
Sales specialists are all highly trained and happy to point customers in the right direction if they’re looking for a product not carried in the store.
Emily and her staff also help producers interested in growing their value-added food businesses, directing them to the appropriate channels to meet CFIA standards.
“We help them build their business and capacity (and) we give them room to grow. Once everything is ready, we sell their product on the floor.”
Saskmade hosts a food sampling day every Saturday, along with a monthly tasting event hosted by different vendors.
The website is kept updated, with informative farmer and artisan profiles.
Saskmade Marketplace is one of many places in Saskatoon bringing together consumers with awesome local food.
Other spots that support and promote local producers are Dad’s Organic Market, Steep
Hill Food Co-operative, The Heart of Riversdale Community Market & Cafe, Ingredients Artisan Market, Nutters and the Bulk Cheese Warehouse, which employs a master butcher doing house-smoked bacon and aged steaks.
Ethnic grocers abound in Saskatoon. Check out Pardessi Bazaar, Bistak Groceries, Churchill’s British Foods, Petra Market & Jerusalem Butcher Shop and An An Market.
Regina also has plenty of independent grocers that support and promote local producers: Italian Star Deli, Dad’s Organic Market, Takeaway Gourmet, Lakeview Fine Foods and Body Fuel Organics, which also sells Chef Malcolm’s Handmade Pies — worth a visit to the store in its own right.
The city has several full-service ethnic grocers, like Seoul Mart, Ngoy Hoa Asian Foods, India Food Centre, Regina Ukrainian Co-op and Boutique.
Larger grocery retailers, like Co-op, Save-on Foods, Michael’s Your Independent Grocer, Sobey’s and Safeway also carry some products from Saskatchewan companies. Sobey’s “Look for Local” program is a great initiative — watch for the signs in store.