It's the most wonderful time of the year for Mississauga produce lovers!  It’s  time again for Mississauga kids and families to enjoy a leisurely stroll through the fresh produce stands and experience the cornucopia of farm fresh foods by visiting our great farmers’ markets.  We've complied a list of Farmers Markets for you to make it easy to find that perfect tomato you've been dreaming of.

Farmers markets are becoming more and more popular and in demand. Where else can you find fresh, seasonal, local, and often organically grown produce - all at a great price? Consumers are becoming more demanding and finding this type of produce at a great price can be tricky. Buying at local farmers markets is the perfect solution. In addition to fresh produce, farmers markets are also a great place to find seedlings, herbs, breads, homemade condiments and even flowers!

Kids can have a great, educational time when tagging along at local farmers markets. Kids can be encouraged to directly ask farmers questions. Kids will love sampling and seeing the lovely array of colours that Mother Nature’s bounty produces. They can actually see how produce is grown. Imagine their surprise when they discover what a fresh beet actually looks like!

Shopping at farmers markets also contributes to a greener environment. Think about it, less food is transported which cuts down on the amount of energy and resources needed to do so. Then there’s the packaging and marketing of the food. How much fossil fuel energy is needed for that?

Another alternative to farmers markets is one online company called Wanigan Fruits and Vegetables. Wanigan operates through a website and they specialize in organic, local and seasonal produce to the residents of Mississauga, Aurora, Brampton, Etobicoke, North York, Oakville, Richmond Hill, Scarborough, Toronto and Thornhill.  Weekly Wanigan assembles packages of a variety of fruits and vegetables. You, as the customer, log in online and choose which package you would like. Packages range from $25 to $54. Select the package and it will be delivered right to your door. You are assigned a specific time and day of the week, which makes this a great alternative to farmers markets.

So now, as a consumer, you have more than one way to feed your family great locally grown produce. As you and the kids enjoy fresh, local produce at a great price, you also lower your carbon footprint and support Mississauga’s farmers markets. Sounds like a win-win situation to me!

For the 2010 Mississauga Farmers Markets season, you can visit the following:

• Sherway Gardens Farmers Market:  One of Mississauga oldest farmers markets the Sherway Gardens Farmers Market has been in operation for over 20 years.  Located in the North parking lot, opposite Holt Renfrew, Sherway Gardens on the border of Etobicoke and Mississauga. Sherway Garden farmers provide a selection of products including but not limited to greenhouse veggies, bedding plants, breads, meats, eggs and more.  Open from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM every Friday from May 7 to October 29. Rain or Shine!
• Port Credit Farmers Market:  Second year running starting June 5^th. The market will be located in parking lot between Planet Organic and the LCBO. Bring the kids on opening day to see Tiny from Stilt Guys. There will also be face painting and music. Vendors will provide a selection of produce and products including jams, maple syrup, ciders and more.   This Farmers Market even has a Port Credit Farmers Market Facebook Group!  Open from 7:00 AM - 1:00 PM, every Saturday from June 5 through to September. 
• Square One Farmers Market:  Operated by the Mississauga Central Lions Club, the GTA’s largest open-air Farmers’ Market is a long-standing annual tradition where over 150 farmers gather every Friday and Sunday. Shoppers at the Square One Farmers Market can choose from a variety of items from homemade preserves, baked goods, fresh flower bouquets, and Ontario’s finest fruits and vegetables. Located in the Square One Mall Northwest Parking lot near Zeller's you can visit the farmers from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every Friday and Sunday from June 4 to October 31st.
• Streetsville Farmers Market:  Beginning on June 12th to October 16th the Streetsville Lions Club Farmers Market will run every Saturday in June from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Featuring fresh local produce and products for your table.  A nice location to park the car at the Streetsville GO Station and enjoy a walk around Streetsville before purchasing your produce for the week!
• Dixie 401 Flea Market:  Is one of the biggest indoor farmers market. Shoppers have a great selection of exotic fruits and vegetables from all around the world. Fresh fruit juice, sugarcane and BBQ corn is also available. The Dixie 401 Flea Market is located at 5150 Dixie Road, you can visit the farmers from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM every Saturday and Sunday all year around.
• Mississauga Flea Market:  Located in the heart of Mississauga at 3092 Mavis Road the Mississauga Flea Market does have a farmer's market as well.  Open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10-5 year round.

Mississauga Kids is happy to help promote these markets. If you know of any others, please let me know and I will be happy to update this post.

Written by Carmela LoMaglio

Carmela has written several articles regarding events taking place in and around Mississauga.  Carmela is a staunch believer in family activities and a greener planet. She currently spends her time trying to keep pace with her two teenage children. Carmela's favorite vegetables include asparagus and artichokes and she is especially partial to beautiful purple eggplant!