June is the beginning of the Farmers Market season in Mississauga!  One of the experiences sometimes missing in Mississauga is the opportunity for kids to connect with where their food really comes from.  Farmers Markets can help your teach your kids where their food comes from, and  they are a fun activities for the whole family!  You can even bring your dog!

 Visiting the farmers' market can be a fun way to pass a summer morning. You can pick up products that are produced locally and buy them directly from the farmers?  Our local Mississauga Farmers Markets give Mississauga kids the chance to meet the farmers personally, ask questions, and sometimes even sample a bit of the product before buying. If you have a picky eater this could be a fun way to get them more interested in their food.

Food that is grown locally travels a shorter distance than imported food so it is naturally more flavourful and higher in nutrients. Buying locally helps the environment since the food requires less packaging and is not shipped greater distances by truck or plane there by conserving fossil fuels.

In the Summer of 2009 there will be 4 Farmers Markets operating in Mississauga:

• Sherway Gardens Farmers Market - One of Mississauga oldest farmers markets the Sherway Garden Farmers Market has been in operation for 20 years.  Located in the North Side Parking lot of the Queensway side of Sherway Gardens on the boarder of Etobicoke and Mississauga there are more than 20 vendors in attendance. Farmers provide a selection of products including but not limited to eggs, honey, cheeses, lamb, elk, produce and more.  Freshly baked pies and tarts and even plants for your garden can be found here.  Open from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM every Friday from May 1 to October 30. On July 17th and 31st and August 14th and 31st Magician Adam Swaye will be on hand to entertain you!
• Port Credit Farmers Market - Opening for the first time on June 13th this market will be located in the LCBO parking lot at the Elmwood Plaza on Lakeshore slightly east of Hurontario. More than 15 vendors will provide a selection of produce and products including jams, maple syrup, ciders and more.  The Local Lions and Rotary club will be on hand serving as parking attendents to help you find a spot for your car and there will be soft live music performances as well.  This Farmers Market even has a Port Credit Farmers Market Facebook Group!  Open from 7:00 AM - 1:00 PM, every Saturday from June 13 through to September.  * GRAND OPENING: Saturday June 13th featuring a FREE BBQ and entertainment! *
• 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 North West Parking lot near Zeller's you can visit the farmers from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM every Friday and Saturday from June 5 to November 1st.
• Streetsville Farmers Market: Beginning n June the Streetsville Lions Club Farmers Market will run every Saturday in June from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Featuring fresh local prodce 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!