Community Initiatives

We are proud members of the BC Farmers Market Nutrition Coupon Program, a healthy eating initiative that supports EFM and strengthens food security across BC. Low-income families, pregnant people, and seniors enrolled in the program are eligible to receive a minimum of $27/week in coupons that can be used to purchase produce, meat, eggs, nuts, dairy and honey.

Every Thursday an Esquimalt Community Pantry volunteer collects unsold/perishible food donations from our vendors at the end of the market. The Community Pantry & Fridge are located in Esquimalt and operates on a 24/7 “take what you need, leave what you can” basis. Help us support the incredible work they do by bringing perishable and non-perishable food donations to the market on Thursdays!

We are thrilled to be hosting two free live performances every market day throughout the Spring and Summer season. If you are a musician interested in playing, please fill out an application. If you are a potential sponsor looking to support the music tent for this community event, please reach out!

As part of our commitment to increase accessibility while building just & equitable access to the market, EFM is thrilled to offer support for new businesses (subject to sponsorship funding). This program funding aims to reduce the financial barriers involved with starting a new market business. Priority will be given to equity deserving individuals, IBPOC, newcomers to Canada (immigrants and/or refugees). If you or someone who know might be interested, you can find out more about becoming a vendor here .

Since 2022, EFM has been working together with community organizations, grant funders, charities and sponsors to raise funds to distribute Marketbucks, our in-house market currency, to low-income families, senior and individuals who are facing food insecurity. To date we have distributed over $85,000 in Marketbucks. If you would like to contribute towards these efforts, please contact us.

Esquimalt Community Pantry

Esquimalt Neighborhood House

Songhees First Nation

Victoria Community Food Hub Society

James Bay New Horizons