About the market
Community, Food and Education
The McGill Farmers' Market is a weekly market and a gathering spot for students, faculty, and community members to discover healthy, local and sustainably produced foods. With more than ten local suppliers, the Market provides the opportunity for downtown residents to connect to the agricultural community of Quebec. Products include organic produce, homemade preserves, baked goods and breads, honey, fair-trade coffee and teas, eggs, maple products, and more.
Our story
2008: RETHINK CONFERENCE
The idea of the Market was explored during the Rethink Conference in 2008, which is hosted annually by the Environment Committee and provides an opportunity to discuss and prioritize environmental issues at McGill. The Market was formed using an ad-hoc method, drawing on support from students, faculty, and staff.
2009: THE FIRST MARKET
The first Market took place in Fall 2009 in Three Bares Park. It’s first student coordinators were Reva Eskinazi and Cynthia Beaudry. In 2010, the Market moves from Three Bares Park to McTavish Street, establishing weekly operating hours on Thursdays from 12-5p.
2011: INCEPTION OF CSA PROGRAM
In 2011, the McGill Farmers’ Market launches its first Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. The Market offered twenty baskets to students, faculty, and staff. After a successful first year, the Market doubles the number of baskets offered through our CSA program in 2012.
2015: THE KOHLRABI COLLECTIVE
Market Coordinator, Matthew McCormick, undertakes an applied student research project that leads to the inception of the Kohlrabi Collective. The Collective seeks to establish self-reinforcing partnerships and overcome group challenges through collaboration between the Market, Organic Campus, and MSEG. At the 6th Annual Catalyst Awards, the Kohlrabi Collective is recognized by the McGill Office of Sustainability with the Catalyst Award for Student Research.
Our team
Abbigail Whitcher
PROMOTIONS & OUTREACH COORDINATOR
I’m Abbigail (she/her) and I will be the Promotion & Outreach Coordinator this year! I’m going into my second year of my Bachelor of Common Law & Juris Doctor at McGill. I grew up on a farm in the Eastern Townships, and I’m really excited to be a part of a market that supports local artisans and farmers. With my free time I love to read, be physically active, paint nature landscapes, dance, and take time to enjoy and laugh with my loved ones and friends.
Lola Milder
Finance COORDINATOR
Hi! My name is Lola (she/her) and I’m the incoming Finance Coordinator for the market. Part of my work includes coordinating the sign-ups and payments for the CSA baskets between the farmers at Coop Au bout du rang and our community! I’m really excited to be part of bringing fresh, local produce to so many of you - especially since it’s part of what I study as an Environment and Urban Studies student. II’m looking forward to meeting you at the market! See you there!
Jelena Collins
Market Coordinator
Hi I’m Jelena (she/her) and I’m one of the Market Coordinator’s this year. I’m a farmers’ market enthusiast entering my last year in McGill’s atmospheric science program. I’m from Chicago (but have a proudly Canadian family) and I love to go on exploratory walks, cook elaborate meals, and squeeze too many plans into a single day.
Jonah Dimant
Market Coordinator
I’m Jonah (He/She) and I’m a history student and poet living in Verdun. I enjoy bike rides, gardening, and well-loved plaid shirts, just like a farmer’s market coordinator should! I look forward to getting up to hijinks with everyone on McTavish this coming year.
Our stakeholders
Amelia Brinkerhoff, Sustainability Strategist at the McGill Office of Sustainability
Brian Karasick, Senior Campus Planner at Campus Space & Planning
Dr. Caroline Begg, Faculty Lecturer and Director of Stage, Farm Management and Technology Program
Dr. Vikram Bhatt, Professor of Architecture
Oliver De Volpi, Executive Chef at McGill Food & Dining Services
Mary Hendrickson-Nelson, Faculty Lecturer and Dietetics Stage Clinical Coordinator