Dozens of people attended a pop-up market at Knox United Church in Lower Sackville, N.S., Saturday afternoon.
The Cobequid Food Security Network, with help from volunteers, hosted the market as a way to help members of the local community access affordable food.
“We decided to come together and try to find ways that we can help people access affordable food, so we decided to try this pop-up market idea,” said Denise Vanwychen, co-ordinator for the Cobequid Community Health board.
“We did have a market in October which worked really well, so we decided to try one again. We are inviting the community to come in and access this affordable food.”
The market included produce as well as canned goods and pantry items.
“We have a lot of produce, so we have turnups, cabbage, potatoes, carrots and onions. But we also have apples, oranges and cucumbers as well as some canned goods and a little bit of pantry items,” said Vanwychen.
Volunteer Hailey Bragg said she loves to help out at the market.
“I’m more of an empathetic person, so when I see people struggling all I want to do is help them in any way I can. So being here today is making me feel a lot better knowing I am helping people out,” she said.
“It’s great to have a place where you can go and get stuff for a little bit cheaper, especially with the market the way it is now,” said customer Tanya Reid.
“Sometimes it’s hard to get some good quality items for a good price so this is nice to have, especially right in our neighbourhood.”
Vanwychen said they hope to host more markets in the upcoming months.
“We purchased most of the product and we hope to be able to break even. If we make a little bit of money, then we can use that towards our next market. We are looking to potentially do a weekly market in the summer.”
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Carl Pomeroy.
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