Renfrew Collingwood Food Security Institute

The world in a box.

Collingwood Neighbourhood House, The Renfrew Collingwood Food Security Institute, and the City of Vancouver are pleased to present the Vanness Avenue Multicultural Summer Market. Located once block west of Joyce-Collingwood Skytrain Station, this small open-air market will take place:

July 26
August 2
August 9
August 16
August 23

10am-2pm

This intimate open-air market will feature multi-ethnic local farmers whose produce reflects Vancouver's cultural diversity. The market will also showcase local performers, artisans, and a bicycle tune-up station.

We are proud to collaborate with several local businesses to present an International Spice Market. This stall will feature rare and hard-to-find specialty items such as: Tunisian harissa, quince syrup, rose water, lephet (Burmese tea), dried banana heart, methi (fenugreek leaves), and za'atar. We will also feature an assortment of spice mixes from North Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, and South and Central America.

The Spice Market is a simple way for local businesses to promote their businesses while contributing to community. Many neighbourhood shops are small family operations with limited staff and/or financial resources.

All proceeds from the Spice Market will support Renfrew Collingwood Food Security Institute initiatives. These include a Breakfast and Shower program for homeless, cooking classes for low-income pregnant women, and food skills workshops for new immigrants.

"It's mostly me and my husband here [in the shop], and we don't have too much time," explains the proprietress of Hafiz Halal Meats (4940 Joyce St.), "but I'd love to help the homeless. We are happy to help."

The Spice Market will take place alongside the Recipe Trading Post, where visitors can find recipes for rare and unusual spices, trade family recipes, and trade used recipe books.

We look forward to seeing you there!