Our June Member Spotlight is on the Wolfville Farmers’ Market. When we talked to Market Manager, Kelly Marie Redcliffe, about what gets her excited about coming to work everyday she tells us in one word: growth.

“Growth.  I get excited when things are growing the way farmers get excited when seeds are doing their magic.  I like to see people growing their business, the number of people participating in the Market increasing, the number of smiles spreading, amplified connections, the ripple effect of conversations and networking bringing more people joy and a livelihood. I like to develop partnerships.  I enjoy seeing volunteers end up being employed by vendors or starting their own businesses. I love it when together we know we are making a difference simply by growing local.”

Read on to learn more about the impressive 25 year history of the market and the meaningful impact it has on the local community, bringing people and food together.

INTERVIEW WITH KELLY MARIE REDCLIFFE, MANAGER OF THE WOLFVILLE FARMERS MARKET:

Your name and role:  

Kelly Marie Redcliffe, Manager, Wolfville Farmers’ Market

What is the overall social and/or environmental mission of the social enterprise or parent organization?

To better the health and vibrancy of our communities.

How many social enterprises does your organization run?

We run three:  a Wednesday Community Market and Supper; A Saturday Market and WFM2Go, our online store and community delivery service.

A brief history

The Market started with three vendors in a parking lot in Wolfville in 1992.   By 2006 it was operating year round and in 2010 had secured a rent-free lease from Acadia University  for the Dewolfe Building, which became its new home after a major fundraising campaign and renovation.  Once in its own home, as of May 2011, the Wednesday Market with its Market Supper was added and in its 25th year, July 2017, the Wolfville Farmers’ Market started WFM2Go bringing fresh market products weekly to over seven community hubs.

What would you consider to be your biggest success story(ies)? Preferably stories of community impact.

I think the biggest success story of the Market is the overarching role it plays in facilitating the development of meaningful and impactful relationships in our community.  The Market is an intergenerational, multicultural, open hearted environment where everyone belongs. It is also a place where numerous farmers, chefs and artisans build sustainable businesses and create meaningful livelihoods.  

What gets you excited about coming to work every day?

Growth.  I get excited when things are growing the way farmers get excited when seeds are doing their magic.  I like to see people growing their business, the number of people participating in the Market increasing, the number of smiles spreading, amplified connections, the ripple effect of conversations and networking bringing more people joy and a livelihood. I like to develop partnerships.  I enjoy seeing volunteers end up being employed by vendors or starting their own businesses. I love it when together we know we are making a difference simply by growing local.

What is the promise you see in the future of social enterprise?

Social enterprise gives dignity and acknowledges the value of caring about your community through the business sector.   It reminds us that .you don’t have to use up all your resources to make something bigger than yourself that can nourish now and beyond.