Based on the success of last summer’s Mobile Food Market in Ajax, Community Care Durham is set to hit the road for a second market in Whitby.

The 2024 season will begin in Ajax at the Ajax Community Centre, 75 Centennial Rd., on May 22. Then two days later, on May 24 the market will arrive in Whitby at the 55+ Recreation Centre, 801 Brock St. S.

Sara Menard is the Service Coordinator for the Community Food Box and Mobile Food Market. She said the response to last summer’s Ajax market was beyond what they imagined.

“We were thrilled by the response last year,” Sara said. “We made so many friends over the summer through our partnership with Durham College and with the customers who came out to see us each week.”

The market’s success did not go unnoticed by the Town of Whitby, as they approached CCD in July of 2023 about launching this new initiative at the 55+ Recreation Centre. With plans now established, Sara and Kaitlyn McPhee are ready for another successful season at both locations.

“Our aim is to provide as many families as possible with access to fresh, locally grown produce at an affordable cost,” Sara said.

The goal of both markets is to address the rising rates of food insecurity across Durham Region.

The Mobile Food Market runs in Ajax on Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the North Parking Lot of the Ajax Community Centre. In Whitby, the market runs on Fridays from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the parking lot of the 55+ Recreation Centre. In the event of inclement weather both markets will be held inside their respective recreation centers.

Sara said she is happy to have Durham College’s Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture, and the Town of Ajax back as partners for the Ajax market. Also returning vendors such as Pingles Farm Market, Algoma Orchards, and Veggie Shack.

In Whitby, we have partnered with Common Ground Food Share, the Town of Whitby, and Veggie Shack to bring the market to life.

“We are so fortunate to have so many incredible partners,” Sara said. “Without their help and our amazing food box and market team, none of this would be possible.”

The Mobile Food Markets will offer many different seasonal items, based on availability. These items will include a variety of lettuce, radishes, beets, apples, strawberries, potatoes, cabbage, a variety of peppers, sweet potatoes and much more.

All proceeds made from the Mobile Food Market go towards Community Care Durham’s Food Programs.

For more information about the Mobile Food Market, please visit https://www.communitycaredurham.on.ca/mobile-food-market/

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Media Contact:
Ian McMillan, Communications Specialist
Community Care Durham
Phone: 905-430-1863
Email: imcmillan@communitycaredurham.on.ca