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Richmond pop-up market helps people eat healthy in an affordable way

Two local organizations are trying to ease the burden by teaching people how to eat healthy while on a tight budget.
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Hamilton Community Centre will partner with Urban Bounty (formerly known as Richmond Food Security Society) to launch a weekly pop-up market, starting Saturday, July 9.

Many people are dealing with hunger and food insecurity because of skyrocketing grocery costs, but two local organizations are trying to ease the burden by teaching and encouraging people to eat healthy -- on a tight budget.

Hamilton Community Centre will partner with Urban Bounty (formerly known as Richmond Food Security Society) to launch a weekly pop-up market, starting Saturday, July 9.

Richmondites are encouraged to shop at the market, which will be located at the community centre every Saturday, to purchase low-cost, fresh fruits and vegetables from local suppliers.

Ian Lai, executive director of Urban Bounty, said their aim is to address the ongoing challenge people have accessing fresh, local produce that’s also affordable food.

“It’s the first time that we are out in Hamilton, and I think Urban Bounty is extending and expanding our services to areas which are continually underserved,” said Ian, noting that they are also connecting with the Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) to identify specific families in need.

According to a recent survey from Food Banks Canada, a growing number of Canadians are struggling with the rising costs of food as prices for basics all soar.

Food Banks Canada’s poll also suggests that food insecurity is increasing across Canada and the lower-income families are hit the most by inflation.

In addition to providing fresh fruits and vegetables for people, cooking demonstrations and fresh food literacy workshops, on selected dates, will show parents how to make simple, affordable recipes, added Lai.

“I think as parents, we are always so busy and part of food literacy is understanding your culture and preparing simple meals you can make, are seasonal and don’t take a lot of time,” said Lai.

The event is free and families are welcome to attend the market every Saturday from July 9 until Nov. 19 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 5140 Smith Dr. in Richmond.