Connecting Canton Area Seniors to Fresh, Nutritious, Local Food

The Canton Farmers Market was recently awarded a grant to launch its Healthy Food Connect: Canton program to help better connect Canton area seniors, who are 55 years of age and older, to fresh, nutritious, local food. Interested seniors may schedule an orientation with the market staff to receive a one-on-one tour of the Farmers Market and information about the food assistance programs currently accepted at the markets. 

The first 300 participants to attend a scheduled orientation will receive $5 in Market Bucks to purchase eligible food products at the market.  Monthly drawings for prizes will also be held for those who attend the market, so be sure to check in with the market staff each time you attend! In addition, the Canton Farmers Market will have weekly cooking demonstrations.  Recipe cards will also be available so you can recreate each culinary masterpiece at home!
 
In addition, the Canton Farmers Market is partnering with HVA Mobility Transportation to provide FREE transportation for qualifying individuals to and from our upcoming winter and regular season markets. Participants who qualify can schedule their transportation directly with HVA's Call Center during their business hours: Monday – Friday, 9 am – 5 pm by calling: 734/477-6404.
 
For more information or to schedule an orientation, contact the Farmers Market Manager by emailing cantonfarmersmarket@canton-mi.org or call 734/394-5375 and take advantage of this special program today!

Dates and Times of Upcoming Markets

• Regular Outdoor Market Season runs every Sunday now through October 15, 2017; 9 am - 1 pm; Market Closed July 2

Market Location

Outdoor Market
Preservation Park
500 N. Ridge Road
Canton, MI 48187

Free Transportation to Qualifying Seniors

• HVA Mobility Transportation will offer FREE round-trip rides to the Canton Farmers Markets
• HVA rides are completely free regardless of whether or not you already utilize HVA as your regular form of transportation
• HVA rides will not take from your monthly allotment of rides
• HVA rides do not require a ticket or payment

Your First Market Visit

• You will be given a brief tour to become familiar with the Market
• You will be given an orientation packet containing important information about the Market vendors and food assistance programs.
• You will be given $5 Market Bucks to spend at the markets!
• You will only receive these benefits if you schedule your visits as explained in the rules listed below.

Planning Your Visit to the Market

1. Contact HVA Mobility Transportation to schedule a FREE ride from your home or chosen location to the Canton Farmers Market.

• HVA Call Center Hours: Monday - Friday, 9 am - 5 pm
• HVA Call Center Contact: 734/477-6404
• Rides Must be scheduled at least two days before each Market
• Reservations will not be accepted on Saturdays or Sundays
• The last pickup time from each Market will be at 1 pm to take you home

2. After you have scheduled your HVA ride, contact the Canton Farmers Market staff to schedule your personalized orientation.

• Phone: 734/394-5375
• Email: cantonfarmersmarket@canton-mi.org
• Check-in with staff each time you attend the market to be entered into monthly drawings!

Rules, Regulations, and Clarifications

• Three bag maximum for seniors utilizing HVA.
• Must be over the age of 55 to take advantage of this program (62+ to qualify for HVA transportation). 
• Must schedule HVA rides for each individual Market. 
• Must schedule orientation with Canton Staff for your first Market only.
• This program provides transportation to and from the Canton Farmers Market Only. 
• No Exceptions will be made!

Grant Partners

The Canton Farmers Market is partnering with Healthy Food Connect, the Michigan Health Endowment Fund and the Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan to launch Healthy Food Connect: Canton!

We appreciate all of their generous support and for promoting healthy living in our region. Thank you Canton Place, and 

Rally on Ridge 2017

What is Rally on Ridge?

A festive evening of food, fun, music, and more! Featuring live acoustic musicians, children's activities, and more than a dozen pop-up food vendors and trucks from all over the region, with a bevy of drool-worthy, fresh, local menu options that'll make you wish you wore an elastic waistband!

Why Rally?

A portion of food truck sales will directly benefit programming at the Canton Farmers Market. The picturesque porch of the Bartlett-Travis House will feature some fantastic silent auction items donated by Market Chefs, Market Vendors, and Local Businesses. 100% of Silent Auction proceeds will benefit the Market.

When Do We Rally?

Tuesday, July 25, 2017 from 5:30 - 9:00 pm.

Where Do We Rally?

In the Cherry Hill Village Downtown District. We will have food vendors and activities available at both Preservation Park (500 N. Ridge Rd.), and Cherry Hill School School (50440 Cherry Hill Rd.), at the intersection of Cherry Hill and Ridge Roads.

NEW THIS YEAR!

• Expanded Hours!
• Beer Garden!

More Important Details!

• Visit the Canton Historical Society at Preservation Park, who will open up the Historical Society Barn featuring educational displays related to agriculture and Canton's more rural roots. They will also be selling tickets for their upcoming Brews, Brats, and Bands at the Barn (B4) Fundraiser.
• The Village Theater will be open! Stroll through the current art exhibit on display, and take a sneak peak at load-in and rehearsal for The Michigan Shakespeare Festival and Spotlight Player's South Pacific. Public Restrooms are available inside.
• Shuttles! Watch for our Canton Leisure Services Vans and Multi-Passenger Golf Carts that will be making their rounds to assist guests between program sites and parking areas.

​​Market Cooking & More

Learn tips and tricks from the professionals as they cook with local seasonal produce!

Chef Kristi Zebrowski

 


Chef Kristi is a Personal Chef and owner of Grace Savory & Sweet, specializing in gluten-free baking mixes, seasoning blends and baked goods.

• June 4, June 25, July 16, July 23, Aug 13, Aug 27, Sept 24, Oct 8

Market Kids

The Canton Farmers Market is more than just shopping for fruits and vegetables, it also includes weekly kids activities and entertainment. As we get closer to the 2016 season, we will post updates on all of the fun that is coming to the market. 

Canton Leisure Services Bounce House
Free for kids to enjoy on May 14 & 28, June 11, July 16, Aug 13, Sept 10, Oct 8 & 15 (weather permitting). Kids are encouraged to wear socks.

Canton Public Library Story Time
May 14 & 28, June 11, July 16, Aug 13, Sept 10, Oct 8 & 15

Music with Ms. Carissa
May 21, June 25, July 30, Aug 20, Sept 17, Oct 1

Crafts & Fun with Macaroni Kids
July 9, Aug 27, Sept 24

Youth Booth - NEW for 2016
Watch for weekly opportunities to support area youth organizations, school groups, and non-profits.

Market Kids - Sponsors & Partners

Canton Public Library: The Canton Public Library will lead us in several story times throughout the season. Be sure to visit their newly renovated Children's Library. 

Macaroni Kid: Macaroni Kid is your local resource for activities, events and information for kids. They will be on-site assisting with several children's programs throughout the Market season.

Food Assistance

The Canton Farmers Market participates in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Bridge Card Program) as well as the Double Up Food Bucks Program.

NEW!! Beginning in May with the 2017 Outdoor Market Season, we will proudly begin accepting Senior Project FRESH/Market FRESH and WIC FRESH!

Check out this quick video that helps explain how Senior Project FRESH works. 

​Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

Purchase Bridge Card tokens on your EBT card at the back porch of the House on site. Only EBT transactions for tokens can be performed at the Canton Market, no cash transactions.

Double Up Food Bucks Program

Bridge Card users, stretch your food dollars when you use your SNAP Bridge Card at the Canton Farmers Market. The Double Up Food Bucks Program will match what you spend up to $20 every Market day to buy fresh produce grown in Michigan. Tokens should be used by October 15 for the 2017 season.

Farmers Market Special Events

Throughout the season, we invite you and your families to join us for some exciting special events at Preservation Park. These events help to support future programs and activities at the park.

• Opening Day at the Market 2017 - May 14, 9 am - 1 pm: Enjoy live music, a Perennial Exchange, inflatable bounce house, Canton Public Library Story Time, and much more!
• Perennial Exchanges: Exchange extra plants, seeds and bulbs with other gardeners and learn tips from Canton's Master Gardeners. May 14, 21, & 28
• Bark in the Park - May 21 from 11 am - 1 pm: Pet lovers are invited to take part in activities and visit vendors at the Dog Park. Dogs are welcome to try out the Dog Park for free during the event; proof of vaccination records for current rabies and DHLPP vaccines required.
• Celebrate A Soldier - Presented by the Canton Historical Society on May 28, 12 - 2 pm: Canton was once home to many civil war soldiers, most of whom go unnoticed or remembered today. Help us commemorate their service by visiting the Cherry Hill Cemetery on Memorial Day Weekend to place a flower on a Canton Soldier's grave. Flowers will be provided; Free; Preservation Park
• 4th Annual Rally on Ridge 2017 - July 25, 5:30 - 9 pm: Join us for a festive evening of food, fun, music and more to benefit the Canton Farmers Market. Interested in being a food truck or sponsor at the event? Please email the Market Coordinator.
• Brew, Brats and Bands at the Barn 2017 - September 9, 6 - 9 pm: Enjoy an evening of live entertainment while you sample delicious Michigan Beer. Participation in the event goes to support the Canton Historical Society. Purchase tickets online and at the Summit on the Park or Canton Clerk's Office; Additional Ticket Information Coming Soon!
• Ghost Stories in the Cady-Boyer Barn: Participate in a spooktacular evening of local lore, presented by Judge Ron Lowe. Date and Time Details Coming Soon!
• More to Come! Check back throughout the market season for exciting upcoming events.

Community Gardening

Master Gardener Volunteers at the Canton Farmers Market

Have a garden question?  Ask a Master Gardener!

Weekly at the Canton Farmers Market, dedicated volunteers provide seasonal lawn and garden information and displays on topics such as container gardening, composting, vegetable gardening and houseplants, just to name a few.  The Group is also available to answer all your lawn and garden questions.  Market shoppers bring photos of plants or leaves from a tree seeking advice from our garden experts. 

Perennial Exchanges

Plant Swaps are hosted by our MGV's at the Farmers Market in May and October. Bring your healthy, divided plants in a bag or container to the Master Gardener tent.  Please label plants with name and bloom color.  

• May 14, 21, 28
• Sept 17, 24, Oct 1 8, & 15

Canton Farmers Market ​(MGV) Projects

Our Canton Market Master Gardener Volunteer group is passionate about supporting and beautifying the Canton Community!  In 2016 & '17, numerous gardens have been funded, planted and continue to be maintained by this generous, dedicated group.

• An amazing compost bin was constructed at the end of the 2016 Market Season near the west community gardens from recycled pallets and continues to be maintained by the Master Gardeners!
• The Co-op Community Garden located in our west community garden area at Preservation Park is planted annually with vegetables and herbs each spring. By mid-summer, bountiful harvests and deliveries of fresh produce are shared with First Step and TEFAP, The Emergency Food Assistance Program, because of these generous Master Gardener Volunteers.
• Master Gardener Volunteers worked with teachers and students at Liberty Middle School in Spring 2016 to grow indoor urban gardens from food scraps and recycled containers.

Community Garden Rental Program

Enrollment for the 2017 Community Garden Plot Rental Program is now open and available on a first-come first-serve rental basis. Please call Jacqui Spears at 734/394-5375 to reserve your space. By renting a garden plot at Preservation Park or at the Dog Park, you can grow your favorite organic veggies and herbs all summer long!

Co-op Community Garden

Our Co-op Community Garden was funded by a grant through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation at the end of 2012. The past few years, the garden has been funded, planted and maintained by the Canton Market Market Master Gardener Volunteer group with the support of our Market staff. The garden is harvested by volunteers and staff for the benefit of residents at First Step in Wayne as well as Canton's TEFAP recipients. If you would like to help support this project, please contact Jacqui Spears with the Canton Farmers Market.

Many thanks to vendor Mike Prochaska from Prochaska Farm and vendor, and Sissi Rodriguez of pick MICHIGAN, for generously supporting this project and the Canton Community!

Canton Historical Society
at the Canton Farmers Market

For more information about the Canton Historical Society's programs, activities, and events, click on the link below:

Canton Historical Society

Bartlett-Travis House Tours
Tours of the historic Bartlett-Travis House are offered on select Market dates during the regular season and are expected to resume in June.  Stop by the Canton Leisure Services information table on the porch for more information.

Historical Society Pole Barn Activities and Displays
The White Pole Barn is filled with displays of Canton's farming past.  Take a step back in time by strolling through the Barn, then do some laundry the old fashioned way and learn how to shell corn.  The Pole Barn is open during the regular season Markets starting in June. 

Cady-Boyer Barn
Take a walk through this pre-Civil War Barn and view the photos of Amish craftsmen dismantling the barn and rebuilding it at Preservation Park, using old craftsmanship and skills. The move from its original location at McClumpha and Joy was made possible by a generous donation from Bob Boyer, a local businessman.  The Harvest Market is located inside the Cady-Boyer Barn on the Sunday, before Thanksgiving.

​Support the Market!

Each week the Canton Farmers Market utilizes several volunteers to help out with the Info Booth, Kids Activities, Historic Building Tours and other activities. If you are interested in volunteering at the market, please check out our current Volunteer Opportunities.

Sponsorship Opportunities

The Farmers Market is a community supported program that offers free weekly activities and entertainment for market goers. If your business, organization or family are interested in sponsoring a component of the Farmers Market, please contact the Farmers Market Manager, your support is greatly appreciated.

Farmers Market Special Events

Throughout the summer, the Farmers Market staff and volunteers will be hosting special events to support the weekly activities that take place at the market and Preservation Park. Upcoming events are updated regularly, please check back throughout the market season for ways you can support the market.

• 4th Annual Rally on Ridge 2017 (July 25, 5:30 - 9 pm): Come join us for a festive fundraising evening featuring food trucks, acoustic music, new beer garden at the barn, bouncer and kids activities, all located throughout the Cherry Hill Village District, including Preservation Park, Cherry Hill School, and more! Mellow with your family and friends while indulging in some gourmet local eats. The food truck vendor list will be updated as the event nears. 
• Brew, Brats and Bands at the Barn 2017 (TBA): Join the Canton Historical Society Fundraiser to sample over 50 craft and specialty beers, brats, and live entertainment. Adults ages 21+ are welcome to purchase tickets at the Canton Treasurer's Office, Summit on the Park, or online. Ticket Information Coming Soon. Questions? Please call 734/394-5314.

Canton Dog Park

Canton's Preservation park is home to six-acres of fenced-in, outdoor space for dogs to run and play off-leash, with specific rules to help insure a safe and positive experience for everyone. Dog Park memberships can be purchased through the Clerk's office; for more information visit the Dog Park page.

Location: The Dog Park is located across from Fire Station #3 on Denton Road, north of Cherry Hill Road. Guests can also access the Dog Park by foot from the Preservation Park near the Community Gardens. 

Questions: Please call the Parks Office at 734/394-5310 or email.

Special Programming at the Dog Park

Bark in the Park: May 21 11 am - 1 pm 

Stay Connected

Dog Park webpage
Dog Park facebook page

Market Resources

The Canton Farmers Market works with many local, state and national organizations to help keep you informed of the latest news on your produce, herbs, meat and dairy. 

Visit our Pinterest page for more resources.

Select Michigan
Michigan Farm Fresh Produce Availability Calendar (PDF)

Michigan Farmers Market Association 
MIFMA

Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Cottage Food Law
Farmers Market FAQ
Guidelines for Providing Safe Food Samples at Farmers Markets (PDF) 
Licensing at Farmers Markets

Michigan State University Extension
Farm and Farmers Markets
Food and Health
Lawn and Garden
Michigan Fresh

Master Gardener
Master Gardener Association of Wayne County

Why Buy Local?
Local produce is fresher and more nutritious.
​Buying local supports our local economy!
Your dollars stay right in our local community helping it to thrive! ​When you buy local, you can talk to the farmer who grows or prepares your food, so you can find out the farmer's growing practices, and learn tips for storage and food preparation.


​​​Your food choices make a difference.  Buying local food helps create a stronger and more sustainable food system.

Vendor Information

Market Mission

The mission of the Canton Farmers Market is to offer accessibility to healthy local food and promote a healthy lifestyle, while building community. The Market encourages direct communication between the grower or food producer and the buyer.  

Who can apply?

Michigan farmers, local food producers and local artisans, who are directly involved in the growing and/or production of their items are allowed to participate.

Are distributors of locally produced goods that are not produced by the seller allowed to participate?

Distributors of locally produced hard-to-source items, such as eggs, meat, maple syrup, cheese, and grains are subject to Market Administrator approval.

Are global multi-level marketing companies allowed to participate?

Since the items being sold are not locally produced or hand crafted by the person selling the items, multi-level marketing companies are not eligible to participate.

Farmers Market Wait List

At this time, there is a wait list for Market vendors. If you are interested in being added to the wait list, please contact the Farmers Market Coordinator or complete a Vendor Inquiry Form. Vendors are added from the wait list based on product category, current Market needs and customer demand. Each VENDOR INQUIRY FORM will be kept on hand for the current season.

Non-Profit Participation

Because of a recent increase in interest from non-profit community groups seeking to have a presence at the Canton Farmers Market, program administrators have established a calendar of dates and booth availability ensuring that these opportunities remain fair and equitable while remaining in line with the Market's mission. To become involved please complete the NON-PROFIT AND COMMUNITY GROUP INTEREST FORM.

If booth space is currently available for remaining Market dates, program staff will reach out to you by email or phone to discuss additional details.

All Non-Profit Participation forms will be kept on file for the current farmers market season. 

Please contact the Market Manager at cantonfarmersmarket@canton-mi.org with any questions.