Vendor Guidelines

Here, you'll find information about the responsibilities and commitments of our vendors, ensuring a vibrant and sustainable experience for everyone. Discover how our vendors contribute to the local community and provide fresh, high-quality.

1. Vendor Setup and Sales Requirements

Setup Times:

Vendors may begin setting up at 6:30 am.
All vendors must be fully set up and ready to sell by 7:55 am.
The market begins at 8:00 am sharp. Vendors may shop before 8:00 AM; however, no customer sales are permitted before the market officially opens.
The RFM board assigns your location, and the market manager will direct you to your designated area.

Take Down Times:

Take down is not allowed to begin until after the bell rings at 12:00 pm.
Vendors must clean up and leave by 12:30 pm to allow for building rentals at 1:00 pm.

Clean-Up:
Remove all garbage from your area and ensure it is neat and tidy before leaving.

2. Required and Recommended Items

Essential Items:

Bring your own cashbox or sales system.
Price and label your items using price tags, signs, or a price list on a board.

3. Membership and Product Requirements

Membership:

Membership is mandatory and must be purchased before your first market appearance.
RFM membership adds you to the markets liability insurance.

Product Rules:

Only sell products that have been, produced, baked, grown, or harvested within 150km.
Absolutely no reselling of purchased products from big-box stores or online with altered labels is allowed.

4. Parking and Unloading Guidelines

Unloading:

Unload your supplies quickly, then park your vehicle in the designated gravel parking area at the side of the building.
Do not park in front of doors marked Emergency Parking or No Parking.

Loading:

At 12:00 pm, vehicles may be moved closer to the building for loading. Do this promptly to allow others time to load their vehicles.
Some vendors may park farther away and use wagons for multiple trips to their vehicles.

5. Outdoor Vendors (Kiosk or Tent)

Equipment:

Bring your own tables, chairs, and any other items needed for your stall.

Tent Safety:

If on pavement, secure your tent with weights (stakes are not allowed), but if on grass, stakes are permitted.

Weather Preparedness:

Be prepared for all weather conditions, including wind, rain, and hot sun.

6. Reporting Sales

After each market a survey will be provided by the market manager where you will need to share your gross sales for the day.
This information is kept completely confidential and is used for market statistical purposes. This collective information is required and crucial for funding opportunities.

Food Vendors

In addition to the responsibilities outlined above, Food Vendors are also responsible for obtaining the correct permits, certificates, training, as well as the following food safety regulations.

Food Vendor Compliance Guidelines

To ensure food safety, compliance with regulations, and sustainability at the Riverside Farmers Market (RFM), all vendors are required to follow these guidelines:

1. Compliance with Food Ontario Safety Regulations

Permits and Certifications:

Each vendor must apply for the appropriate permits, certificates, and training as required by Ontario food safety regulations.
It is recommended to obtain a Food Safety Permit from the Environmental Health Officer at the Temiskaming Health Unit in New Liskeard.
Apply as soon as possible, as processing can take time.
All Ontario Farmers Market food labeling requirements must be followed.

Submission Deadlines:

Food vendors with a valid Food Establishment Permit must send a copy to the RFM Manager before your first market attendance.

Food Safety Certification:

All food vendors must have a current Food Handler Certificate.
Complete food safety training and submit the certificate to the Market Manager.
A list of approved food safety training courses is available through the Timiskaming Health Unit.

2. Food Preparation and Handling Guidelines

Home Kitchen Standards:

Treat your home kitchen as a commercial kitchen when preparing food for the market.
Clean and sanitize all food handling areas before and during use.
Do not allow pets in the food handling area during preparation.

At Your Market Stall:

Have sanitary wipes and alcohol-based hand sanitizer readily available.
Use a food thermometer to maintain proper hot or cold food temperatures.
Sanitize the thermometer with alcohol swabs between uses.

Outdoor Food Stalls:

If operating outside, set up under a tent or canopy to protect food from contamination by the elements.

3. Sustainability and Waste Reduction

Compostable Packaging and Cutlery:

Food vendors must use compostable materials, such as bamboo utensils, for any samples provided.
Styrofoam and non-recyclable plastic packaging are discouraged at the market.

Encouraging Reusable Bags:

Vendors are encouraged to provide brown paper bags where possible.
Most customers bring their own reusable shopping bags, in line with local recommendations.

Future Sustainability Goals:

RFM is working towards sustainable practices with vendor packaging.

Contacts

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH OFFICER

Kim Caruso

Timiskaming Health Unit

RIVERSIDE FARMERS' MARKET

Email: riversidefarmersmarket1@gmail.com

Riverside Farmers' Market
Responsibilities

The RFM will:

With support from the Temiskaming Shores Municipal Council we will run the weekly Farmers’ Market on Saturday morning at Riverside Place from 8:00 am until 12:00 pm (May - Oct and select winter dates).
Will provide a Market Manager who will organize and clean the venue and answer questions when necessary or refer customer/vendors to a board member, if necessary.
Will organize a food vendor who offers a full morning breakfast from 8:15 am to 11:30 am.
Will continue to support local food producers and farmers, helping to strengthen our local food security and community.
Will continue supporting good governance principles for not-for-profit organizations.
Will maintain our membership with Farmers’ Markets Ontario who provides RFM with liability insurance for vendors who have paid a membership for one year.
Will continue to promote the Market to increase awareness.
Will continue to look for new opportunities to grow and enhance the RFM.

HAVE QUESTIONS?

Contacts us at

riversidefarmersmarket1@gmail.com