The Slow Food Farmers’ Market is moving to Spotswood Kingsville RSL after more than 11 years at Abbotsford Convent.
Slow Food Melbourne president Alison Peake said the market’s convent contract had been awarded to another operator, but fortunately talks had already been under way with the RSL about developing a “community food hub”.
Ms Peake said the slow food movement was concerned with “caring for the planet and caring where your food comes from.”
The market of up to 80 stalls will be on the RSL bowling green, carpark, memorial garden and surrounding council land.
“We sell fruit, vegetables, meat, wine, biscuits, artisan products, olive oil, soap … you can do all your shopping from the farmers’ market,” Ms Peake said.
“We’re actually the only Slow Food Farmers’ Market in Australia so it’s a really good thing for the west.
“It’s a perfect location. We’re close to local community in Spotswood, South Kingsville, but also close enough to Yarraville, Seddon, Newport – all the surrounding suburbs.
“It will literally become a local market – people will be able to walk and bike. It’s an easy location to get to.”
The first market will be held on Saturday, February 23 from 8am-1pm.
Entry is by gold coin donation, which will go to the RSL.
The sub branch’s secretary, Rosa McKenna said the market was part of the evolution of the club, whose membership had grown from six to 218 in about three years.
“We’re trying to redevelop what is an old RSL that had really small membership in 2015 and we want to turn it into a healthy food hub for local families within walking distance and to make the best of the land that we’ve got available for community use,” she said.
“Also, it will be good for producers who are in the western suburbs – we’re on the freeway. It’s just great.”
