2009-2010 WRFM Updates/Changes

We want to welcome everyone to another year of vending at the West River Farmers Market in Londonderry. As we continue to grow and achieve greater levels of success, the board continues to act on behalf of our vendors to insure this process. The following items address some of the current challenges that have been identified, both internally and through the survey that was conducted during the 2009 season.

• In an effort to be as “Green” a market as possible we are inviting all of our prepared food vendors to participate in a Refuse Reduction Program. The primary strategy will be to implement a reusable plate/utensil system. The market will provide the products and the food vendors will develop a system for distribution, maintenance, etc. This would include a wash station and recycling cans. As this is a new development we welcome all input and questions. Please direct all input to Suzanne Fontaine (suzannefontaine@yahoo.com) our board member and coordinator

• During the 2010 season we will be encouraging all vendors who don’t meet the vending requirements to move towards greater compliance. This will especially apply, but not be limited to, Craft Vendors whose products are not handmade. For greater definition of what this means, please review the Vendor Agreement or contact a Board Member. The area of primary concern is on reproductions. We recognize this may impose some hardship, but also feel the market must remain true to its stated mission.

• To further establish the market as a local center for locally produced goods, we are implementing a requirement for all prepared food vendors to utilize three locally sourced items in their daily menus. These items need to be posted and visible for customers to easily identify in which recipes these items are included.