Riverside, Roath and Rhiwbina, famous for their weekly farmers markets, only sell produce you’ve grown, raised or made yourself. Passionate about selling local produce, their now expanding to the world of evening street food.
Riverside markets only sell what people have grown, raised and made themselves (Picture courtesy of Lukas Budimaier)
Operated by the Riverside Community Markets Association, (RCMA) Cardiff residents have flocked to the weekly markets since the groups founding in 1998 and it remains just as popular today. This year, up to five evening street food markets have taken place, with the next one due take place before the festive period.
Steve Garrett, founder of the RCMA said: “The evening street food market is the spin-off for the original idea. It’s a movement for people preferring the pop up model.” He hopes that by promoting good quality food with a lower price, the evening street market will appeal to a wider demographic.
Not only have the markets brought communities together over the past 17 years, local residents have benefited from both knowledge and having the luxury of local and affordable food produce on their doorstep. Aiming to reduce ‘food poverty’ in South Riverside, the RCMA Community Food Coordinator teaches residents how to grow their own food in the community.
RMCA sells the freshest local produce (Picture courtesy of RCMA)
Supporting local businesses and aiming to give producers the opportunity to trade directly with the public is key. You’ll be sure to find the freshest, healthiest food available, which is better environment and supports the local economy. Steve said: “Once you’ve tasted something fresh and local, you never go back.”
With increasing awareness, food sustainability is a vehicle for positive change, with programmes such as the Sustainable Food Cities Programme. They support food work in six cities, Cardiff one of them. Food Cardiff is the first of four cities to be awarded Sustainable Food City status and is focusing on delivering the Beyond the Foodbank Campaign. Katie Palmer from Food Cardiff explains its goal is to ensure access to “good food.”
Below, the founder Steve Garrett explains what makes the Riverside markets so special.
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