Calgary 
If you’re looking for a socially responsible and affordable way to shop for fresh produce and other food items, look no further than the Open Market in Calgary.
Wendy Wei/Pexels
Created by a collaboration between Fresh Routes and The Social Impact Lab, this Pay What You Want Food Market, open to everyone regardless of financial status, gender, religion or race, aims to increase food security in the community while cultivating social connection and community.
The market’s core values of dignity, access, and choice are supported by its Pay What You Want model, which empowers customers to pay what they can afford for goods and services. This strategy enables customers to maintain their household budgets while also providing a dignified way to access food support and contribute to their community.
Customers have the flexibility to pay the suggested total or choose a different amount based on their financial situation and preferences.
The Open Market was launched on April 27, 2023, and will be hosted at the Meadowlark Park Community Association every Thursday from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm for one year.
During this time, organizers hope to learn more about the model and its sustainability and provide a customer experience grounded in dignity, access, and choice.
By shopping at the Open Market, not only can you save money by paying what you can, but you can also help support your community and promote food security.
So, head down to the Meadowlark Park Community Association on Thursdays and support this socially responsible market while stocking up on fresh and affordable food.
Open Market Calgary
What: Open Market is a Pay What You Want Food Market that was created as a blend of two similar initiatives: The Market, run by The Social Impact Lab, and Kin Market, a collaboration between Fresh Routes and the Leftovers Foundation.
Open Market is for everyone regardless of financial status, gender, religion or race!
The products change slightly due to the participating local vendors however, you can find fresh fruit and vegetables, baked goods, soups, eggs, bread, greens and coffee!
When: Thursdays, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Where: Meadowlark Park Community Association
623 58 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2V 1V7
https://www.instagram.com/p/Crgoe1TPY2q/
