A local produce provider is getting crafty to continue supplying nutritionally healthy food to Port Hawkesbury and the surrounding community.
Square Roots Port Hawkesbury is requesting to use the Civic Centre in-kind on a Wednesday each month to hold a Community Market including artisans and other vendors instead of their Saturday sale on their own.
This solution is their preference rather than raising prices or relying on donations going forward.
One of the Community Managers, Michele Tabensky tells us why they want to have a larger vendor presence after funding for leftover produce was cut earlier this year which caused markets in the Quad Counties to pause for a couple months.
“We have to absorb the cost of anything that’s not sold. So that plays a factor on our bottom line, because we’re not-for-profit, so when we start losing in sales, then it makes it really hard to continue,” she shared.
She explains how the Town will benefit from the market that could start as early as June.
“It will help with increased foot traffic on during the quieter seasons at the Civic Centre. It’ll help not only Square Roots provide nutritionally healthy food to the community, but it will also help vendors within the community get their wares for sale, so help income for their households. It’ll bring some community spirit to the town, as well.”
She’s hopeful by having other vendors selling with them that will raise their visitors and sales to everyone in the community.
Her and the other Community Manager, Yvonne MacDonald emphasize that Square Roots is for everyone to benefit from, regardless of your income or location because everyone deserves fresh and healthy produce.
They say the more they sell, the more they can help local groups and people in need with food security by giving away the leftovers.
Together, they started Square Roots in Port Hawkesbury in March 2025.
People can preorder 10-pound bags of mixed produce for $10 that include 2 pounds of carrots, a large onion, 4 apples, 4 oranges, and the remainder in potatoes.
They also take preorders for bulk items if anyone wants a large quantity of any given produce.
The Community Managers say the produce is grown locally in the valley or sourced by farmers when anything is not available depending on the season.
They announced at the council meeting that they have provided 25,000 pounds of produce to the Port Hawkesbury community since last year.
Mayor Brenda Chisholm-Beaton is confident that the Town will be able to help as the request goes through the motions with council.
