A heads up to all the local foodies who have been desperately crying out for the opportunity to access local fresh produce, direct from the farmer, every single week.

After three years of planning and identifying suitable locations, only to be told NO, local foodie Josie Townsend has come to an arrangement with the Empire Theatres to trial a farmers’ market every Thursday on the front lawns of the Empire Theatre.

“We live in one of Australia’s most incredible food growing regions and it has amazed me that there is no regular farmers’ market where I can buy my fresh produce weekly”, said Josie, managing director of Mojo Business Management who have taken the plunge to run the events.  Sourcing local products and produce has always been tricky, she said,

Josie’s previous experience includes running the commercial coordination of the Sydney Royal Easter Show, and also running her own Australian food hamper business in Sydney. “We are keen to see a collaborative, active and powerful local food trading economy grow in Toowoomba, and our business model includes the launch of a digital, national food connection platform early next year.”

Empire Theatres’ general manager Kerry Saul, who is focused on engaging the broader community said “The synergy between food and culture is extremely strong. In other similar theatre precincts, farmers’ markets have helped to revive a space by drawing crowds who may not normally frequent an arts space. We want to open our arms to the broader community, while supporting our farmers.”

The markets are envisaged as a no-waste market, where you will need to purchase your keeper cup for coffee, glass bottle for fresh juices and re-usable bottles for water, or bring your own. Plastics and disposables are a big no-no! Organisers will also sell plates and cutlery for their “Share a feast” concept, or once again you can bring your own, so you can try many of the different delicacies that stallholders will offer on the night.

The Empire Theatres will provide entertainment on the evening and will have the Armitage Centre bar open before and throughout the performances. Future events will include workshops and special guests.

The organisers will be  looking for appropriate stall holders who meet the Australian Farmers Market Model guidelines, and volunteers to assist each week.

Please call Josie Townsend on 0432 267 003, find us on Facebook or go to www.mylocalfeastfarmersmarkets.com.au. An app will be launched soon.

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