Online Farmers' Markets in Saskatoon

I’m currently in mandatory post-travel self isolation, with a persistent chest cold (it’s not Covid! I was tested), so I’m not sure when I’ll get to the grocery store next. We’ve got family who can deliver essentials if needed but have also always been pretty good at keeping a decently stocked pantry, so are more than okay for now. And also I have to admit that I’m a little bit addicted to online farmers markets, where I can pretty much buy anything I need, food-wise. We may run out of toilet paper but will never be wanting for soup bones.

Overall it can be a bit of a myth that farmers' markets are more expensive than the grocery store. It’s definitely true that a pound of ground beef from a small farm will cost a bit more than sale-priced ground beef at Sobeys, but it may not be as much as you think. And local produce is almost always cheaper than grocery store non-sale prices. I remember being completely floored at how cheap a giant bundle of onions was from Spring Creek Gardens last summer. I asked the cashier “Is this SERIOUSLY only $3?” and he responded that other people had been complaining that their stuff was too expensive. I am not sure if many people who are financially stable actually pay attention to how much food costs, especially if they don’t factor in the amount they waste (such as panic buying a ton of rutabagas and then realizing there's still plenty of food to go around and you don't actually even like rutabaga). We work pretty hard in our household to be mindful about not wasting food, repurposing leftovers, and using up perishable items before buying more; as a result we throw out very little spoiled food, and even though we buy from a lot of farmers’ markets I really doubt we spend more than the average two-person household on food.

It was kind of big news this week that the Saskatoon Farmers’ Market went online. I think this is something they would have needed to do eventually, pandemic or not, because I can’t be the only former customer who doesn’t want to drive all the way to the airport to get eggs. It doesn’t look like all vendors are online, at least not as of today, but I’ll be keeping an eye on the list of available products – especially if this lasts into the summer.

I actually haven’t shopped at the SFM since they moved in December, but I’ve still been trying to support local farmers and makers when I can – because the SFM is not the only game in town. Here are a few online farmers’ markets (or similar) that deliver in Saskatoon, who I can vouch for:

The Little Market Box – I more or less switched from the SFM to these folks when the SFM moved. Lots of the same vendors and products, plus new ones (like Sunnyside Creamery) and a central location next to Darkside Donuts? Yes plz. Right now they are encouraging delivery only, $8 fee.

(Texting back and forth with The Little Market Box to determine whether the briskets they had would fit in our smoker; this will feed us for practically a week)

The Wandering Market – Tons of products from various farms and makers in SK, they previously came to Saskatoon once a month for scheduled pickups. They are switching to contact-free delivery going forward (with optional delivery fee if things are tighter than usual), and they are posting on their website the next date they’ll be in town. I’ve ordered meat, produce, and eggs through them. They have lots of dry goods available, and a pretty extensive cheese selection!

(A 10-pack of stewing hens I ordered through the Wandering Market - $40 for 10 chickens that will eventually become 10-30 meals of soups and stews. Disclaimer, I did have to pull them apart in my bathtub to separate and re-freeze! But what else do I have going on in my life right now?)

The Farmers' Table – Similar to the Wandering Market – the two markets actually shared a pickup point once a month in the city. I’ve ordered meat and flour from their vendors. Right now they mostly just have meat, dry goods, and eggs, but a few options for produce and canned items. They are still planning for in-person pickup in April, but with some social distancing restrictions in place.

SaskMade Marketplace – Tons of products including meat, dairy, coffee beans, dry goods, prepared foods, handcrafts, and even books. They also have gift baskets if you know someone who might need a pick-me-up. Delivery is free in Saskatoon over $100.

Lazy Plum Farm – This place is very cool as they only raise animals that are extremely hardy and well-suited to the harsh SK climate. I have ordered a variety pack and really loved their lamb and pork; I think I’d need to eat a bit more yak to make a final judgement but it did make a very good chili. They also have gorgeous eggs. As far as I know they are delivering to Saskatoon once a month. I have reserved a side of Icelandic lamb for the fall and am very excited about it.

(Once again, I'm obsessed with this stuff. You can buy Sunnyside products through The Wandering Market and The Little Market Box, to my current knowledge)

Farm One Forty/Odla Restaurant – Odla has gone takeout-only for the time being, and is offering “Hello Odla” meal kits plus a few farmers’ market-type pantry items. You can also order bulk meat separated out into monthly deliveries so you don’t have to find the freezer space for an entire side of pork.

Pine View Farms – so yeah, you can buy their stuff at several grocery stores, but if you want the meat without the side of TP hoarders, you can get your order delivered, and it’s free if you’re stocking up (>$150). They have meat, fish, prepared meat products, and even coffee.

This got a bit long, but I really like all these producers and markets! If I’ve missed any and you feel so inclined, please let me know and I’ll update. I love supporting farm to fork when I can.


*Note that there was originally another very popular meat producer on this list who offer monthly pickup. However I have since removed them, due to a couple of emails they sent that lead me to believe they are not taking the pandemic seriously, and I will not encourage anyone to buy from a producer who may not be taking the utmost precautions.