Anyone who is a fan of Trader Joe’s across the border knows why they like shopping there; connection to local artisans, fresh all-natural foods, organic products, friendly interactive service, respect and awareness of producers and customers alike.
Well, we have our own Farm to Market in North Vancouver.
Kevin Penner, COO and Paul Clewes, Operations consultant.
Welcome to our Meridian Farm Market, a store that is uniquely Canadian.
The Penner family has been in the shopkeeper business for a long time and they’ve always put people first. Darrell Penner, father and founder of Meridian Meats and Seafoods started out as a butcher in Port Coquitlum, his store was the place to gather and exchange the news of the day while shopping for the best one can get in the neighbourhood…which doesn’t get better than bushels of apples, fresh picked lettuces, canned jams etc. from the farms “down the road”. Today his family is carrying on that lovely tradition; “Feed everyone like we feed our families.”
Kevin Penner, Chief Operating Officer said, “Our one goal is the growth of our dad’s passion, the same passion for hard work and respect of food he instilled in us is what you will find in the suppliers and the people in our stores.”
Kevin and his brother Josh Penner, President of Meridian Meats, grew up in the butcher shop , they helped by cleaning up the sawdust, laid down to catch debris, to cleaning and stocking shelves, to now growing the corner shop to 6 Meridian Farm Stores. Now that’s what I call from the ground up.
“We are bringing our small town to the big city, you will always feel the love here. We are a place that is making it affordable for everyone to eat healthy – real ingredients for real people is our motto.’ said Kevin Penner.
Ask The Penners what makes their store different from the many grocery stores everywhere and it will be explained precisely, “Box stores are corporations that took over the little guy’s (farmers) business and made it into a business of convenience. Meridian Farm Market is the other end of that, we are bringing the little guys back into the business of feeding families local products.”
The old practice of meeting your farmers down at the corner store is the only way of sustainability and now Meridian farms is making sustainability a non-exclusive reality for everyone…families of every income level can afford to shop here where all-natural foods, organic products, gluten-free options, and every imaginable fresh meats, seafood, and produce can be found.
Meridian Farm Market is like an island fruit stand where you will get that connection we all yearn for; real people bringing us real food direct from the earth.
Come for a walk down the lanes of this feel-good farm store.
Local, California, and Mexico produce.
The entrance is inviting with fresh fruit and vegetables stands – everything is clearly labeled with place of origin (mainly here in BC, California, and Mexico)…whew, that saves me a lot of frustration trying to figure out if I am buying local.
Fresh cut flowers demand attention with their pretty colours.
Inside is a whole new world – natural wood floors and walls, recycled bottles hanging lights, and chalkboards with daily update – that feels like a step back in time. A time when decor was about functionality, cleanliness, natural materials, and absolutely no waste. No fancy intangible display here just real food in all its natural beauty.
The grocery isles are neatly laid out with a few of the best brands to choose from (mostly local artisans or all-nayural and organic brands), I love this old fashioned way of “less choices, best quality” because I find regular grocery stores frustratingly overwhelming…too many brand compete for attention and too few brands support local and sustainable practices.
Charcuterie deli
In the deli section there are cheeses and cured meats that I love to eat. Meridian Farm Market either knows my kind of food or they’re experts in bringing the best to their customers.
The meat and seafood section tells a story of it’s own, a mix of New Zealand free range, locally raised meats, and ocean wise seafood. The Penners have been importing all natural free range meats from New Zealand long before our local farmers tapped into the market – one day they hope to find a good source of local, all-natural free-range beef to supply all the stores. In the meantime they carry as many local meats as possible, . Get the beef on their beef here.
Every cut of beef available and they can make any order I need. Plus the butchers are a fount of information and recipes.
Chicken and turkey meats marinated or plain , you will find something for everyone here, from marinades for the grill master to simple sauces for young kids.
Pork dressed up or naked; pork chops, roasts, chunks, you name it, they have it.
Fresh seafood.
Not pictured are the many homemade meals for those short-on-time days, and fresh baked breads.
Not to be forgotten all sorts of treats for our pets.
And the people here are filled with laughter and warmth and an innate willingness to help me have a stress free shopping experience.
I enjoyed my shopping experience for four reasons – the quality of the food – the reasonable cost of the food – the people made eye contact and stayed to help me (instead of running of to hide around corners like they do in most grocery stores) – and the quality brand choices available. Just like Trader Joe’s but even better because this is Canadian proud.
Check out their Family owned butcher shops in Port Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, Langley, White Rock, Tsawwassen and North Vancouver. Maybe a new one is on its way according to instagram updates.
Don’t forget to check out their gluten-free shopping list for when you’re short on time or just need some help planning your week’s menu.
Until next time keep up with my gluten free travels on twitter @glutenfreesam
