Starting Wednesday, members of the Canadian Forces will have easy access to locally produced food, along with a sense of community and culture.

The Farmers Market Association of Kingston is partnering with the Canadian Forces Personnel Support Programs (PSP Kingston) to organize a weekly farmers market in east Kingston for residents, and more specifically military personnel, to enjoy.

The Memorial Centre Farmers Market has been a staple of Kingston for years, featuring homegrown vegetables, fruits, meats and more, as well as artisanal crafts and entertainment. Recently, the market has been working with PSP Kingston to reach out and get vendors set up across the bridge.

Tim Lyon, board chair of the Farmers Market Association, has expressed expansion to military and residents in the east end as "vital to our association’s efforts to expand the sale of fresh, sustainably produced food for our community."

The newly established market’s main goal is convenience — by increasing accessibility to locally produced food, the PSP hopes to encourage soldiers and their families to make healthy choices.

"Health is not just about fitness," PSP Kingston co-ordinator Kerri Hollywood asserted, "but also nutrition."

The weekly market is keeping evening hours so that residents will be able to pick up their dinner after work. The benefits of the market are not just nutritional, but also important in promoting community bonding, as well as incorporating cultural value.

"It’s definitely in part due to the community factor," Hollywood said. "The vendors are rich with history and knowledge of the area, and can help international personnel learn about Kingston."

Summer is posting season for members of the Canadian Forces, and some are leaving while others are coming in. Hollywood believes this makes it all the more important for a regular community activity.

"Years ago, all that was considered for the soldier was if he could run," she said. "Now we consider a soldier’s wellness on a wholeness level. There’s physical and there’s mental, and we’re also trying to reach out to military families."

Vendors include Corn Acre Farms, Long Road Ecological Farm, and Haanover View Farms, among many others.

The new farmers market will be in the Kingston Military Community Sports Centre parking lot every Wednesday from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Parking is free.