We are so delighted to be part of our local weekly Millbrook/Cavan REKO market.

In early 2020, farmers markets scrambled to find safe new ways of operating during the pandemic. One model in particular gained traction everywhere. Originally popularized in *Finland several years ago, the REKO (meaning fair consumption) model directly connects food producers and consumers using a closed Facebook group.  It is a simple, no-cost and efficient way to buy and sell local products.  It allows for a direct relationship between customers and small-scale producers.

In April 2020, a local volunteer, sent out an email asking if any local producers were interested in joining a local REKO group.  This was initially just for food producers due to the stringent protocol dealing with the pandemic, however, it was updated to include local businesses that sold products that were considered `essential’. Thistles and Sticks were asked if we would like to be part of this market.  We were delighted to be participating in something within our community, which would help us stay connected with local producers and people.

Our REKO market is the Millbrook/Cavan market which currently runs each week.  Our volunteer – who is also a local food producer and lovely young lady, looks after the REKO Group Facebook page.  Each week she refreshes the Facebook group page then uploads the new information that the producers forward to her for the following week. Customers can browse through the pages to see if there is something they would like, then pre-order the items via the Facebook group using DM. Orders are pre-paid using etransfer. Ordered goods are delivered to customers Thursday night between 5:00pm – 6:00pm at 1 Dufferin Street, Millbrook, in the parking lot. The pre-paid/pre-packaged orders are waiting for the customers to pick up. It is so convenient for both the vendor and customer and it’s absolutely free.

We currently have over 1,100 members and climbing, just in our Millbrook/Cavan REKO group alone.

As always, you can find our products, description, pricing and more on Our Products page.

*http://www.smabrukarlaget.no/norsk-bonde-og-smabrukarlag/matnyttig/lokalmatringer/reko-network/