faqs
What is the Market Box Program?
The Vancouver Market Box is an easy way to support multiple local farms and enjoy fresh, seasonal produce every week in the summer and fall seasons. As a community member, you can invest in our farmers by signing up for a season’s subscription worth of fresh produce.
Market staff sources the best Washington grown fruits and vegetables from our vendors and pre-pack a box that will be ready for pick up every Sunday 10am - 2pm, June 18th – October 29th, 2023. Each box includes recipes, storage tips and easy preparation ideas to make cooking healthy and seasonally easier than ever!
What are the Market Box Subscription options for 2023?
Check out all the options for 2023 here!
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Where does the produce come from? Is it certified organic?
Fruits and vegetables come directly from our farmer market vendors. We make it a point to focus on supporting small farms and beginning farmers. Some of our farms are certified organic, the majority utilize organic practices but are not certified and a few grow conventionally. The weekly newsletter will note which farm each item came from and their growing practices.
What will I receive each week?
For a small box you will receive 4-6 items per week. For example, a small summer box might include 1 bunch asparagus, 1 pint strawberries, 1 pint snap peas, 1 bunch radishes and 1 bag salad greens.
For a large box you will receive 7-9 items per week. For example, a large fall box might include: 1 bunch carrots, 2 lbs. potatoes, 2 lbs. pears, 2 summer squash, 1 onion, 1 lb. heirloom tomatoes, 1 bunch collards, 1 ½ pint raspberries and 1 bunch of parsley.
Our goal is to provide a mix of familiar fruits and veggies as well as some new and exciting varieties. You will also receive a weekly newsletter that showcases recipes, storage tips and easy preparation ideas to help make seasonal cooking easier than ever!
Can I pay with SNAP benefits?
Yes! SNAP recipients can use their benefits for a Market Box subscription. SNAP customers will receive a $100 discount on Fruit & Veggie Subscription Boxes and must pay in person on a weekly or biweekly basis. Please select the "Offline Payment" option in checkout.
How can I add items to my box?
There are a few weekly “Add on Subscriptions” in 2023 that can be added to a 10 or 20 week Market Box Subscription. Check the options out here.
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How do I pick up my box?
Curbside pickups take place on Sundays from 10am - 2pm at the Historic Slocum House (605 Esther Street, Vancouver WA 98660). There are two options for picking up your subscription:
Option #1: Curbside Pickup
For Curbside Pickup, there are five spaces reserved in the south parking lot of the Esther Short Building on the corner of 6th and Esther Streets, across from the Slocum House. Enter from the driveway on 6th street, after the roundabout. The reserved spaces are marked with signs on barricades. When you arrive, stay in your car, call 360-737-8298 and we will bring out your box. There is a 5 minute parking limit.
Option #2: Walk-up Pickup
For those wanting to pick up their Market Box before or after exploring the market, there will be a Market Box Pickup Tent, located right outside the Slocum House on Esther Street for walk ups. Market Customer parking with no time limit is located in the lot across from City Hall.
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In order to reduce packaging and waste, your subscription will come in a black shopping basket. This will be your basket for the season! We have two sets of baskets for each customer so you may take this basket home but please remember to return it the following week. If you don't want to take the shopping basket home, that's okay too! You may fill up your own shopping bag and leave the basket with our staff.
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What if I can’t pick up my box?
If you can’t pick up your box, we recommend that you ask a friend or family member to pick it up for you. Shares that are not picked up by the end of the day will be donated to the Clark County Food Bank.
Can I substitute or change any of the items in my box?
We are not able to substitute or make changes to the box. We try to create a fruit and veggie mix that is versatile and appeals to people with different preferences. If there is a vegetable that you absolutely don’t enjoy, we recommend sharing it with a friend, neighbor or family member. We hope that you’ll welcome the mix of familiar and unfamilar vegetables and maybe even find a new favorite! If you not sure what to do with a particular fruit or vegetable, fear not! Each box will come with recipes, preparation and storage tips.
Can I cancel my subscription or get a refund?
Because our farmers plan their crops for Market Box months in advance and rely on that income, cancellations and refunds are not available after payment has been completed. However, if you are unable to continue picking up your subscription box you can elect to have the produce donated to the Clark County Food Bank.
Can I buy a Market Box Subscription as a Gift for someone?
Yes, you can absolutely buy a Market Box Subscription as a gift! Check out our Gift Card Page.
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This is a great! How can I help?
If you are interested in being involved with this project, we always need volunteers to help pack and carry boxes to vehicles. Please email volunteer@vancouverfarmersmarket.com for more information!
If you are interested in supporting the program, consider donating a subscription to a family in need.
Email marketbox@vancouverfarmersmarket.com for more information.