Due to popular demand, the Veggie Drop-Off, a pop-up vegetable market organized entirely by volunteers, is back for its third week. Its first two drop-offs that happened the previous consequent weekends were held at the Old Manila Eco Market, Luneta and Quezon City Memorial Center. This week, from Mar. 13 to 15, the drop-off will have a new location added to the previous two at The Sunday Market at The Pop Up, Katipunan.
At the Old Manila Eco Market, fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs and other crops can be bought directly from the farmers of Bauko, Mountain Province. While farm-to-table goods can be bought from QC Small Business and Cooperatives Development Promotions Office at the Quezon City Memorial Park. And if you choose to go to the newest location at The Pop Up, Katipunan, you will be buying from The Bayanihan Cordillera group of farmers from Tinoc, Ifugao.
The event aims to help the farmers from these far-flung villages and small business owners to have stable earnings for themselves despite the limited accessibility to city markets. The farmers are given the opportunity to dictate the prices of their goods themselves which gives us Filipinos a chance to avail farm-fresh and high quality vegetables at an affordable price.
Due to its being an open market with a number of expected visitors, the organizers have implemented the necessary precautions against the COVID-19. There will be a buying limit of one kilogram minimum to two kilograms maximum of vegetables. Only a thousand order forms will be given per day at each venue, and without one, you will not be able to avail anything. They also warn that the queues may take up to four hours and suggest to bring stools and umbrellas and to wear comfortable clothes.
Those who wish to volunteer their services can do so by emailing theveggiedropoff@gmail.com. Farmers and farmer groups who wish to join the drop-off can fill out this online form for the organizers to accommodate their request.
The drop-offs are open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. only or due to high demand, until supplies last, so it’s best to come early! Visit their Facebook page for more information.
Header photo courtesy of Old Manila Eco Market
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