It began as a produce and flower stand on an old ’76 flat deck truck at the local farmer’s market,
and a well-loved grill with handmade sausages and nut burgers at the market and community events…
After a decade of making organic, farm-grown produce available one morning every week at the farmers’ market, Don and Shanti (chef & farmer owner/operators) could see that the community wanted more.
Soon, the dream began to take shape: a locally focused food store that highlighted organic, speciality and handmade products. The store would provide food from the extensive local food suppliers - from the island and beyond.
Organic milk in returnable glass containers would be stocked.
Cheeses and meats from neighbouring islands would be brought in.
It would be a place where Mayne Island raised meat could be found year round (or until the farmer sold out).
It would be a place where local gardeners and farmers could sell the overabundance from their garden.
Local foodies would be able to find specialty food products otherwise unavailable on the island.
It could carry local, high quality pet food. And fair trade crafts and household goods that supported communities - both local and ones at a distance but close to locals’ hearts.
It would have a deli area that would provide a small selection of chef-prepared house-made foods, like pasta dishes, entrees, sandwiches and burritos. These meals would highlight in seasonal produce, and provide fresh, high quality meals from what was currently available in store for those who needed or wanted the support of pre-made foods.
It would be eco-friendly. Locally focused. High quality.
It would be a community hub.
It became all of those things and more.
Farm Gate Store has been operating since April 2011.
Rooted firmly in it’s beginning as a family business, Farm Gate continues to operate with the same ideals it began with. Though neither of Shanti and Don’s daughters work there anymore, the birthing of the store was midwifed by the whole family, each who supported it by offering their gifts to its creation and growth.
Today, the staff - each of whom is an integral and essential part - have become the store family. This is part of the magic of Farm Gate Store. It’s more than a passion project of the two owners, Don and Shanti. It’s a community, that serves the community of Mayne Island.
Farm Gate wouldn’t be the place it has become without the love and care of the incredible staff that have supported the store over the years. Like the old adage, children need a community to raise them, so has Farm Gate Store - in all the best of ways - and it shows.
Over the years, offerings have grown and shifted with the expressed needs of the community. The selection of products has changed as the community has weighed in on their priorities, but one thing has always stayed the same: the passion and love that drives it.
Passion for community. For quality food. For supporting local producers. For earth-care.
Love of community. Love of food. Love of handmade art - whether it comes in the form of food, crafts, weaving or bath products.
Love and passion for a sustainable and just future for Mayne Island and the planet.