VALLEY MARKET SUPPORT COMMUNITY

Port Elizabeth’s Valley Market, sponsored by SPAR Eastern Cape, has become a pillar of the community. Photo: Leon Hugo

SPAR EC on board as a sponsor.

“I think it’s amazing that SPAR are partnering with us to give exposure to local food producers. The whole idea of the market is about being better together.”

She said the market promoted the trade of artisanal food and crafts that were unique, locally produced and high quality, and therefore supported local entrepreneurs.

“We’re all here doing something really awesome for our city,” said Watson.

SPAR EC’s marketing director Abri Swart said they were excited to be part of the community initiative.

“We want to support local entrepreneurs and grow our suppliers,” he said. “We hope to find a vendor that we can mentor and grow into possibly becoming one of our listed suppliers.”

Swart said the idea would be to assist the entrepreneur in possibly distributing his or her product throughout the region.

He noted that the Valley Market also supported a local charity called Love Story, which was founded in 2012 by Watson and her husband to meet the needs of destitute people in PE.

According to Watson, the organisation ran feeding schemes, distributed clothing and worked in hospitals and the market’s gate takings went towards supporting these activities.

Swart and Watson encouraged the public to attend the market to engage with their community while enjoying good food for a good cause.