For small farms, selling fresh food directly to the community can be one of the most meaningful and practical ways to generate income. A new digital tool created by future University of Guelph PhD student Jillian McKenna aims to make that process easier, more visible, and more accessible for both farmers and consumers in British Columbia.
McKenna, a self-described agricultural enthusiast and former British Columbia resident, has developed Farm Stands Near Me, a free app and web-based tool designed to help people discover farm stands near them and learn what is available before they arrive.
“I know that for some small farms, being able to sell produce without leaving the farm can be an impactful form of revenue generation,” said McKenna. “Farm stands can also be an amazing way for consumers to see where their food comes from, strengthening support and awareness for the people who grow our food.”
How Farm Stands Near Me Works
At its core, Farm Stands Near Me is an interactive map showcasing farm stand locations across British Columbia, with plans to scale beyond the province in the future. The tool is designed to be simple for farmers to use and practical for customers planning a visit.
Key features include:
- Interactive provincial map displaying participating farm stands
- Quick updates for farmers, allowing them to mark what has been stocked or sold out
- Sorting options by location or most recently updated
- Filters by farm type, helping users find the produce or products they are seeking
- Direct navigation, offering directions straight to the farm stand
For small-scale producers, the ability to update availability in real time can help manage expectations, reduce wasted trips, and make farm stand sales more efficient during busy seasons.
Designed With Small Farms in Mind
Unlike many sales platforms that require extensive set-up, ongoing fees, or third-party logistics, Farm Stands Near Me is completely free to use. McKenna is actively inviting farm gate operators and small farms across British Columbia to participate during the tool’s early phase.
“It is brand new and I would be very open to any suggestions or concerns at this phase,” she said.
By keeping entry barriers low, the project aligns closely with the realities of small farms that manage marketing, production, and sales with limited time and resources.
Technology Meets Food Systems Research
Later this year, McKenna will begin her PhD at the University of Guelph in the Critical Studies of Improvisation program, an interdisciplinary field that examines improvisation as a tool for navigating complex and rapidly changing systems.
She plans to apply this lens to the study of food insecurity at the community level, exploring how adaptable, grassroots solutions can strengthen local food access and resilience. Farm Stands Near Me reflects that approach, offering a flexible, farmer-driven tool rooted in real-world agricultural experience.
Farm stand sales remain an important revenue stream for many small producers, especially as costs rise and supply chains face ongoing uncertainty. Digital tools that improve visibility, reduce wasted effort, and strengthen local connections can play a meaningful role in supporting farm viability.
For British Columbia farmers looking to attract nearby customers without additional travel or stand staffing, Farm Stands Near Me offers a promising, low-risk option.
As the growing season ramps up, McKenna encourages interested farms to explore the platform and contribute feedback that will help shape its future development.
Farm Stands Near Me is currently focused on British Columbia and is free for farmers to use.