What began as a semi-selfish idea has ended up being an integral part of the Cumberland community 鈥� Seeds Food Market.

鈥淭he idea came from feeling frustrated that we couldn鈥檛 buy broccoli in our own town,鈥� said owner Tina Willard-Stepan. 鈥淲e felt it was really important for Cumberland residents to have access to services in their own community.鈥�

In March 2008, Seeds Food Market opened its doors with many empty shelves, each with a sign on it that read 鈥楾his is your shelf 鈥� tell us what you want鈥�.

The market has spent the past three years doing just that 鈥� bringing in what customers want. In a community where business turnover has been high, getting to celebrate their third year anniversary this month is a testament to just how much stuff Cumberland wanted.

鈥淲e love playing this role in our community; (the community) has shown such fantastic support,鈥� added Willard-Stephan's husband and business partner Jim. 鈥淎nd now we can buy broccoli right down the street.鈥�

Seeds Food Market will be formally celebrating their milestone with an in-store event March 11 starting at 4 p.m., and continuing all day March 12 with free food, specials, prizes and live music by local talents Corwin Fox (performing at 5 p.m. Friday), Pamela Tessman (noon Saturday) and Luke Blu Guthrie (3 p.m. Saturday).

Seeds Natural Food Market is located at 2733A Dunsmuir Avenue in Cumberland, on the corner of 3rd and Dunsmuir. For more information, call (250)336-0129, visit www.seedfoodmarket.ca or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/seedsfoodmarket.

鈥� Seeds Food Market