Montrealers are heading out in droves to the city's fruit and vegetable markets.

But many won't have to venture very far, because four new community markets have popped up, and organizer Josee Belleau is expecting up to 20 thousand people will gobble up the local produce.

"You can go to the big public markets which are very popular, but in a lot of parts on the island there are food deserts," said Belleau.

The community market movement organized by Nourrir Montreal is already a hit with residents like Bernadette Laroche.

"When I hear that something is happening, I run. Despite the fact that I'm 86 years of age," she said.

Under the project, small-scale, local producers are bringing fresh produce to the city's less affluent neighbourhoods.

Prices run about thirty percent less than at the grocery store, which Shirley Steele found surprising.

"They are goodness gracious so inexpensive, they're giving their food away," said Steele.

These so called pocket markets keep prices low because the food is bought wholesale, the equipment is shared between markets and volunteers run the show.

Marie-Claude Orchard chips in at three markets across the city.

"I love veggies, I love fruits and I love people," said Orchard. "It's a beautiful day instead of staying home, I decided to come volunteer!"

The food comes from both conventional and organic farms. As long as it's local, it will be sold at the markets, and if the produce doesn't sell, it gets donated to area food banks.

The community market movement has grown fast.

It started as a pilot project three years ago, with nine markets open for just one or two days at a time. This year there 12 markets open an average of eight days each.

Next year, Nourrir Montreal plans to create a work-training project with funding from the province.

To find out where the markets are, click here.