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Showing posts with label Sharing Backyards. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sharing Backyards. Show all posts
Thursday, June 29, 2017
Thursday, April 7, 2016
April 7th - World Health Day!
Diabetes Awareness - April 7, 2016!
Today is World Health Day and the focus is on Diabetes. Did you know that there are an estimated 11 million people who are living with diabetes or pre-diabetes in Canada? There are over 420 million people in the world who have diabetes and that number is projected to double within the next 20 years...
This year, the World Health Organization's theme is diabetes. It is a disease that impacts millions of people globally.
Diabetes is a disease where the body cannot produce insulin or use the insulin it produces to control sugar. Every three minutes, a Canadian is diagnosed with this disease.
Disease Prevention
The WHO is looking to highlight beating diabetes through:
We support this as we believe that everyone should have access to local nutritious foods that they can prepare for themselves at home. Which is why we have local workshops focused on healthy eating or preparing nutritious foods.
Gardening is exercise - both mentally and physically. You are moving, digging, dragging and in some cases lifting (or carting) heavy soil. It is also great to get outside (patio container gardens count too) and connect with mother nature. At Burnaby Food First, we promote community gardens as well as learning to grow your own veggies in containers through our workshops as well.
By cooking and preparing your own food as well as gardening, you are avoiding excessive weight gain. Eating healthier and gardening helps to create a healthier environment. Through gardening, you also benefit from homegrown foods!
So, today let's help beat diabetes - either by cooking nutritious food at home or getting outside in your gardens (in your backyard, on your balcony, within your community or through sharing backyards)!
Today is World Health Day and the focus is on Diabetes. Did you know that there are an estimated 11 million people who are living with diabetes or pre-diabetes in Canada? There are over 420 million people in the world who have diabetes and that number is projected to double within the next 20 years...
This year, the World Health Organization's theme is diabetes. It is a disease that impacts millions of people globally.
Diabetes is a disease where the body cannot produce insulin or use the insulin it produces to control sugar. Every three minutes, a Canadian is diagnosed with this disease.
Disease Prevention
The WHO is looking to highlight beating diabetes through:
- Healthy eating
- Exercise, and
- Avoiding excessive weight gain.
We support this as we believe that everyone should have access to local nutritious foods that they can prepare for themselves at home. Which is why we have local workshops focused on healthy eating or preparing nutritious foods.
Gardening is exercise - both mentally and physically. You are moving, digging, dragging and in some cases lifting (or carting) heavy soil. It is also great to get outside (patio container gardens count too) and connect with mother nature. At Burnaby Food First, we promote community gardens as well as learning to grow your own veggies in containers through our workshops as well.
By cooking and preparing your own food as well as gardening, you are avoiding excessive weight gain. Eating healthier and gardening helps to create a healthier environment. Through gardening, you also benefit from homegrown foods!
So, today let's help beat diabetes - either by cooking nutritious food at home or getting outside in your gardens (in your backyard, on your balcony, within your community or through sharing backyards)!
Monday, January 4, 2016
Happy New Year 2016!
Welcoming the New Year! It's 2016 and a great time to reflect on what we have accomplished and for us, I can say that 2015 was a year of changes and challenges.
Workshops
Due to the wonderful work of Burnaby Food First’s workshop coordinator, Leanne Zmud, 2015 saw 16 workshops which covered canning, cooking with greens, to gardening. Many of the workshops were filled as soon as they were posted on this blog! So, a HUGE THANK YOU to the 285 workshop participants, 15 volunteers, 11 facilitators, 6 venue hosts and the various people who helped make our workshops known throughout Burnaby. It definitely takes a lot of coordination and information sharing to ensure successful workshops!
Burnaby Food First nearly doubled the amount of workshops provided in 2015 (2014 had only 10 workshops) and hopefully we have increased the number of people who are cooking local healthy foods at home or growing food in their gardens (either at home or in a community garden).
In the Fall of 2015, we welcomed Meghan Cooke who took over from Leanne to manage our workshops. Thank you Leanne and welcome Meghan – we certainly look forward to many interesting workshops in 2016!
Events
Burnaby Food First was present at various festivals and cultural events such as Hats off Day to the Edmond Festival to promote food security!
Those events helped raised our profile within the community as well as providing us with the opportunity to sell aprons to support our free educational workshops, Sharing Backyards and School Gardening programs.
Oh, and by the way, we are now selling aprons online to support our cooking and gardening food security programs!
Check out the apron store and make a commitment in 2016 to ensure that everyone has access to nutritious and local foods (as well as preparing it).
Sharing Backyards
Again, managed by Project Coordinator, Leanne Zmud, we went from having 1 match in 2014 to over 15 matches in 2015! Talk about building connections and sharing gardening knowledge between neighbours!
We also held a successful information event at Burnaby North Neighbourhood House which allowed people to get to know one another and to find new opportunities.
Since the project began it has engaged with approximately 80 participants. These participants spanned a wide age range and backgrounds, including newcomers to Canada.
School Gardening
If we are to get people access to local foods, then one Burnaby Food First program took a different approach - getting youth involved with gardening.
Project Coordinator, Leanne Zmud, recruited community members to volunteer as school garden mentors for Burnaby high school students who were interested in gardening at their schools.
Thanks to the involvement of 3 Burnaby Schools - Byrne Creek, Moscrop and Burnaby South Secondary - the students of the “Green Your City” initiative (led by Alice Huang) and the 7 school garden mentors ( Lisa, Jim, Noreen, Sonya, Teresa, Jammy, and Anja – thank you very much for your time) who shared their garden knowledge with the students and diligently watered the gardens during the summer months!
The School Gardens culminated in a September harvest pot luck celebration where everyone brought a dish to share and was made with ingredients from their gardens (or at least a portion of it!). The potluck was an opportunity to eat together and recognize everyone’s efforts that contributed to the success of the school gardens.
Hopefully there will be many more opportunities for students to “get their hands dirty” with future gardens on school grounds! Again, a big thanks to Leanne for managing this program!
So, 2015 was a year of many changes as well as challenges! As we move forward towards 2016, there is a sense of anticipation as to what the future holds for Burnaby Food First as well as the community coming together to find solutions in providing access to local and nutritious food for everyone!
We certainly hope that we have the opportunity to connect with you either as volunteers or perhaps attending our workshops? Or even joining us as a member! How about purchasing an apron either at the Burnaby Farmer’s Market during the Spring and Summer season? Or simply read our blog and share what information we have out with your friends (or sign up for workshop events). We also accept online donations too! We love to see that people are visiting our website and finding out food security! For that, we thank you in helping to spread the word to your family, friends and neighbours.
Sponsors
Thank you to the various sponsors in 2015! We hope that we will continue with great partnerships and gain new partners for 2016! Thank you for your support of our programs and services.
We wish you and your family a safe and healthy new year! Thank you for your support!
Workshops
Due to the wonderful work of Burnaby Food First’s workshop coordinator, Leanne Zmud, 2015 saw 16 workshops which covered canning, cooking with greens, to gardening. Many of the workshops were filled as soon as they were posted on this blog! So, a HUGE THANK YOU to the 285 workshop participants, 15 volunteers, 11 facilitators, 6 venue hosts and the various people who helped make our workshops known throughout Burnaby. It definitely takes a lot of coordination and information sharing to ensure successful workshops!
Burnaby Food First nearly doubled the amount of workshops provided in 2015 (2014 had only 10 workshops) and hopefully we have increased the number of people who are cooking local healthy foods at home or growing food in their gardens (either at home or in a community garden).
In the Fall of 2015, we welcomed Meghan Cooke who took over from Leanne to manage our workshops. Thank you Leanne and welcome Meghan – we certainly look forward to many interesting workshops in 2016!
Events
Burnaby Food First was present at various festivals and cultural events such as Hats off Day to the Edmond Festival to promote food security!
Those events helped raised our profile within the community as well as providing us with the opportunity to sell aprons to support our free educational workshops, Sharing Backyards and School Gardening programs.
Oh, and by the way, we are now selling aprons online to support our cooking and gardening food security programs!
Check out the apron store and make a commitment in 2016 to ensure that everyone has access to nutritious and local foods (as well as preparing it).
Sharing Backyards
Again, managed by Project Coordinator, Leanne Zmud, we went from having 1 match in 2014 to over 15 matches in 2015! Talk about building connections and sharing gardening knowledge between neighbours!
 |
| Sharing Backyard in Burnaby Heights! |
 |
| Goodlad Garden in Edmonds! |
We also held a successful information event at Burnaby North Neighbourhood House which allowed people to get to know one another and to find new opportunities.
Since the project began it has engaged with approximately 80 participants. These participants spanned a wide age range and backgrounds, including newcomers to Canada.
School Gardening
If we are to get people access to local foods, then one Burnaby Food First program took a different approach - getting youth involved with gardening.
Project Coordinator, Leanne Zmud, recruited community members to volunteer as school garden mentors for Burnaby high school students who were interested in gardening at their schools.
Thanks to the involvement of 3 Burnaby Schools - Byrne Creek, Moscrop and Burnaby South Secondary - the students of the “Green Your City” initiative (led by Alice Huang) and the 7 school garden mentors ( Lisa, Jim, Noreen, Sonya, Teresa, Jammy, and Anja – thank you very much for your time) who shared their garden knowledge with the students and diligently watered the gardens during the summer months!
 |
| Moscrop School |
 |
| Byrne Creek with students and mentors |
 |
| Burnaby South |
The School Gardens culminated in a September harvest pot luck celebration where everyone brought a dish to share and was made with ingredients from their gardens (or at least a portion of it!). The potluck was an opportunity to eat together and recognize everyone’s efforts that contributed to the success of the school gardens.
Hopefully there will be many more opportunities for students to “get their hands dirty” with future gardens on school grounds! Again, a big thanks to Leanne for managing this program!
 |
| Students gardening! |
So, 2015 was a year of many changes as well as challenges! As we move forward towards 2016, there is a sense of anticipation as to what the future holds for Burnaby Food First as well as the community coming together to find solutions in providing access to local and nutritious food for everyone!
We certainly hope that we have the opportunity to connect with you either as volunteers or perhaps attending our workshops? Or even joining us as a member! How about purchasing an apron either at the Burnaby Farmer’s Market during the Spring and Summer season? Or simply read our blog and share what information we have out with your friends (or sign up for workshop events). We also accept online donations too! We love to see that people are visiting our website and finding out food security! For that, we thank you in helping to spread the word to your family, friends and neighbours.
Sponsors
Thank you to the various sponsors in 2015! We hope that we will continue with great partnerships and gain new partners for 2016! Thank you for your support of our programs and services.
- Burnaby Hospital Foundation
- Burnaby Meals on Wheels
- Burnaby Public Library
- Edmonds Community School
- Edmonds People in Community (EPIC)
- United Steel Workers Union Local 1-1937
- Vancity
We wish you and your family a safe and healthy new year! Thank you for your support!
Thursday, May 14, 2015
Eat Your Greens with Kids & Open Workshops
Burnaby Food First is pleased to announce a new workshop: Eat Your Greens With Kids!
Also, there is still space in our Sharing Backyards (May 26) information event and a Bee Workshop on June 1!
Growing Food in Containers
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Wednesday, May 20
6:30 pm - 8:15 pm
Edmonds Community School (7651 18th Avenue / Burnaby - map)
Join gardener and permaculturalist Kayla Gagne for a workshop in container food gardening!
Learn how to grow food in small spaces and choose the right container and soil for your plants.
Participants will leave with supplies to start their own container garden.
**REGISTRATION CLOSED**
Sharing Backyards Information Evening
Tuesday, May 26
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
North Burnaby Neighbourhood House (4464 Hastings Street / Burnaby - map)
Join program coordinator Leanne Zmud to find out about Sharing Backyards!
Learn how you can find gardening spots or share your own backyard with landless gardeners. Come meet other program participants and connect with people who have or are looking for garden space!
There will be light refreshments and prizes.
**REGISTRATION CLOSED**
Eat Your Greens With Kids
Wednesday, June 3
6:30 pm - 8:15 pm
Brentwood Community Resource Centre (2055 Rosser Avenue / Burnaby - map)
Join Maya Thau-Eleff for this family cooking workshop on seasonal greens and healthy dishes!
Kids, join your mom or dad in this fun, hands-on cooking lesson.
**REGISTRATION CLOSED**
Also, there is still space in our Sharing Backyards (May 26) information event and a Bee Workshop on June 1!
Growing Food in Containers
Wednesday, May 20
6:30 pm - 8:15 pm
Edmonds Community School (7651 18th Avenue / Burnaby - map)
Join gardener and permaculturalist Kayla Gagne for a workshop in container food gardening!
Learn how to grow food in small spaces and choose the right container and soil for your plants.
Participants will leave with supplies to start their own container garden.
**REGISTRATION CLOSED**
Sharing Backyards Information Evening Tuesday, May 26
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
North Burnaby Neighbourhood House (4464 Hastings Street / Burnaby - map)
Join program coordinator Leanne Zmud to find out about Sharing Backyards!
Learn how you can find gardening spots or share your own backyard with landless gardeners. Come meet other program participants and connect with people who have or are looking for garden space!
There will be light refreshments and prizes.
**REGISTRATION CLOSED**
Eat Your Greens With Kids
Wednesday, June 3 6:30 pm - 8:15 pm
Brentwood Community Resource Centre (2055 Rosser Avenue / Burnaby - map)
Join Maya Thau-Eleff for this family cooking workshop on seasonal greens and healthy dishes!
Kids, join your mom or dad in this fun, hands-on cooking lesson.
**REGISTRATION CLOSED**
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Get Gardening, Burnaby!
The weather is warmer, the trees and plants are in bloom - if you haven't already, it's time to get gardening!
Sharing Backyards Burnaby
One of the biggest barriers to growing food in the city is access to land -- but many people with yards, lawns, and backyards have plenty of room to spare!
Sharing Backyards links people with unused yard space with those looking for a place to grow food. If you have a garden and want to share it with someone, or if you are looking for a space to garden, Sharing Backyards is for you.
How do I register for the program?
Our Sharing Backyards program, in its second year, is now underway!
Head to our Sharing Backyards page for more details on the program and registration process. To register, send us an email to get started!
Get Started
Want to get an idea of how our program works? Check out our feature post (leaflet, PDF). While we have lots of gardens going at the moment, we wanted to let you know about more open opportunities:
North East Burnaby: Two yards (one small yard - one gardener / one large yard - two gardeners)
Central Burnaby: One yard (room for multiple gardeners)
The yard in Central Burnaby operates as an Eco Village. Visit their website for more information.
If you're looking for space or want to offer space in other parts of Burnaby, give us a shout!
One of the biggest barriers to growing food in the city is access to land -- but many people with yards, lawns, and backyards have plenty of room to spare!
Sharing Backyards links people with unused yard space with those looking for a place to grow food. If you have a garden and want to share it with someone, or if you are looking for a space to garden, Sharing Backyards is for you.
How do I register for the program?
Our Sharing Backyards program, in its second year, is now underway!
Head to our Sharing Backyards page for more details on the program and registration process. To register, send us an email to get started!
Get Started
Want to get an idea of how our program works? Check out our feature post (leaflet, PDF). While we have lots of gardens going at the moment, we wanted to let you know about more open opportunities:
North East Burnaby: Two yards (one small yard - one gardener / one large yard - two gardeners)
Central Burnaby: One yard (room for multiple gardeners)
The yard in Central Burnaby operates as an Eco Village. Visit their website for more information.
If you're looking for space or want to offer space in other parts of Burnaby, give us a shout!
Monday, May 4, 2015
Growing Food in Containers and Sharing Backyards Evening
Burnaby Food First has two FREE events coming up!
Growing Food in Containers
Wednesday, May 20
6:30 pm - 8:15 pm
Edmonds Community School (7651 18th Avenue / Burnaby - map)
Join gardener and permaculturalist Kayla Gagne for a workshop in container food gardening!
Learn how to grow food in small spaces and choose the right container and soil for your plants.
Participants will leave with supplies to start their own container garden.
**REGISTRATION CLOSED**
Sharing Backyards Information Evening
Tuesday, May 26
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
North Burnaby Neighbourhood House (4464 Hastings Street / Burnaby - map)
Join program coordinator Leanne Zmud to find out about Sharing Backyards!
Learn how you can find gardening spots or share your own backyard with landless gardeners. Come meet other program participants and connect with people who have or are looking for garden space!
There will be light refreshments and prizes.
Registration is required. To RSVP, please contact Leanne at (604) 618-3581 or by email.
Growing Food in Containers
Wednesday, May 20
6:30 pm - 8:15 pm
Edmonds Community School (7651 18th Avenue / Burnaby - map)
Join gardener and permaculturalist Kayla Gagne for a workshop in container food gardening!
Learn how to grow food in small spaces and choose the right container and soil for your plants.
Participants will leave with supplies to start their own container garden.
**REGISTRATION CLOSED**
Sharing Backyards Information EveningTuesday, May 26
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
North Burnaby Neighbourhood House (4464 Hastings Street / Burnaby - map)
Join program coordinator Leanne Zmud to find out about Sharing Backyards!
Learn how you can find gardening spots or share your own backyard with landless gardeners. Come meet other program participants and connect with people who have or are looking for garden space!
There will be light refreshments and prizes.
Registration is required. To RSVP, please contact Leanne at (604) 618-3581 or by email.
----
Enjoy Burnaby Food First workshops? Want to get involved as a
volunteer?
Check out all the great ways you can get involved. All are welcome, and we'd love to have you on board! For more information, send us an email.
Check out all the great ways you can get involved. All are welcome, and we'd love to have you on board! For more information, send us an email.
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Celebrate Earth Day on April 22
Earth Day is celebrated every year on April 22 by communities and individuals to mark the importance of protecting and preserving our earth, land, water, air, and environment.
Did you know?
What can I do for Earth Day?
You can participate in a number of ways. Perhaps learn about recycling and enjoy an organic BBQ or attend a family nature festival?
Small steps that we as individuals take by changing a habit or altering consumption preferences or improving our lifestyle can also go a long way towards protecting the earth. Here are some ways you can contribute:
Share your experiences of celebrating Earth Day with us! We would love to hear from you.
Did you know?
- The earth is about 70% water but only 1% of this is fresh ground water
- Only 11% of the earth's surface is used to grow food crops
- The earth is currently the only place we know in the entire universe where life exists
 |
| Credit: Burnaby Newsleader |
What can I do for Earth Day?
You can participate in a number of ways. Perhaps learn about recycling and enjoy an organic BBQ or attend a family nature festival?
Small steps that we as individuals take by changing a habit or altering consumption preferences or improving our lifestyle can also go a long way towards protecting the earth. Here are some ways you can contribute:
- Use public transit
- Recycle
- Reduce litter and non-biodegradable garbage such as plastics
- Reuse household items
- Use natural cleaning products
- Choose locally grown food to reduce your carbon footprint
- Invest in smart home technologies, such as energy efficient lighting, shower heads, home insulation, or solar panels
- Join us in our Sharing Backyards project, an initiative to match interested gardeners with available plots, and plant a garden!
Share your experiences of celebrating Earth Day with us! We would love to hear from you.
Saturday, April 11, 2015
Vancity Grant for Burnaby Food First
Vancity, Canada’s largest community credit union, has contributed funds that will help support some exciting upcoming gardening projects in Burnaby!
They have donated a grant that will help Meals on Wheels, partnering with Burnaby Food First, to deliver free gardening workshops to the local community. Part of the funds will also go towards supporting the Sharing Backyards project, an initiative that helps increase the availability of local gardening space.
Burnaby Food First is grateful to Vancity for their generous funding of our programs.
Leona Skovgaard, chair of the Burnaby Food First Steering Committee, gives thanks for this on-going support:
She encourages anyone interested to get involved. “We will be scheduling more free workshops soon, so please keep checking our website for upcoming events.”
You can find details about all of Burnaby Food First's workshops and projects on the Burnaby Food First website. Check back for information on future workshops.
 |
| Cheque presentation ceremony at Vancity North Burnaby Branch Pictured (from left to right): Maria Michayluk (Vancity), Stephen D'Souza (Meals on Wheels), Joyce Cameron (Burnaby Food First), and Carmela Busto (Vancity) Credit: Jennifer Lee |
They have donated a grant that will help Meals on Wheels, partnering with Burnaby Food First, to deliver free gardening workshops to the local community. Part of the funds will also go towards supporting the Sharing Backyards project, an initiative that helps increase the availability of local gardening space.
Burnaby Food First is grateful to Vancity for their generous funding of our programs.
Leona Skovgaard, chair of the Burnaby Food First Steering Committee, gives thanks for this on-going support:
“Thank you to Vancity for the grant and to Meals on Wheels for partnering with us to provide gardening workshops to the community. These workshops will help residents of Burnaby grow their own fruits and vegetables, as well as create a more engaged community through sharing backyards, community gardens, and participation in workshops.”The first gardening workshop, to be held on April 18, will help participants plan their garden; registration has already been filled. Leanne Zmud, program coordinator, is very pleased with the overwhelming response.
She encourages anyone interested to get involved. “We will be scheduling more free workshops soon, so please keep checking our website for upcoming events.”
You can find details about all of Burnaby Food First's workshops and projects on the Burnaby Food First website. Check back for information on future workshops.
Sunday, March 15, 2015
Get Ready to Garden!
The trees are in bloom and flowers are peeking their heads out! With spring around the corner, it's time to get ready to garden!
Sharing Backyards Burnaby
One of the biggest barriers to growing food in the city is access to land -- but many people with yards, lawns, and backyards have plenty of room to spare! Sharing Backyards links people with unused yard space with those looking for a place to grow food. If you have a garden and want to share it with someone, or if you are looking for a space to garden, Sharing Backyards is for you.
How do I register for the program?
Our Sharing Backyards program, in its second year, is now underway!
Head to our Sharing Backyards page for more details on the program and registration process. To register, send us an email to get started!
Get Started
Want to get an idea of how our program works? Check out our feature post (leaflet, PDF). We also have a number of available gardens that we're currently looking to connect gardeners with!
North Burnaby: Two yards (one gardener each)
Burnaby Heights: One yard (one gardener)
Cariboo Hill: One yard (one gardener)
Edmonds (Goodlad Garden): Two to three plots
If you're looking for space or want to offer space in other parts of Burnaby, give us a shout!
Volunteer School Garden Mentors
Looking to share your gardening experience?
We are looking for School Garden Mentors for the Youth Connection Project (funded by VanCity), a partnership between Burnaby Food First and Green Your City.
Garden mentors will work hands-on with Burnaby high school students in their school gardens to help make the gardens a success.
Burnaby Food First is looking for volunteers who are experienced gardeners and enjoy working with youth. Time commitment is flexible. A criminal record check is required.
For more information or to apply to volunteer, send us an email.
Sharing Backyards Burnaby
One of the biggest barriers to growing food in the city is access to land -- but many people with yards, lawns, and backyards have plenty of room to spare! Sharing Backyards links people with unused yard space with those looking for a place to grow food. If you have a garden and want to share it with someone, or if you are looking for a space to garden, Sharing Backyards is for you.
How do I register for the program?
Our Sharing Backyards program, in its second year, is now underway!
Head to our Sharing Backyards page for more details on the program and registration process. To register, send us an email to get started!
Get Started
Want to get an idea of how our program works? Check out our feature post (leaflet, PDF). We also have a number of available gardens that we're currently looking to connect gardeners with!
North Burnaby: Two yards (one gardener each)
Burnaby Heights: One yard (one gardener)
Cariboo Hill: One yard (one gardener)
Edmonds (Goodlad Garden): Two to three plots
If you're looking for space or want to offer space in other parts of Burnaby, give us a shout!
Volunteer School Garden Mentors
We are looking for School Garden Mentors for the Youth Connection Project (funded by VanCity), a partnership between Burnaby Food First and Green Your City.
Garden mentors will work hands-on with Burnaby high school students in their school gardens to help make the gardens a success.
Burnaby Food First is looking for volunteers who are experienced gardeners and enjoy working with youth. Time commitment is flexible. A criminal record check is required.
For more information or to apply to volunteer, send us an email.
Sunday, February 8, 2015
EPIC Gardening Information Evening
Dear Food First-ers,
We wanted to let you know about an interesting community meeting coming up, hosted by EPIC (Edmonds People in Community Association).
The meeting will discuss community-based gardening opportunities in the Edmonds area. We'll be there as part of our Sharing Backyards project!
Wednesday, February 18
From 7:00 pm
Tommy Douglas Library (7311 Kingsway / Burnaby - map)
See you there!
We wanted to let you know about an interesting community meeting coming up, hosted by EPIC (Edmonds People in Community Association).
The meeting will discuss community-based gardening opportunities in the Edmonds area. We'll be there as part of our Sharing Backyards project!
Wednesday, February 18
From 7:00 pm
Tommy Douglas Library (7311 Kingsway / Burnaby - map)
See you there!
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Growing Food and Connecting Neighbours
Meet Edmonds neighbourhood residents, Sonya Govahi and Luci Baja, who were successfully matched through the Sharing Backyards Burnaby project!
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Sharing Backyards is a program that links people in Burnaby with under-used yard space with those looking for a place to grow food.
Sonya is an experienced gardener who missed having the abundance of fresh fruit and veggies that she used to grow in her family’s garden in Iran. Now living in an apartment in Burnaby, with only a small balcony, she was looking for garden space -- so she contacted us about the Sharing Backyards program!
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Homeowner Luci contacted Sharing Backyards because she had extra yard space that she wasn’t using, and she knew that many others in Burnaby didn’t have any yard or garden of their own.
Once both Luci and Sonya had contacted Burnaby Food First, the Sharing Backyards coordinator suggested a meeting between the two be set up since both women live in the same neighbourhood.
Luci and Sonya were eager to meet, and the program coordinator facilitated the first ‘ face-to-face introduction’.
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Luci and Sonya made up their own gardener-homeowner agreement. There are no set rules to doing this -- but there are a few suggested guidelines. Sonya wanted to share the harvest with Luci, and Luci offered Sonya access to the compost bin, spare pots, and garden hose for watering. It was mutually agreed that Sonya could come and go to the garden as she pleased, but had to let Luci know when she would be there.
Luci and Sonya received some seeds and starters from Sharing Backyards Burnaby to help them get their food garden started. They planted strawberries, herbs, kale, beans, and tomatoes. Their shared garden is now well underway!
Want to find out more about Sharing Backyards? Interested in joining the program or know someone who would? For more details, check out our Sharing Backyards page or contact us for more information.
Sharing Backyards is a program that links people in Burnaby with under-used yard space with those looking for a place to grow food.
Sonya is an experienced gardener who missed having the abundance of fresh fruit and veggies that she used to grow in her family’s garden in Iran. Now living in an apartment in Burnaby, with only a small balcony, she was looking for garden space -- so she contacted us about the Sharing Backyards program!
Once both Luci and Sonya had contacted Burnaby Food First, the Sharing Backyards coordinator suggested a meeting between the two be set up since both women live in the same neighbourhood.
Luci and Sonya were eager to meet, and the program coordinator facilitated the first ‘ face-to-face introduction’.
Luci and Sonya made up their own gardener-homeowner agreement. There are no set rules to doing this -- but there are a few suggested guidelines. Sonya wanted to share the harvest with Luci, and Luci offered Sonya access to the compost bin, spare pots, and garden hose for watering. It was mutually agreed that Sonya could come and go to the garden as she pleased, but had to let Luci know when she would be there.
Luci and Sonya received some seeds and starters from Sharing Backyards Burnaby to help them get their food garden started. They planted strawberries, herbs, kale, beans, and tomatoes. Their shared garden is now well underway!
Want to find out more about Sharing Backyards? Interested in joining the program or know someone who would? For more details, check out our Sharing Backyards page or contact us for more information.
Saturday, April 26, 2014
Sharing Backyards comes to Burnaby!
Have a backyard that you’d like to garden, but don’t have the time – or don’t know how? Want to garden but don’t have access to land?
If so, our exciting new gardening program Sharing Backyards is for you! This program links people with unused yard space with those looking for a place to grow food
What is Sharing Backyards?
One of the biggest barriers to growing food in the city is access to land -- but many people with yards, lawns, and backyards have plenty of room to spare! Sharing Backyards links people with unused yard space with those looking for a place to grow food. If you have a garden and want to share it with someone, or if you are looking for a space to garden, Sharing Backyards is for you.
The Sharing Backyards concept was originally conceived by Lifecycles, a non-profit organization based in Victoria. Burnaby Food First operates the Burnaby chapter of Sharing Backyards for Burnaby residents.
How do I register for the program?
Head to our Sharing Backyards program page for details on the registration process.
If you can't find the information you're looking for, send us an email!
If so, our exciting new gardening program Sharing Backyards is for you! This program links people with unused yard space with those looking for a place to grow food
What is Sharing Backyards?
One of the biggest barriers to growing food in the city is access to land -- but many people with yards, lawns, and backyards have plenty of room to spare! Sharing Backyards links people with unused yard space with those looking for a place to grow food. If you have a garden and want to share it with someone, or if you are looking for a space to garden, Sharing Backyards is for you.
The Sharing Backyards concept was originally conceived by Lifecycles, a non-profit organization based in Victoria. Burnaby Food First operates the Burnaby chapter of Sharing Backyards for Burnaby residents.
How do I register for the program?
- Read the Frequently Asked Questions sheet.
- Register on the Burnaby Food First forum to connect with people who have garden space and/or those who want to garden.
- Make a connection with someone in your area.
- Get gardening!
Head to our Sharing Backyards program page for details on the registration process.
If you can't find the information you're looking for, send us an email!
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
What's New with Burnaby Food First
Spring has officially arrived, and we've been working on some really cool things! You may have noticed some changes to our blog over the last couple of months.
First off, thank you to Kristen Robb for donating her time and providing a new Food First logo. It went up over the holidays, and it looks amazing!
We are also delighted to tell you about some new Burnaby Food First projects and programs.
1) Sharing Backyards: Garden Sharing in Burnaby
Have a backyard that you'd like to garden, but don't have the time – or don't know how? Do you want to garden but don't have access to land?
Burnaby Food First is pleased to announce a new gardening program! We have partnered with Sharing Backyards to coordinate their chapter in the City of Burnaby. This program links people with unused yard space with those looking for a place to grow food. The program is 100% free, only costing the price of the gardening materials and supplies involved.
To find out more about the program or to register, please visit our Sharing Backyards page.
Interested in volunteering your time? We have positions open for Food Gardening Volunteers! Check out our position description on our Get Involved page for more information.
2) The Apron Project
Burnaby Food First started the Apron Project in 2013 (see post). The idea to make and sell aprons began with one Food First committee members, who thought we could find donated material and volunteers to make the aprons.
Money raised from the Apron Project is used to offer free community education workshops to the public and support other Burnaby Food First activities. When you buy one of our beautiful aprons, you help Burnaby Food First work towards food security in Burnaby.
You can buy an apron by sending us an email. We're also working on an online apron shop, so check back often for updates!
To learn more about the Project or how you can get involved, please visit our new Apron Project page here.
3) Gardening Education Portal
Want to start your own garden but don't know where to begin? Missed a past Food First gardening workshop and want to catch up?
Our Gardening Education Portal offers a growing number of printable information sheets, planting guides, and other gardening resources, as well as a way to connect with other gardeners.
To get growing, visit our sister blog dedicated to gardening and growing here.
4) Volunteer with Burnaby Food First
Burnaby Food First is excited to announce five new volunteer opportunities! Whether it's helping out with workshops and events or the chance to get your hands into some dirt, there are plenty of ways to get involved.
To check out our volunteer descriptions, please visit the Get Involved page.
5) Burnaby Food First Forum
Keen to chat with others about food security, gardening, or all other things Food First? Head over to our new Burnaby Food First forum.
The forum is open to the public, but member registration is required to post. Please make sure you read through our forum guidelines, Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy before participating.
You can check out the Burnaby Food First forum here.
First off, thank you to Kristen Robb for donating her time and providing a new Food First logo. It went up over the holidays, and it looks amazing!We are also delighted to tell you about some new Burnaby Food First projects and programs.
1) Sharing Backyards: Garden Sharing in Burnaby
Have a backyard that you'd like to garden, but don't have the time – or don't know how? Do you want to garden but don't have access to land?
Burnaby Food First is pleased to announce a new gardening program! We have partnered with Sharing Backyards to coordinate their chapter in the City of Burnaby. This program links people with unused yard space with those looking for a place to grow food. The program is 100% free, only costing the price of the gardening materials and supplies involved.
To find out more about the program or to register, please visit our Sharing Backyards page.
Interested in volunteering your time? We have positions open for Food Gardening Volunteers! Check out our position description on our Get Involved page for more information.
2) The Apron Project
Burnaby Food First started the Apron Project in 2013 (see post). The idea to make and sell aprons began with one Food First committee members, who thought we could find donated material and volunteers to make the aprons.
Money raised from the Apron Project is used to offer free community education workshops to the public and support other Burnaby Food First activities. When you buy one of our beautiful aprons, you help Burnaby Food First work towards food security in Burnaby.
You can buy an apron by sending us an email. We're also working on an online apron shop, so check back often for updates!
To learn more about the Project or how you can get involved, please visit our new Apron Project page here.
3) Gardening Education Portal
Want to start your own garden but don't know where to begin? Missed a past Food First gardening workshop and want to catch up?
Our Gardening Education Portal offers a growing number of printable information sheets, planting guides, and other gardening resources, as well as a way to connect with other gardeners.
To get growing, visit our sister blog dedicated to gardening and growing here.
4) Volunteer with Burnaby Food First
Burnaby Food First is excited to announce five new volunteer opportunities! Whether it's helping out with workshops and events or the chance to get your hands into some dirt, there are plenty of ways to get involved.
To check out our volunteer descriptions, please visit the Get Involved page.
5) Burnaby Food First Forum
Keen to chat with others about food security, gardening, or all other things Food First? Head over to our new Burnaby Food First forum.
The forum is open to the public, but member registration is required to post. Please make sure you read through our forum guidelines, Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy before participating.
You can check out the Burnaby Food First forum here.
Monday, June 17, 2013
Feature: Sharing Backyards
For people who want to grow their own food but lack the yard space, it can be difficult to access land or sufficient space to grow plants or keep planters.
The goal of the Sharing Backyards program is to provide anyone who wants to grow food with the yard space to do it. It encourages urban gardening by connecting those who have the space to garden with those who would like to garden but do not have the necessary space.
By bringing the program to communities, the hope is to, among other things, boost the land available for urban agriculture, lower waiting lists for community garden plots, decrease the amount of food that needs to be shipped across the country, and help people lower their food costs.
Sharing Backyards already exists in a number of different cities, from Vancouver to Ottawa (and all the way to New Zealand!), but if your city doesn't have a program running, you can start a yard-sharing program in your community.
Best of all, whether you're looking for yard space or to share space you already have, Sharing Backyards is 100% free for all users! (Courtesy of sponsors who support each of the local programs.)
Want to know more? Check out Sharing Backyards here.
.JPG) |
| Credit: Christina Mak |
The goal of the Sharing Backyards program is to provide anyone who wants to grow food with the yard space to do it. It encourages urban gardening by connecting those who have the space to garden with those who would like to garden but do not have the necessary space.
By bringing the program to communities, the hope is to, among other things, boost the land available for urban agriculture, lower waiting lists for community garden plots, decrease the amount of food that needs to be shipped across the country, and help people lower their food costs.
Sharing Backyards already exists in a number of different cities, from Vancouver to Ottawa (and all the way to New Zealand!), but if your city doesn't have a program running, you can start a yard-sharing program in your community.
Best of all, whether you're looking for yard space or to share space you already have, Sharing Backyards is 100% free for all users! (Courtesy of sponsors who support each of the local programs.)
Want to know more? Check out Sharing Backyards here.
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