What's Happening in May

The weather is getting warmer and flowers are in bloom -- it's time to get outside and enjoy all the cool events going on around the city! Whether you're looking to try your hand at gardening or want to get the first look at the farmers' market harvests, there's plenty going on this month.

Artisan Farmers' Markets

Lonsdale Quay
Location: Lonsdale Quay, East Plaza (123 Carrie Cates Court / North Vancouver - map)
Dates: May 4, 2013 to October 26, 2013
Hours: 10:00 am to 3:00 pm each Saturday

Burnaby Market
Location: Burnaby City Hall, North Parking Lot (4949 Canada Way / Burnaby - map)
Dates: May 4, 2013 to October 26, 2013
Hours: 9:00 am to 2:00 pm each Saturday

Ambleside Market
Location: West Vancouver Police Station, Parking Lot (13th and 14th Street and Bellevue Avenue / West Vancouver - map)
Dates: May 5, 2013 to October 27, 2013
Hours: 10:00 am to 3:00 pm each Sunday

Find a great selection of conventional and organic foods, from fresh produce to prepared food and handmade products. There's everything from jam, honey, and salsa to berries and greens!

The markets also host a book exchange, reading area, and activities table and live music.

In an effort to reduce plastic use, please bring your own plastic or reusable shopping bags.

For more information on these markets, including monthly market events, visit the Artisan Farmers' Markets website: http://www.artisanmarkets.ca/

Aquaponics: Sustainable Fish from Your Own Backyard

Location: To be disclosed
Date: May 4, 2013, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Cost: $8.25

Join Shaun Mavronicola for a practical workshop on how to produce organic vegetables and fresh fish in just one sustainable, closed-loop system all in your backyard.

Note that this is an outdoor workshop, so be sure to dress for the weather, rain or shine!

Space is limited, and registration is required.

For more information or to register, visit the workshop page: http://www.northshorerecycling.ca/

The Book of Kale

Location: Tommy Douglas Library (7311 Kingsway / Burnaby - map)
Date: May 5, 2013, from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Cost: FREE (Registration required)

Kale is one of the most nutrient-dense greens out there -- but many people may not know that they should be eating it or just don't know how delicious it can be.

Author Sharon Hanna (The Book of Kale) will be at the Library to discuss her best-selling cookbook, a garden-to-kitchen guide that gives readers all they need to know to grow and cook this amazing, versatile veggie.

Books will also be available for purchase at the event for $25.00.

Registration is required, and space is limited. For more information or to register, visit the event website: http://www.bpl.bc.ca/events/the-book-of-kale

Need inspiration? Check out this recipe for easy Kale Chips.

Vancouver Farmers' Markets

Trout Lake Market
Location: John Hendry Park, North Parking Lot (East 13th Avenue @ Lakewood and Templeton / Vancouver - map)
Dates: May 11, 2013 to October 19, 2013
Hours: 9:00 am to 2:00 pm each Saturday

Kitsilano Market
Location: Kitsilano Community Centre, Parking Lot (2690 Larch Street / Vancouver - map)
Dates: May 12, 2013 to October 20, 2013
Hours: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm each Sunday

Vendors include farmers, fishers, artisans, food preparers, and more! The markets this year will also feature a great list of events and activities, as well as the upcoming Fun With Food stations, getting people of all ages involved in food literacy education. Click here for more information on events at the markets.

In an effort to reduce plastic use at the market, please bring your own shopping bags.

For more information on the market, including transportation and parking at the site, please visit their website: http://www.eatlocal.org/

Source: Grandview-Woodlands
Food Connection

18th Annual Stone Soup Festival

Location: Britannia Community Centre (1661 Napier Street / Vancouver - map)
Date: May 11, 2013, from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Cost: FREE

The Festival is a celebration of food, art, environment, and community, including a food market, local artists, community groups, talks and workshops, live music, and a host of other activities. Join others and celebrate the diversity of food in the neighbourhood and the importance of food and the environment to the culture of the community.

For details on the Festival, visit http://gwfoodconnection.wordpress.com/events/

Patio Veggies

Location: John Braithwaite Community Centre (145 West 1st Street / North Vancouver - map)
Date: May 14, 2013, from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Cost: $8.25

Limited space but want to grow your own food? Join Heather Johnstone to learn all about container gardening.

Space is limited, and registration is required.

For more information or to register, visit the workshop page: http://www.northshorerecycling.ca/

Food and Diabetes

Location: Britannia Community Centre (1661 Napier Street / Vancouver - map)
Date: May 30, 2013, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Cost: $15

While genetic factors play a role in susceptibility to diabetes, environmental factors are often required to bring upon its onset.

Come learn how to prevent and cope with diabetes naturally through food and lifestyle choices, and walk away with the knowledge and tools to identify healthy food options and avoid poor food choices. Get recipe ideas, meal plans, information on helpful herbs and supplements, and tips on addressing related lifestyle factors.

For more information on this and other workshops and events by Grandview-Woodlands Food Connection, or to register, visit their Workshops page: http://gwfoodconnection.wordpress.com/workshops/