It's More Than Just An Apron - Online Apron Sales Available!

We are very excited to announce the launch of our online apron store!

The Apron Project began in 2013, with an idea from one Burnaby Food First committee member to make and sell aprons to help support Food First activities. Money raised by the Apron Project is used to offer free community education workshops to the public and support other Food First activities.

When you buy one of our beautiful aprons, you help us work towards food security in Burnaby!

One of our fabulous apron models!
Credit: Christina Mak

And now it's even easier to support our work - as you can browse and purchase available aprons online!

The Apron Project is supported by VanCity, Burnaby Public Library, Canadian Mattress Recycling, Game Point Sportswear, Haruna Sales, Afghan Women's Sewing Circle, France's Sewing School, GardenWorks (Mandeville), and an amazing pool of volunteers. For more information, or to sign up to volunteer, please email us . Thanks for your support!

What's Happening in May

Lots of programs and workshops are happening around the Lower Mainland. Check out some of these events!

Artisan Farmers' Markets

It's spring -- time to eat your greens!
Photo Credit: Leanne Zmud

Lonsdale Quay
Location: Lonsdale Quay, East Plaza (123 Carrie Cates Court / North Vancouver - map)
Dates: May 2, 2015 to October 24, 2015
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 2, 2015 to October 24, 2015
Hours: 9:00 am to 2:00 pm each Saturday

Ambleside Market
Location: 1500 Block Bellevue (15th Street and Bellevue Avenue / West Vancouver - map)
Dates: May 3, 2015 to October 25, 2015
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.

Burnaby Food First - Apron Project

If you've been looking to get your hands on one of our fundraiser aprons, come visit the Burnaby Food First booth at the Burnaby location on May 2! Come meet some Food First members and say "Hello" to Emily, our new Events Coordinator!

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

The Flour Peddler

Location: Burnaby Public Library, Metrotown Branch (6100 Willingdon Avenue / Burnaby - map)
Date: Monday, May 25, 2015
Time: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

In 2008, a small-scale flour miller from Sunshine Coast created a handmande bike mill. From the rainforests of Roberts Creek, BC to the bustling streets of Kampala, Uganda, and finally onwards to the village of Panlang in South of Sudan, the Flour Peddler is the story of two community-minded entrepreneurs as they set out to build and deliver their bicycle-powered grain mill to a rural women's cooperative in a tiny village.

This Chris & Josh Hergesheimer presentation and siledeshow will explore the trends and issues of local food systems as well as the challenges and power of alternative food movements.

Event is FREE, but registration is required. Please phone (604) 940-8967 or register online.

For more information, visit the event page here.

Hands-On Cook Off Contest

Deadline: May 15, 2015

This video contest, brought to you by Fraser Health, is about bringing together food and fun in the kitchen. Two generations or two youth come together to demonstrate how to prepare a recipe. You can win some great prizes!

So, choose a recipe, grab your family, film your three-minute video, and upload it! Contest and submission information can be found here: http://www.bettertogetherbc.ca/contest/.

Richmond Community Seed Library

Location: Richmond Public Library, Brighouse (Main) Branch (7700 Minoru Gate / Richmond - map)
Dates: Wednesday, May 13, 2015 and Saturday, May 30, 2015
Time: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

The Richmond Community Seed Library will be available at the Brighouse Branch of the Richmond Public Library. Drop by, join the seed library, and start growing!

For more information, visit the Seed Library page here. 

Wild Salmon Caravan

Date: Thursday, May 14, 2015
Location: Vancouver Art Gallery (750 Hornby Street / Vancouver - map)
Time: 10:30 am

Traveling from Prince George/William Lake (on Sunday, May 10) to Vancouver (on Thursday, May 14), the BC Food System Network hopes everyone will join the caravan to celebrate the strength and resiliency of wild salmon.

There are different ways to get involved!
Event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/683957878397505/
YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIlXaCpilr0

Richmond Food Security Society Annual General Meeting

Location: Terra Nova Red Barn (2631 Westminster Highway / Richmond - map)
Date: Saturday, May 16, 2015
Time: 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Join new Executive Director, Anita Georgy, of Richmond Food Security Society for their Annual General Meeting! Find out more about the work they have done in the past year and what work is planned for the future.

For more information, visit the meeting page here.

All Things Vegetarian and Vegan at Veg Expo 2015 - May 31st 


Find out about new and tasty plant-based products to try at the largest Vegetarian and Vegan event in Vancouver!
 
Location: 999 Canada Place, Vancouver - map
Date: Sunday May 31, 2015
Time: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Visit website at:  http://www.vegexpo.ca/

Burnaby Food First Sewing Circle Meeting

The next meeting of the Burnaby Food First Sewing Circle is coming up soon!

Burnaby Food First Sewing Circle

Date: Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Location: Burnaby Neighbourhood House, Banquet Room B (4460 Beresford Street / Burnaby - map)
Time: Meeting starts at 7:00 pm

If you're interested in our Apron Project, this is the place to be! We welcome new sewing volunteers, in addition to existing volunteers. Fabric and thread will be provided.

Burnaby Neighbourhood House is conveniently located across the street from the Metrotown bus loop and SkyTrain.

If you have any questions about the meeting, please send us an email.

Sneak Peek of the Apron Project

While we were out, we've been up to some cool things for Food First's Apron Project.

Earlier this month, community volunteers and Food First members got together to photograph and model some of the aprons that our sewing volunteers have been hard at work on. (Models and kitchen gadgetry not included with the actual aprons.)

Thank you to all the volunteers and Food First members who came out to help that day!

Credit: Christina Mak

Here are some behind-the-scenes photos from the apron photo shoot:

Credit: Christina Mak

Credit: Daniel Lane

Credit: Daniel Lane

Credit: Daniel Lane

If you would like to find out more about Burnaby Food First's Apron Project or volunteer, visit the project website for information on getting involved.

Apron Project: Volunteers Needed

As many of you, our friends in food security, may know, Burnaby Food First volunteers have been sewing handmade aprons using donated fabric for the past couple of years.

These one-of-a-kind productions are being sold at the Burnaby Farmers' Market and at other local events around town. All of the monies raised from apron sales go right back into supporting our many food security activities, including workshops and events.

The project has really expanded recently, and we want to start selling aprons online here on our blog -- but to do that, we need pictures. Here is where you come in!

Volunteers Needed! Apron Project Photo Shoot

We need models -- no experience necessary -- to pose wearing our aprons, so that pictures can be taken for our online catalogue. Are you interested? We would love your help!

For more information or to sign up to volunteer, please email us.

Apron Project: Volunteers Needed

As many of you, our friends in food security, may know, Burnaby Food First volunteers have been sewing handmade aprons using donated fabric for the past couple of years.

These one-of-a-kind productions are being sold at the Burnaby Farmers' Market and at other local events around town. All of the monies raised from apron sales go right back into supporting our many food security activities, including workshops and events.

The project has really expanded recently, and we want to start selling aprons online here on our blog -- but to do that, we need pictures. Here is where you come in!

Volunteers Needed! Apron Project Photo Shoot

We need models -- no experience necessary -- to pose wearing our aprons, so that pictures can be taken for our online catalogue. Are you interested? We would love your help!

For more information or to sign up to volunteer, please email us.

What's Happening in August

It's warm and beautiful out, and we're halfway through summer, so get out there and make the most of it! We've got a list of some awesome events around the city for those sunny days, as well as some when you may need a little shade.

Artisan Farmers' Markets

Credit: France's Sewing School

Lonsdale Quay
Location: Lonsdale Quay, East Plaza (123 Carrie Cates Court / North Vancouver - map)
Dates: May 3, 2014 to October 25, 2014
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 3, 2014 to October 25, 2014
Hours: 9:00 am to 2:00 pm each Saturday

Ambleside Market
Location: West Vancouver Police Station, Parking Lot (14th Street and Bellevue Avenue / West Vancouver - map)
Dates: May 4, 2014 to October 26, 2014
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.

Burnaby Food First - Apron Project

If you've been looking to get your hands on one of our fundraiser aprons, come visit the Burnaby Food First booth at the Burnaby location on August 23!

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

From Field to Fork

Location: Burnaby Village Museum (6501 Deer Lake Avenue / Burnaby - map)
Dates: July and August, Wednesday and Saturday, 1:00 pm

Every Wednesday and Saturday at 1:00 pm over July and August, join others at Burnaby Village Museum for a tour to plant seeds, pull some weeds, and learn about Burnaby farming communities.

Space is limited! For details on registration or updates on tour information, visit the event website here.

Vancouver Farmers' Markets

Trout Lake Market
Location: John Hendry Park, North Parking Lot (East 13th Avenue @ Lakewood and Templeton / Vancouver - map)
Dates: May 10, 2014 to October 18, 2014
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 11, 2014 to October 19, 2014
Hours: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm each Sunday

West End Market
Location: 1100 Block of Comox Street across from Nelson Park (Mole Hill / Vancouver - map)
Dates: May 31, 2014 to October 18, 2014
Hours: 9:00 am to 2:00 pm each Saturday

Yaletown Market
Location: Mainland Street between Davie Street and Helmcken Street (Yaletown-Roundhouse / Vancouver - map)
Dates: May 1, 2014 to October 2, 2014
Hours: 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm each Thursday 

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/

Grandview-Woodlands Food Connection

Location: Britannia Community Centre (1991 Napier Street / Vancouver - map)
Cost: $15

Check out these cool food and gardening workshops by the Grandview-Woodlands Food Connection! For details on individual workshops or to register, visit their website: http://gwfoodconnection.wordpress.com/workshops/

Upcoming Workshops

August 24: Homemade Yoghurt and Kefir Making
August 31: Sauerkraut and Vegetable Fermentation

Renfrew-Collingwood Food Security Institute 

Location: Various
Cost: Free

The Renfrew-Collingwood Food Security Institute strives to increase individual, family, and community capacity to overcome food insecurity. They facilitate learning, leadership, and networking around food sharing, organic growing, food sovereignty, and nutrition for local residents.

For winter and spring this year, they are hosting and offering activities at several locations around the neighbourhood, from community kitchens and a buying club to gardening workshops and seed swaps.

For more about this year's programming, visit their brochure here.

To find out more about the Institute, visit the website.

Burnaby Food First at Edmonds Street Fair

Thank you all for braving the rain last weekend and coming out to the Edmonds Street Fair!

We spent the day chatting with interested folks, talking about Food First projects, promoting the Apron Project, and handing out free seed packets.

If you'd like to catch us in action -- or get your hands on one of our darling aprons (or grocery totes, pot holders, or other goodies) -- come check us out at the Burnaby Farmers' Market on August 23, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm!

Credit: Leanne Zmud

Credit: Leanne Zmud

Credit: Leanne Zmud

Credit: Leanne Zmud

Credit: Leanne Zmud

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.

Sewing for Food Security: Thanks to Blink Beauty Parlour!

This project just keeps growing thanks to our great community partners!

Burnaby Food First started the Apron Project in 2013. With help from our wonderful volunteers and donors we make adult and children's aprons to raise funds to continue our grassroots work in food security.

One of our partners - Blink Beauty Parlour - has been featuring our aprons on their Facebook page and they will be selling them at an Easter Egg hunt this weekend! 

A big thank you to them for featuring, promoting, and selling Burnaby Food First Aprons!

Burnaby Food First Aprons never looked SO GOOD...

Next 'Sewing for Food Security' Meeting

Sewing volunteers for The Apron Project are invited to attend a meeting:

Tommy Douglas Library (7311 Kingsway - map) on Tuesday, January 21 starting at 7:00 pm.

See you there!

One of our Apron Volunteers hard at work!
Credit: Rebekah Mahaffey

More Sewing Volunteers Needed for our Apron Project!

Want to help Sew for Food Security?

The next meeting of The Apron Project Sewing Circle is Tuesday, November 12 at 7:00 pm at the Tommy Douglas Library. Bring your ideas and any fabric you may have that is suitable for sewing aprons.

Don't have fabric? Come anyway, and we will provide the fabric and thread!

People of all ages, including Antonietta Gabriele, aged 82 (see photo below!), are sewing aprons to raise funds for Burnaby Food First to do our work in food security. All funds earned will be used to provide free education workshops and fund other Burnaby Food First projects.

Antonietta Gabriele, one of our volunteers!
Credit: Maria Finamore

Can't sew or don't have time, but have used or new fabric? Fabric may be dropped off at the South Burnaby or Brentwood Branches of VanCity or at the Tommy Douglas Library.

Sewing for Food Security

New Sewing Volunteers for The Apron Project are invited to attend a meeting:

Tommy Douglas Library (7311 Kingsway - map) on Tuesday, October 8th starting at 7:00pm

One of our volunteers hard at work!
Credit: Cruz

All new sewers welcome. Bring your apron ideas!

For more information, email burnabyfoodfirst@gmail.com.

Volunteer Needed: Apron Production Manager

Dear Food First Community:

Do you like organizing? We need your help! Our apron fundraising project is moving along well, but we need some extra help with organizing, promoting, and developing the project! Help us sell our cute aprons! All the proceeds go right back to helping us promote Food Security in Burnaby.

Some adorable aprons from France's Sewing School!

The time commitment is 3 hours a week, and we'll make sure you are well recognized on our blog and in the community.

To volunteer, please email burnabyfoodfirst@gmail.com. We can't wait to meet you!

**Apron Production Manager position has been filled**

Interested in buying an apron? Prices are:

Children's Aprons are $10 to $15
Adult Aprons are $20 to $30. 

Just send us an email at burnabyfoodfirst@gmail.com and we'll get back to you!

Children's aprons are $10 to $15.  Adult aprons are $20 to $30. 

Feature: Janice Bobic of My Father's Garden

Have you ever thought about growing your own food but figured that your little patch of lawn just wasn't enough? Or maybe you're sceptical about whether you could produce enough food for a couple of meals (never mind for more than one)?

If you've been doing the rounds at the Burnaby Farmers' Market this summer or following some of the Burnaby Food First workshops, you may be familiar with the name Janice Bobic. Yes, she sells aprons for our Sewing Project, but what you may not know is that the range of edible goodies she also has up for offer are the product of her small home garden.

With her little plot of land, Janice produces honey and a variety of fruits for her business -- as well as almost all of her own personal vegetables!

Still don't believe us? Check out some photos from her garden (and some of the cool things she grows) at the end of the post!

Interested in seeing for yourself? You can catch Janice at the Burnaby Farmer's Market each week until the end of the market's run in October.

Thank You to the Afghan Women's Sewing Circle!

Burnaby Food First would like to thank the hard-working members of the Afghan Women's Sewing Circle for their generous donation of time and sewing talent to make aprons for our fundraising project! 

Food First is also grateful to the many other individuals, groups, and organizations that have generously contributed to our apron project. 

If you are interested in buying an apron, look for them at an upcoming Burnaby Farmer's Market
at the My Father's Garden table, or contact us at (604) 570-3623.

Our fabulous sewing volunteers hard at work!
Photo Credit: Afghan Women's Sewing Circle

Interested in buying an apron? Prices are:

Children's Aprons are $10 to $15
Adult Aprons are $20 to $30. 

Just send us an email at burnabyfoodfirst@gmail.com and we'll get back to you!

Sewing for Food Security

The 'food security sew-a-thon' at France's Sewing School on May 30 was a great success! As well, a group of friends got together at the School for a sewing party just a few weeks ago.

Burnaby Food First is very lucky to have friends and supporters like you - thank you! 

The aprons produced at these events will be used by Burnaby Food First as part of our apron fundraising project, with all proceeds going directly to benefit food security in Burnaby.

Food First is also grateful to the many other individuals, groups, and organizations that have generously contributed to our apron project.

For more information about France's Sewing School, send an email or call (604) 433-1030.

Great group of friends -- thank you!Credit: France Dorais

Serious sewers!Credit: France Dorais

Interested in buying an apron? Prices are:

Children's Aprons are $10 to $15
Adult Aprons are $20 to $30. 

Just send us an email at burnabyfoodfirst@gmail.com and we'll get back to you!

So... Can You Sew?

So... can you sew? If so, we'd like your help!

Some adorable aprons from France's Sewing School!

Burnaby Food First is looking for volunteers to sew aprons. We are making adult and children's aprons to raise funds to continue our grassroots work in food security.

One of our volunteers hard at work!
Credit: Laura van Wensveen

Another volunteer hard at work!
Credit: Cruz

 All fabric and thread will be provided. This is a great way to make a contribution from the comfort of your own home.

Kid's apron all ready to go! Credit: Karen Winstanley	More cute kids' aprons Credit: Laura van Wensveen and Joan Blair
We just love these adorable kids' aprons! Credit: Karen Winstanley	Adult aprons -- the practical, stylish option! Credit: Leona Skovgaard

Sew easy! For more information, or to sign up to volunteer, please email burnabyfoodfirst@gmail.com.


Interested in buying an apron? Prices are:

Children's Aprons are $10 to $15
Adult Aprons are $20 to $30. 

Just send us an email at burnabyfoodfirst@gmail.com and we'll get back to you!

Fabric has been donated by: Amanda, Joan Blair, Chris Burges, Canadian Mattress Recycling, Georgina Kersey, Carla, Kathryn Bass, Linda, Mona, Lynne McClintick, Janis Nylund, Melinda Ho, and Our Social Fabric

Thread has been donated by: Adrienn Bokor, Gamepoint Sportswear Ltd., Haruna Sales, Dave and Jean Price

Sewing Volunteers (so far!): Afghan Women's Sewing Circle, Cruz, Carol De Villiers, Fawn, France's Sewing School, Anastasia Frank, Antonietta Gabriele, Marion Hartley, Eva Ho, Suk Ching Ho-Chung, Maureen Hopper, Rosey Luc, Lorena Mar, Geri Mitchell, Leah Mosoff, Susannah Showick, Laura Van Wensveen, Karen Winstanley, Gloria Wong.