Upcoming Forum: Food For Today and Food for the Future

Burnaby Food Matters:
Food for Today and Food for the Future

Join us on Wednesday, June 8th for our second food forum: Burnaby Food Matters - Food for Today
and Food for the Future!

When: Wednesday, June 8, 2016
Where: Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre (6688 Southoaks Crescent / Burnaby - map)

Registration: 1:15 pm to 2:00 pm

Afternoon Session: 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm

• Presentations about the state of food - from seed to table to compost
• "World cafe" style sessions

Nourish and Network: 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm
A light dinner will be provided to all registrants
 
Evening Session: 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

• Speakers on the "state of food" and farming in Burnaby
• Hands-on workshops and demonstrations

Come together to

• Learn about local programs and projects.
• Be inspired by great ideas and displays for the future of food.
• Learn about how you can make change where you live, work, play, volunteer and learn.
• Discuss why food is important and how it helps us and our communities stay healthy.

Participants are welcome to join one or both sessions!

Registration link: https://burnabyfoodmatters.eventbrite.com

We look forward to seeing you at our event!

Thank you to the following sponsors:

• United Way of the Lower Mainland
• Vancity
• Fraser Health

Food Forum: Food for Today and Food for the Future - June 8th

Burnaby Food Matters
Food for Today and Food for the Future

Join us on Wednesday June 8th for our second food forum: Burnaby Food Matters - Food for Today

and Food for the Future!

When: Wednesday June 8, 2016
Where: Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre,
6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby

Registration: 1:15 pm to 2:00 pm

Afternoon Session: 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm

• Presentations about the state of food - from seed to table to compost.
• "World cafe" style sessions

Nourish and network (a light dinner will be provided to all registrants)

Evening Session: 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

• Speakers on the "state of food" and farming in Burnaby
• Hands-on workshops and demonstrations

Come together to:

• Learn about local programs and projects.
• Be inspired by great ideas and displays for the future of food.
• Learn about how you can make change where you live, work, play, volunteer and learn.
• Discuss why food is important and how it helps us and our communities stay healthy.

Participants are welcome to join one or both sessions!

Registration link: https://burnabyfoodmatters.eventbrite.com

We look forward to seeing you at our event!

Thank you to the following sponsors:

• United Way of the Lower Mainland
• Vancity
• Fraser Health

Relationship between Bees, Plants, and People Workshop

To continue on the "Bee" theme...

FREE PUBLIC LECTURE from Langara College:
The Relationship between Bees, Plants and People: Stresses and Opportunities With Brian Campbell

There is an intimate relationship between bees and flowering plants that, due to many changes in the environment, has been under tremendous stress.  Come and learn about some of the conditions that are causing declines in bee populations and how we can better align our activities to support pollinators.

Where: Langara College (100 West 49^th Avenue) Room A122A

When: Thursday April 21^st at 7pm until 8:30pm

Cost: FREE but you must register to attend, as space is limited.

To register call: 604.323.5322 with Conference # 51150.

Brian Campbell, the lead instructor of the Langara Sustainable Urban Beekeeping Program and the founder of Blessed Bee Apiaries and the Bee School. He became immersed in the rich and amazing world of bees while he and his four sons spent many a glorious day observing the curious activities of bees: noticing their consistent patterns, collective activities, and the surprising comparisons to our own human patterns and behaviours. He is a certified bee master and beekeeper, and heavily involved in food security issues in Richmond and the Lower Mainland. He is a former president of the Richmond Beekeepers Association, a member of the Master Gardener Association of BC, and a Sustainable Gardening and Bee Master to West Coast Seeds.

FREE INTRODUCTION TO PERMACULTURE DAY!

Come learn about Permaculture and the Langara Permaculture Design course in a free Introduction to Permaculture day on Saturday April 23rd at Langara College.

YOU MUST REGISTER to attend.

Email Delvin Solkinson: delvin@cosm.org.

He will provide you with a room number and details upon confirmation of registration. Permaculture is a toolkit for the conscious design of our homes, gardens, lifestyles and neighbourhoods. It provides practical solutions to pressing local and global challenges.

For more information, please visit: www.langara.bc.ca/permaculture.

Annual Fundraiser: Natural Sweetness Workshop

Burnaby Food First is pleased to invite you to our first annual fundraising workshop!

Natural Sweetness: You are sweet enough already!

Monday, November 16
6:00 pm - 9:00pm
Brentwood Community Resource Centre (2055 Rosser Avenue / Burnaby - map)

In this hands-on workshop, chef and Holistic Nutritionist Andrea Potter will introduce us to the basic concepts behind creating delicious and healthy raw desserts. Now you can have your cake and eat it too!

We will be incorporating superfoods such as maca, hemp hearts, coconut oil, and more into our decadent creations.

Raw desserts are naturally free of refined sugar, dairy, eggs and flour. Yummy tastings included!

Tickets: $65 (includes a hands-on cooking session and tastings).

Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite at http://naturalsweetness.eventbrite.ca or by calling (604) 294-7421.

Location: Two blocks from Brentwood Skytrain Station. Limited street parking is available. Please consider biking or taking transit.

This workshop is a fundraiser for Burnaby Food First. All proceeds will go to support Food First programs and community workshops. For more information, please visit http://burnabyfoodfirst.blogspot.ca/.

Upcoming Workshop! Eating Your Garden Harvest

Join Burnaby Food First for another free community workshop!

Eating Your Garden Harvest

Saturday, September 26

11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Goodlad Community Garden, Backyard (7912 Goodlad Street / Burnaby - map)

Join Megan Ellis  to learn some simple recipes using food that you can grow in your garden. Please dress for the weather. We will be outside, rain or shine. 

No registration required. Drop-in and join us!

Workshop will be followed with a Garden Harvest Festival starting at 2:00 pm! This 'Eat, Think, Vote' event is hosted by Edmonds People in Community Association along with other great community partners. Lots of music, fun and food for the whole family. See you there!

Come one, come all!

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

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**

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.

----

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.

Evening for Burnaby Food First Volunteers

Join us on Wednesday, April 22, 2015 for an evening of

• Getting to know one another over tasty desserts (including gluten-free options)
• Learning more about Burnaby Food First's volunteer opportunities
• Making seedling pots for yourself as well as Burnaby Food First

New volunteers welcome!

Where: Tommy Douglas Library (7311 Kingsway / Burnaby - map)

When: Wednesday, April 22, 2015, 6:30 pm to 8:15 pm

To register, please email Joyce or call (604) 293-1748.

What's Happening in March

It's still chilly out, but the trees are in bloom, so grab your coat and boots, and check out some of these events around town!

Knife Skills Workshop

Location: Greater Vancouver Food Bank (1150 Raymur Avenue / Vancouver - map)
Date: March 6, 2015 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Cost: $45.00 (PDF)

This one-day workshop will describe the different types of knives as well as care and maintenance techniques. The instructors will demonstrate different methods on cutting various food products, including fish, meats, and poultry. Discussion on ways to reduce food waste during food preparation is an integral part of this workshop. A full, delicious, healthy lunch will be prepared and shared by the participants!

For more information or to register, please email Lisa Bouwmeester or call (604) 216-3073.

SFU Food Education Days

Location: Simon Fraser University (8888 University Drive / Burnaby - map)
Date: From March 11-13, 2015
Cost: FREE

Food Education Days, organized by Sustainable SFU, seeks to engage students to learn more about issues of food access and security, food waste, local food production, community gardening and composting, and more. The event includes a movie screening, market, and information sessions.

Burnaby Food First will also be in attendance at the market on March 12, 2015.

Sustainable SFU is a student society that aims to make our campuses and communities more sustainable through student leadership, advocacy and educational events around food, waste, transit and climate.

For more information about Food Education Days, visit the event website.

Plant This Movie Screening

Location: Kerrisdale Community Centre (5851 West Boulevard / Vancouver - map)
Date: March 20, 2015 from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Cost: FREE (all ages)

“Plant This Movie” explores urban farming around the world, from the incredible story of Havana, Cuba to communities of urban farmers in cities as diverse as Shanghai, Calcutta, Addis Ababa, London, and Lima. In the US, the story focuses on communities in New York, New Orleans, Los Angeles, and Portland. The film is narrated by Daryl Hannah.

The filmmaker Karney Hatch from Portland, OR will be present for Q&A. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information, visit the event page here.

Just Film Festival

Location: Langara College (100 West 49th Avenue / Vancouver - map)
Date: March 20 to March 22, 2015
Cost: From $10 to $35 (Discounts available for CoDev members, students, seniors, and low-income individuals)

Source: Just Film Festival

The Just Film Festival (formerly, the World Community Film Festival), hosted by CoDevelopment Canada, returns for another year with a collection of over 20 social justice and environmental documentaries -- covering issues from food and farming to sustainability and globalization.

For more information about the festival and this year's films or to buy advance tickets, visit their website.

Vancouver Winter Farmers' Market

Location: Nat Bailey Stadium, East Parking Lot (4601 Ontario Street / Vancouver - map)
Dates: November 1, 2014 to April 25, 2015
Hours: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm each Saturday

Vendors include farmers, fishers, artisans, food preparers, and more! Also find a selection of food trucks and hot drink vendors. Bring your food scraps from home to recycle at the Food Scraps Drop Spot.

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/

3rd Annual East Side Beer Fest

Location: Wise Hall (1882 Adanac Street / Vancouver - map)
Date: March 11, 2015 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Cost: $24.99, plus non-perishable donation to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank

The Liberty Merchant Company proudly presents the 3rd Annual East Side Beer Fest tasting event!

The event will feature craft beers from all over the world as well samples from food purveyors on Commercial Drive. Some of participants lined up for this year’s event include 33 Acres Brewing Co., Parallel 49 Brewing Co., Dageraad Beer, Four Winds Brewing Company and Driftwood Beer from Victoria as well as Copper & Theory supplier of artisans beers and Untapped BC which imports craft beer & cider into BC.

Tickets are available at all Liberty Wine Merchant locations. For more information on the event, visit the website here.

Homesteader's Emporium

Location: Various (check website)
Cost: Starting from $20

Check out some of these workshops hosted by the Homesteader's Emporium! For times, details, and registration for individual workshops, visit their Workshops page: http://www.homesteadersemporium.ca/calendar/

Upcoming Workshops

March 14: Introduction to Permaculture
March 14: Spring Mason Bee Keeping
March 28-30: The Bee School (weekend workshop)

Seasons of Food Workshops

Location: Hastings Community Centre (3096 East Hastings Street / Vancouver - map)
Cost: $15.00

Upcoming Workshops

March 4: Introduction to Water Bath Canning
March 7: Kids in the Kitchen
March 13: Indian Cuisine
March 19: Japanese Cuisine

For more information or to register, please email Seasons of Food.

GardenSmart Workshops

Location: Various (check website)
Cost: $8.25

Learn how to grow your own food, support your local ecology, and reduce waste in your own backyard. GardenSmart Workshops are brought to you by the North Shorth Recycling Program, the Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre, and the Edible Garden Project.

Registration is required. To register or for more information, visit the workshop Eventbrite page here.

Upcoming Workshops
 
March 7: Backyard Seed Saving (FREE)
March 8: Fruit Tree Pruning
March 14: Seed Starting
March 21: Supporting Native Bees
March 22: Your First Vegetable Garden

Burnaby Food First - Volunteer Appreciation Dinner

To celebrate our wonderful volunteers -- we couldn't do it without you! -- Burnaby Food First friends recently gathered to eat and be merry together. 

Credit: Rebekah Mahaffey

The yummy dinner was from B.C. sources as much as possible -- including salmon from Regent Fish Market (Burnaby, BC), produce from Klippers Organics (Similkameen Valley, BC) and Ice Cap Organics (Pemberton, BC), and bread made by Anne of Companion Bakehouse (Burnaby, BC) with flour from Urban Grains (Agassiz, BC).

We were also treated to a great workshop by the fabulous Andrea Potter of Rooted Nutrition, where we learned how to make kombucha. 

Credit: Rebekah Mahaffey

A HUGE thanks to Vancity Branch 43 (Brentwood Community Branch) for sponsoring the event! A great time was had by all. See you next year!

Greater Vancouver Food Bank at Rogers Santa Claus Parade

The Greater Vancouver Food Bank is BC's largest food bank. As we head into the holidays, they have seen a significant decrease in food supply and donations this year. On average, over half of the food donations the Food Bank receives in a year come in during the holiday period.

Source: Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society

The holiday season sees an increase in usage at the food bank, but many people throughout the year continue to use food banks to make up for household food shortfalls. Did you know? Almost a third of food bank users in BC are actually children.

So, what is the Greater Vancouver Food Bank looking for? Items include canned fish or beans, natural peanut butter, canned fruits or veggies, whole-wheat pasta, and rice.

Tomorrow (Sunday, December 7, 2014) is the 11th Annual Rogers' Santa Claus Parade, which also fundraises for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank.

Rogers' Santa Claus Parade

Date: Sunday, December 7, 2014
Location: Downtown Vancouver (route information)
Cost: FREE

The Rogers' Santa Claus Parade is one of the largest events organized to raise food and money for the Food Bank. The parade starts at 1:00 pm and other event festivities start from 10:30 am.

Participants are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food or money donation on parade day for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. Donations can also be made online.

For more information on the event or find out more about the Greater Vancouver Food Bank, visit the Santa Claus Parade website: http://rogerssantaclausparade.com/

Tommy Douglas Library 5th Anniversary Celebration

Burnaby Public Library, one of our organization members, is hosting their 5th anniversary celebration for the Tommy Douglas branch!

Tommy Douglas Library 5th Anniversary Celebration

Location: Burnaby Public Library, Tommy Douglas Branch (7311 Kingsway / Burnaby - map)
Time: Saturday, November 22, 2014 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Cost: FREE

Join library staff for hands-on activities for all ages, musical presentations, and cake and prizes.

There will also be a special sushi making presentation by Teen Librarian Rachel Yaroshuk in partnership with Burnaby Food First at 12:00 pm. The sushi making demonstration will be a drop-in event, but space will be limited.

Registration is not required.

What's Happening in November

It's getting colder out, but there are still some cool events around town. Bundle up and head out, or cozy up at one of the events or workshops!

Vancouver Winter Farmers' Market

Location: Nat Bailey Stadium, East Parking Lot (4601 Ontario Street / Vancouver - map)
Dates: November 1, 2014 to April 25, 2015
Hours: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm each Saturday

Vendors include farmers, fishers, artisans, food preparers, and more! Also find a selection of food trucks and hot drink vendors. Bring your food scraps from home to recycle at the Food Scraps Drop Spot.

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/

Tommy Douglas Library Anniversary

Location: Burnaby Public Library, Tommy Douglas Branch (7311 Kingsway / Burnaby - map)
Date: November 22, 2014
Hours: 11:00 am to 4:00 pm

Visit the library for arts and crafts and other activities in celebration of their 5th anniversary!

Check here for more details.

Seasons of Food Workshops

Location: Hastings Community Centre (3096 East Hastings Street / Vancouver - map)
Cost: $15.00

Upcoming Workshops

November 2: Permaculture Planning
November 6: Healthy Oils
November 12: Holiday Biscotti
November 16: Permaculture Planning
November 18: No Knead Bread
November 26: Holiday Cake Pops

For more information or to register, please email Seasons of Food.

The Future of Food and Farming

Date: November 8, 2014 from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm
Location: Langley Events Centre (7888 200 Street / Langley - map)
Cost: $25 (plus GST)

The Langley Sustainable Agriculture Foundation is hosting a workshop featuring renowned farmer and author Joel Salatin (Polyface Farms), as well as Julia Smith (Urban Digs) and Chris Bodnar (Close to Home Organics).

Join Joel, Julia, and Chris for information on sustainable methods for managing land and ways to make a viable living as a farmer.

This workshop is sponsored by the Township of Langley and VanCity.

Registration is mandatory. For details on how to register, visit http://youngagrarians.org/nov-8-joel-salatin-on-the-future-of-food-farming-in-langley-bc/.

What's Happening in October

Be sure to make the best of any remnant sunny weather and check out some of these cool events! It's the last month for most farmers' markets, so get out there and try some of their goodies!

GardenSmart Workshops

Location: Various (check website)
Cost: $8.25

Learn how to grow your own food, support your local ecology, and reduce waste in your own backyard. GardenSmart Workshops are brought to you by the North Shorth Recycling Program, the Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre, and the Edible Garden Project.

Registration is required. To register or for more information, visit the workshop Eventbrite page here.

Upcoming Workshops
 
October 25: Backyard Rainwater Harvesting

Homesteader's Emporium

Location: Various (check website)
Cost: Starting from $5

Check out some of these workshops hosted by the Homesteader's Emporium! For times, details, and registration for individual workshops, visit their Workshops page: http://www.homesteadersemporium.ca/calendar/

Upcoming Workshops

October 8: Kombucha 101
October 15: Crispy Fermented Pickles
October 16: Growing Great Garlic
October 22: Fermented Sodas
October 29: Tempeh

UBC Apple Festival

Location: University of British Columbia (2329 West Mall / Vancouver - map)
Dates: October 18 to 19, 2014
Cost: $4

A family event for all ages, the UBC Apple Festival celebrates one of British Columbia's favourite fruits. From children learning about the diversity of apples to those who remember tasting heritage apples in their youth, the Apple Festival is a great opportunity to not only discover more about this delicious fruit, but have a whole lot of fun doing it!

For more information, visit the event page here: http://www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/apple-festival

Ripe 2014 Dinner Celebration and Fundraiser

Location: Roundhouse Community Centre (181 Roundhouse Mews / Vancouver - map)

Date: October 19, 2014 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Cost: $65/$75 adults; $15 children

As VFM’s signature fundraiser, RIPE pairs farm-to-table chefs and restaurants with our farmers and producers to bring Vancouver an amazing evening of local food.

Along with a fantastic roster of farm vendors, RIPE 2014 will also feature our new breweries, distilleries, and wineries. Long Table Distillery and Odd Society Spirits will be on hand mixing seasonal cocktails, R & B Brewery plan to brew a signature RIPE keg for the event, and BC Wine Studio will present a selection of their Okanagan wines.

For more information, visit the Ripe 2014 website: http://eatlocal.org/ripe2014/

Artisan Farmers' Markets

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.

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

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/

Feature: Burnaby Community Garden Parties

On September 28 and October 5, the Goodlad and Still Creek community gardens in Burnaby will come alive with fun music, engaging performances, beautiful fresh-grown food, and fantastic community.

Burnaby Community Garden Parties

Date: Sunday, September 28
Location: Goodlad Gardens, Backyard (7912 Goodlad Street / Burnaby - map)

Date: Sunday, October 5
Location: Still Creek Gardens (2702 Norland Avenue / Burnaby - map)

Time: 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Cost: FREE

Join Building Caring Communities, Burnaby Association for Community Inclusion (BACI), Can You Dig It, and the In the House Festival as they animate the gardens! Wander amongst the flowers and vegetables that have been lovingly grown, share food grown in the garden, enjoy live entertainment, and laugh with neighbours, friends and friends-to-be.

Also, on September 28, come by to visit Burnaby Food First at our information table!

The events are free and wheelchair accessible.

For more information, please visit the Facebook event page here.

The garden party events are sponsored and supported by VanCity, Festivals Burnaby, Edmonds People In Community, Can You Dig It, Building Caring Communities, and Burnaby Association for Community Inclusion (BACI).

--
About Building Caring Communities: Building Caring Communities is an initiative that shows how we all are changed when we share our gifts with others. It is a miraculous story of how a small group of staff from the social service sector began having different types of conversations. This has resulted in people becoming active citizens, having more friends, and helping neighbourhoods come more alive.

About BACI: Burnaby Association is an organization that offers services for people with intellectual disabilities and their families in Metro Vancouver. The series fits with BACI's mission to build stronger, more inclusive neighbourhoods and friendships while enjoying some great entertainment.

About Can You Dig It: Can You Dig It supports communities to create inclusive and welcoming food-growing gardens where individuals from all backgrounds and life experiences can learn, share, grow and contribute to the betterment of their communities. We grow more than food; we cultivate relationships and foster a true sense of belonging. Together we can all plant a seed!

About In the House: In The House has a mission of building community through arts and culture and transforming homes into intimate cultural spaces where living rooms and backyards are given over to shows that feature all genres of music, dance, theatre, circus, magic, puppets, storytelling, spoken word, cabaret and more.

What's Happening in September

Hoping to get outside or learn something new? It's never too late to check out your local farmers' market or get your hands into some dirt to learn gardening basics. Here are some of the cool events around the city next month!

Grandview-Woodlands Food Connection

Location: Britannia Community Centre (1991 Napier Street / Vancouver - map)
Cost: $20

Credit: Sofi Martinez

Check out these cool food workshops and events by the Grandview-Woodlands Food Connection!

For details on individual workshops or to register, visit their website: http://gwfoodconnection.wordpress.com/workshops/

Upcoming Workshops

September 7: Latin American Corn Festival
September 10: Canning

GardenSmart Workshops

Location: Various (check website)
Cost: $8.25

Learn how to grow your own food, support your local ecology, and reduce waste in your own backyard. GardenSmart Workshops are brought to you by the North Shorth Recycling Program, the Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre, and the Edible Garden Project.

Registration is required. To register or for more information, visit the workshop Eventbrite page here.

Upcoming Workshops
 
September 6: Shiitake Log Cultivation Workshop
September 7: Aquaponics for Your Home
September 21: Keeping Chickens in the City
September 25: Cooking From Your Garden

Homesteader's Emporium

Location: SBIA Resource Park (1279 East Hastings Street / Vancouver - map)
Cost: Starting from $5

Check out some of these workshops hosted by the Homesteader's Emporium! For times, details, and registration for individual workshops, visit their Workshops page: http://www.homesteadersemporium.ca/calendar/

Upcoming Workshops

September 25: Seed Saving

Richmond Food Security Society

Location: Garratt Wellness Centre (7504 Chelsea Place / Richmond - map)
Cost: $10

This spring and summer, the Richmond Food Security Society is presenting a series of cooking and gardening workshops.

For more information or to register, visit the Richmond Food Security Society website here.

Upcoming Workshops

September 20: Extending the Growing Season

Artisan Farmers' Markets

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.

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

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/

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 Happening in July

The weather is beautiful, so get out and enjoy some of these outdoor events and activities this month! (And some indoor ones for when you need some shade.)

From Field to Fork

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

Credit: Rebekah Mahaffey

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.

Artisan Farmers' Markets

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.

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

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/

Homesteader's Emporium

Location: Homesteader's Emporium (649 East Hastings / Vancouver - map)
Cost: Starting from $25

Check out some of these workshops hosted by the Homesteader's Emporium! For times, details, and registration for individual workshops, visit their Workshops page: http://www.homesteadersemporium.ca/calendar/

Upcoming Workshops

July 9: Medicinal and Edible Plant Walk

July 17: Hot Water Bath Canning

Grandview-Woodlands Food Connection

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

July 27: Grow Your Own Sprouts and Grass

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.

Cedar Cottage Food Network

Location: Trout Lake Community Centre (3360 Victoria Drive / Vancouver - map)
Cost: From $10

The Cedar Cottage Food Network hosts cooking and food skills workshops at the Trout Lake Community Centre in East Vancouver that cover everything from grocery budgeting and meal planning to urban beekeeping and gardening.

Check out these cool workshops and events on this month!

July 14: DIY Baby Food
July 22: An Evening with Iris Quinn (recipes from Salvation cookbook)

Registration is required. For more details or to register, visit their Workshop page: http://cedarcottagefoodnetwork.wordpress.com/workshops/

GardenSmart Workshops

Location: North Shore Neighbourhood House (225 East 2nd Street / North Vancouver - map)
Cost: $8.25

Learn how to grow your own food, support your local ecology, and reduce waste in your own backyard. GardenSmart Workshops are brought to you by the North Shorth Recycling Program, the Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre, and the Edible Garden Project.

Registration is required. To register or for more information, visit the workshop Evenbrite page here.

Upcoming Workshops 

July 19: Cooking with Local Produce