Reminder! Annual Fundraiser

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/. See you there!

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/.

Good Times at Burnaby Empty Bowls

A few Burnaby Food First-ers attended the recent Burnaby Empty Bowls gala, and we had a great time!

The food was amazing, the company engaging, and the silent and live auctions were a lot of fun -- and, of course, the bowls were incredible!

Thanks to everyone who made this happen! A big thanks also to Empty Bowls for their support of our Sharing Backyards project!

Yum! Some of the great food featured during the event.
Credit: Rebekah Mahaffey

Some community projects Empty Bowls supports -- including Sharing Backyards!
Credit: Rebekah Mahaffey

Bowls, bowls, bowls!
Credit: Rebekah Mahaffey

The Empty Bowls Project was launched in 1999 to raise awareness about the existence of hunger and poverty in Burnaby. Every two years, the Project hosts a fundraising gala. Funds raised go to support local programs for children, youth, and families in Burnaby that provide nutritious food and help to build skills that encourage healthy lifestyles.

Burnaby Food First donated an apron to the silent auction - it was very popular!
Credit: Rebekah Mahaffey

Hope to see you all at the next event in two years' time!

Burnaby Empty Bowls and Get Rooted!

Burnaby Empty Bowls

Date: Thursday, April 23, from 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Location: Hilton Vancouver Metrotown, Crystal Ballroom (6083 McKay Avenue / Burnaby - map)
Cost: $65.00

The Empty Bowls Project was launched in 1999 to raise awareness about the existence of hunger and poverty in Burnaby.

Every two years, the Project hosts a fundraising gala. Funds raised go to support local programs for children, youth, and families in Burnaby that provide nutritious food and help to build skills that encourage healthy lifestyles

The reception-style gala will include food prepared by local chefs, jazz music, and a silent auction, and each guest will also go home with a handcrafted ceramic bowl made by Lower Mainland potters.

For tickets, visit the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts website: https://tickets.shadboltcentre.com/
 
To find out more about Burnaby Empty Bowls, check out their website here.

Get Rooted! with Richmond Food Security Society

Call for Applications

Get Rooted! is a youth-driven summer leadership project aimed at providing youth with the knowledge, skills, and networks to build a just and sustainable food future.

If you are aged 17-25, a strong team player, and passionate about social and environmental change, you may be a great candidate for this project!

The project runs from May 23, 2015 to August 31, 2015.

Applications for Get Rooted! are due to the Richmond Food Security Society by Monday, May 4, 2015 at 5:00 pm.

2015 Get Rooted! FAQ (PDF)

2015 Get Rooted! Application Form (PDF)

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/

Burnaby Food First Aprons on Sale!

Make a contribution toward food security. Buy an apron at one of these upcoming events:

• November 21st (10am - 7pm) and November 26th (6:00 pm - 10:00 pm) at Gardenworks at Mandeville (4746 Marine Drive / Burnaby - map)
• November 23rd (2:00 pm - 4:30 pm) at the Edmonds Festival of Lights, located at the Edmonds Community Centre (7433 Edmonds Street / Burnaby - map) 

Hard at work selling aprons at Gardenworks!

$10 for a Children's Apron, $15 for a half apron and $20 for a full apron. These one-of-a kind aprons are specially priced, and you can support food security at the same time!

Some of our cute aprons for sale!
Credit: Maria Finamore

Many thanks to our Apron Production Manager, Maria Finamore -- and to all our hard working sewing volunteers: Afghan Women's Sewing Circle, Cruz, Fawn, France's Sewing School, Marion Hartley, Eva Ho, Suk Shing Ho-Chung, Rosey Luc, Lucy, Lorena Mar, Leah Mosoff, Laura Van Wensveen, Karen Winstanley, Antonietta Gabriele, and Gloria Wong.

Feature: 4th Annual Vancouver Urban Farming Forum

Join urban farmers, community food enthusiasts, policy-makers, and others for a forum centred around the theme of urban farming practices.

Attendance is free and includes lunch, coffee, and snacks.

Source: Eventbrite - Vancouver Urban Farm Forum

Registration is required. Space is limited, and spots go quickly! November 11 is the last day to register.

Also check out the Boogie and Barter Fundraiser Party the night before. Proceeds go to the Vancouver Urban Farming Society.

Boogie and Barter Fundraiser Party

Date: Saturday, November 16, 2013
Location: The HiVE (210-128 West Hastings / Vancouver - map)
Cost: FREE (or $5 cover at the door without ticket)

4th Annual Vancouver Urban Farming Forum

Date: Sunday, November 17, 2013
Location: SFU Harbour Centre, Segal Centre (555 West Hastings Street / Vancouver - map)
Cost: FREE

For more information on the Forum and Fundraiser and updates on the forum program, check out the Eventbrite website: http://urbanfarmingforum2013.eventbrite.ca/

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.

Apron Sewing Project Update and SFU Harvest Box Program

Wondering how to get your hands on one of those gorgeous aprons from the Burnaby Food First apron sewing project? Or maybe you're looking for a way to buy local food and support local producers at affordable prices? (It's okay if you're keen on both, too!)

Burnaby Food First Apron Fundraiser Sales Schedule

Location: Burnaby Farmers' Market, 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

For the remainder of this year's market, Janice Bobic of My Father's Garden will be on site to sell aprons as well as her delicious fruit and honey.

The dates are as follows:

August 3, 10, and 17
September 7, 14, 21, and 28
October 5, 12, 19, and 26

Sustainable SFU Harvest Box Program

Funded and provided by Sustainable SFU, the Harvest Box Program is an easy and affordable way to get local fruits and vegetables, which are purchased by the program directly from the farmers themselves. The program is open to staff, students, and community members.

Credit: jalb via Photopin (cc)

There are two boxes available. Orders must be made online a week before by 1:00 pm.

Box 1: Value Box ($8.50)
Contains at least 7 varieties of fruits and vegetables, which are sourced as locally as possible. The box may include produce such as apples, carrots, purple spinach, onions, broccoli, and potatoes.

Box 2: Local Box ($15.75)
Contains a large assortment of fruits and vegetables, all of which are sourced from local producers. The box may include produce such as apples, cabbage, tomatoes, sprouts, and kale.

Boxes can be picked up on delivery days at either the Burnaby or Harbour Centre campus of SFU.

To find out more about the program or to order a box for yourself and get pick-up information, visit the Harvest Box Program website.

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!

France's Sewing School: Sewing for Food Security!

Burnaby Food First would like to say a big thanks to France's Sewing School for hosting a apron sew-a-thon on May 30! The event starts at 4:00 pm until we can sew no more.

The aprons produced at this event 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 on the May 30 sew-a-thon, or to learn how you can get involved, please contact France's Sewing School by email or (604) 433-1030.

Some of our cute aprons for sale!
Credit: Maria Finamore

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!

Feature: Burnaby Empty Bowls Gala

The Empty Bowls Project was launched in 1999 by the Burnaby Food First Committee to raise awareness about the existence of hunger and poverty in Burnaby. As a sub-committee of Burnaby Food First, the Project committee consists of community members and representatives from Burnaby School District, City of Burnaby, the Ministry of Children and Family Development, Pear Tree Restaurant, Scotiabank, and South Burnaby Neighbourhood House.

Every two years, the Empty Bowls Project hosts a fundraising gala, with support from local artists, teachers, community organizations, restaurants, businesses, and individuals. Funds raised from the gala go to support local programs for children, youth, and families in Burnaby that provide nutritious food and help to build skills that encourage healthy lifestyles. These include cooking programs, breakfast and homework clubs, an organic produce program for low-income pregnant women, and weekly cooking and daily snack programs.

Want to help out?

Burnaby Empty Bowls Gala Fundraiser

Location: Hilton Metrotown (6083 McKay Avenue / Burnaby - map)
Time: April 18, 2013 from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Cost: $65

In 2011, the Gala raised over $32,000 for the Empty Bowls Committee. The goal this year is to surpass that amount. The reception-style gala will include food prepared by local chefs, jazz music, and a silent auction, and each guest will also go home with a handcrafted ceramic bowl made by Lower Mainland potters.

For tickets, visit the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts website: https://tickets.shadboltcentre.com/

To find out more about Burnaby Empty Bowls, check out their website here.

Feature: Can You Dig It! Campaign

Can You Dig It! is a social capital project that raises funds to help to build communities through community projects and to ensure that individuals have food to eat and a safe place to grow that food. It works with over 1,000 gardeners in 26 food-growing gardens throughout the Lower Mainland.

In partnership with West Coast Seeds and SoKap, Can You Dig It! is currently raising funds to create five new gardens. How can you help? It's simple!

Just visit the Can You Dig It! online store and pick up one of their great seed packages. Can You Dig It! receives up to 40% of the proceeds from each sale, which goes towards funds for a new garden.

You can also directly sponsor a project. Visit the Buy a Town section and search for your city, or search "Vancouver" and widen the search radius to see other project cities. Pick one town -- or a few! By purchasing a town, you are entitled to a portion of all garden-related sales, which is given in the form of commission. Tax receipts will be mailed out in return for sponsorship.

Find out more about the Can You Dig It! campaign, visit their SoKap page: http://www.sokap.com/project/

For more information about Can You Dig It!, visit their website: http://cydi.ca/