March 27 - Free Workshop: Soup, Frittata, Salad & Muffins

Come join Red Seal Chef Ilan Wright to learn, cook & eat a healthy meal. 

Location: Gilmore Community School, Burnaby. 

Registration required: information below.

March 15 - Explore the Income-Food Connection

Join us March 15 @ Burnaby Neighbourhood House (Metrotown) (6:30 - 8:30pm)

Speakers, Q&A and Discussion

According to the BC Poverty Reduction Coalition a leading cause of health problems is lack of food. "B.C. is facing a chronic hunger problem and significant food insecurity. After paying for rent, heat and electricity, people with low income have little money left over for food so they are less likely to eat fruit, vegetables, milk products, and other food that provide the nutrients they need for good health."

SPEAKERS: 

Trish Garner, Community Organizer of the BC Poverty Reduction Coalition, will provide inspiration and practical tools to support you in becoming a champion for change in tackling the root causes of poverty. The BC Poverty Reduction Coalition is a broad-based network of over 400 organizations throughout BC. Trish will talk about a variety of ways to support the provincial call for a poverty reduction plan for BC through community engagement, public education and effective advocacy. Trish provides a space for everyone to get involved. Trish is the co-author of A Poverty Reduction Plan for BC and a regular media contributor and commentator.

Amy Weeks is the Food and Education Coordinator for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank (GVFB). Amy has been working with and supporting community organizations and their food programs for over 10 years. Amy will talk about The Role of Food Programming and how it contributes to community connection and resilience.

Come and join a community conversation on how we can all advocate for greater equality and a more food secure future.

Register at Eventbrite: https://incomefoodconnection.eventbrite.com

Come Cook with Us! - Dec 7

Come cook with us one last time in 2016

Join Chef Sherry Strong & learn to make festive vegetarian leftovers this month. 

Workshop is FREE, but registration is required. Children are welcome!

Delicious, Nutritious Holiday Giving

Join Burnaby Food First Tomorrow, Sun. Dec. 4

Free Workshop, Children Welcome

Upcoming December Workshops from Burnaby Food First

Four New Burnaby Food First Workshops in November

These workshops are FREE and child-friendly, but registration is required. See the poster below for e-mail & telephone contact information.

 

Save the following dates: 

 

November 2nd: Healthy After-School Snacks for Kids
November 16th: Soups On! Healthy, Low Cost, Great Tasting
November 23rd: How to Use Leftover Bread in Tasty Meals
November 30th: Healthy Holiday Gifts from the Kitchen

Things to do in October...

Welcome to Autumn, Food First-ers!

Here are a few events to add to your calendar for October.

Courtesy of: https://gwfoodconnection.wordpress.com/events/

What: Sally Ann's Healthy Eating Kitchen

When: Monday, October 3, 11:30am - 2:00pm
Where: 3213 Fraser Street, Vancouver
Why: To learn cooking skills, nutritional and food safety information, & budgeting tips
Registration Required: Call Chelsea Marsh (604-872-7676)
Cost: FREE

Courtesy of: http://ca-en.naturespath.com/about/movements/eat-well-do-good

What: 8th Annual Eat Well Do Good Foodraiser
When: Tuesday, October 4th, 7:00am - 3:00pm
Where: Robson Square & London Drugs (Granville & W. Georgia)
Why: To combat hunger by raising money for Food Banks in BC & enjoying delicious food together
Cost: Purchase by-donation grab 'n go breakfast & lunch bags

What: Harvest Fest 2016: Tastes of South Vancouver
When: Thursday, October 6, 3:30pm - 6:00pm
Where: Fresh Roots Farm, SW corner of David Thompson Secondary
Why: To enjoy stone soup & veggie skewers, participate in 3-legged races, carve pumpkins, compete in the community dessert contest, take home freshly-pressed apple cider

What: KPU Commercial Beekeeping Info Session
When: Saturday, October 15th, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Where: The Honeybee Centre, Surrey BC
Why: To find out about BC's first certificate program in Commercial Beekeeping
Registration Required: Click here to sign up on the electronic form
Cost: FREE

What: Restaurants for Change
When: Wednesday, October 19
Where: Burdock & Co, Cabrito, Farmer's Apprentice, Jamjar
Why: To support Community Food Centres Canada
Cost: Make a reservation to enjoy a meal at a participating restaurant (above)

The Happy Gardener: Beating the Blues with a Green Thumb

Talk to some gardeners, and they may tell you how time with their plants eases stress and lifts their mood. Even if gardening isn't a strong suit, having plants around seems to improve people's mental well-being. Whether your gardening thumb is green or black, or somewhere in between, many of us like being around plants.

But wait! Did you know? There is actually science that backs this up!

Psst... Finally, a reason to play in the dirt!
Credit: Sofi Martinez

A prescription may not be the only way to get rid of the blues. Soil microbes have been found to have similar effects on the brain as antidepressants but are without the potential side effects and chemical dependency risk.

The bacterium in soil responsible for its natural antidepressant properties is called Mycobacterium vaccae. It effects neurons in similar ways to drugs and may actually stimulate serotonin production, making you more relaxed and happier.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that affect mood balance and social behaviour, sleep, memory, and reproduction. An imbalance of this chemical has also been linked to depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, and bipolar disorder.

Credit: Magnolia Lim

When we come into contact with soil, the microbes cause cytokine levels to rise and stimulate production of serotonin. Gardeners might inhale the bacteria, have skin contact with it, or accidentally get soil in a cut.

But hey, what's this all mean? The science aside, short of rolling in soil -- which, although funny, may be rather impractical, honestly -- we can all benefit from some heart-to-heart time with our plants, whether in a full-fledged garden or with that little fern on our office desk. So, this spring, do your body some good and flex that gardening thumb of yours!

(Source: Gardening Know How)

---
The information provided in this article is for general use only; it does not represent medical or health advice nor substitute for advice or diagnosis from a qualified healthcare professional. If you feel that you or someone else may require medical advice, please consult a qualified professional. Always consult a physician or mental health professional before making decisions regarding treatment of yourself or others or considering changes in your schedule of treatment.

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/

What's Happening in April

Rain or shine, it doesn't matter, because there are a number of cool indoor and outdoor events this month! Whether it's a warm, sunny day or you're looking towards summer, there are a number of workshops and other activities to do throughout the city.

Vancouver Winter Farmers' Market

Location: Nat Bailey Stadium, East Parking Lot (4601 Ontario Street / Vancouver - map)
Dates: November 3, 2012 to April 27, 2013 (Closed December 29)
Hours: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm each Saturday

Thought the start of winter meant the end of locally grown and made goodies?

Continuing from last month, the winter market hosts over 60 vendors -- nearly as many as the three main Vancouver summer markets combined! -- offers a range of foods, from local produce to homemade chocolate and maple treats.

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/

Veggies 101: Planning Your First Vegetable Garden

Location: Mollie Nye House (940 Lynn Valley Road / North Vancouver - map)
Date: April 3, 2013 from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Cost: $8.25

Location: Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre (3663 Park Road / North Vancouver - map)
Date: April 14, 2013 from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
Cost: $8.25

Are you starting to grow your own food or interested in what you can do from your backyard?

Part of the GardenSmart Workshop Series, presented by the North Shore Recycling Program in conjunction with the Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre and North Shore Edible Garden Project, join others to learn how to plan your first vegetable garden.

Space is limited. For details on registration, visit the workshop page here.

Fresh Milk, Food Politics

Location: Ukrainian Cathedral (154 East 10th Avenue / Vancouver - map)
Date: April 6, 2013 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Cost: $35 to $125

The Fresh Milk, Food Politics event (formerly the Raw Milk Symposium) explores the basic right to healthy food

Officials in the U.S. and Canada maintain that fresh milk is a health hazard, and several provinces ban its sale or purchase; however, there are many dairy experts who argue that, as long as it is produced from grass-fed cows at farms with safe handling practices, the health benefits of fresh milk significantly outweigh those of pasteurized milk.

Whether you are a fresh milk advocate or just want to learn more about the issue, this event is an excellent opportunity to speak directly with dairy farmers.

For more information or to register, visit the event website here.

Seed Swap and Sale

Location: Renfrew Park Community Centre (2929 East 22nd Avenue / Vancouver - map)
Date: April 6, 2013
Hours: 9:30 am to 1:30 pm

Location: Collingwood Neighbourhood House (5288 Joyce Street / Vancouver - map)
Date: April 20, 2013
Hours: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Drop by the community centre to stock up on seeds for your garden, as well as swap with others or to try your hand at growing something new.

For more information or to register, visit the Renfrew-Collingwood Food Security Institute website: http://rcfsi.blogspot.ca/2013/01/new-schedule.html

Seed Starting: Sowing for Your Summer Veggie Garden

Location: Loutet Farm (Rufus Avenue & 14th Street East / North Vancouver - map)
Date: April 6, 2013 from 10:00 am to 11:30 am
Cost: $8.25

Join Gavin Wright of Loutet Farm to learn about the process of growing your own plants from seed.

Note that this is an outdoor workshop, so make sure to dress appropriately.

This workshop is part of the GardenSmart Workshop Series, presented by the North Shore Recycling Program in conjunction with the Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre and North Shore Edible Garden Project.

Space is limited. For details on registration, visit the workshop page here.

Grow Your Own: Intermediate Vegetable Gardening

Location: Mollie Nye House (940 Lynn Valley Road / North Vancouver - map)
Time: April 10, 2013 from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Cost: $8.25

Already know the basics of vegetable gardening at home but looking for further tips and strategies? Check out this workshop and learn more about growing fresh, delicious vegetables in your own home garden.

This workshop is part of the GardenSmart Workshop Series, presented by the North Shore Recycling Program in conjunction with the Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre and North Shore Edible Garden Project.

Space is limited. For details on registration, visit the workshop page here.

Seed Starting Workshop

Location: Collingwood Neighbourhood House (5288 Joyce Street / Vancouver - map)
Time: April 10, 2013 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Cost: Call to inquire

Join others to learn about growing from seed and how to get your plants to flourish each time.

For more information or to register, visit the Renfrew-Collingwood Food Security Institute website: http://rcfsi.blogspot.ca/2013/01/new-schedule.html

Growing Food in Small Spaces

Location: YWCA (535 Hornby Street / Vancouver - map)
Time: April 18, 2013 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Cost: $30

Join Carole Christopher and Dr. Tara Moreau to learn how to grow fresh fruits and vegetables in containers. Participants will learn about container design, companion planting, choosing appropriate varieties for container gardening, and creating a fertile soil mix for optimal yield.

For more information or to register, visit the workshop page here.

Burnaby Empty Bowls Gala Fundraiser

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

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.

Find out more about the event here or check out their website.

Philosophers' Cafe: Urban Agriculture

Location: West Vancouver Memorial Library, Welsh Hall East (1950 Marine Drive / West Vancouver - map)
Time: April 19, 2013 from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm
Cost: FREE

As Earth Day rolls around, Ross Moster of Village Vancouver and moderator Randall Mackinnon are getting together to lead a public discussion on the possibilities for urban agriculture and the potential effects for the future.

For more information, check out the event website here.

Food and Childhood Allergies and Asthma

Location: Britannia Community Centre (1661 Napier Street / Vancouver - map)
Time: April 25, 2013 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Cost: $15

In toddlers and children, allergies take many different forms such as sneezing, runny nose, asthma, hives, stomach aches, sleep problems, and behaviour problems.

Come learn the underlying process and root causes of allergies, how they are related to food, and what you can do to protect your children. Gain the knowledge and tools to identify and avoid suspect foods, and choose healthy options.

For more information or to register, visit their website: http://gwfoodconnection.wordpress.com/workshops/

Food Safe Level 1

Location: Britannia Community Centre (1661 Napier Street / Vancouver - map)

Time: April 27, 2013 from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Cost: $30 to $40 (sliding scale)

Food Safe Level 1 is an 8-hour food handling, sanitation and work safety course designed for front line food service workers such as cooks, servers, bussers, dishwashers, and deli workers.

The course covers important information including foodborne illness, receiving and storing food, preparing food, serving food, cleaning and sanitizing. It is also useful for the everyday home cooking practices of individuals and families.

Course fees include the workbook, certificate upon successful completion, and refreshments.

For more information or to register, call (604) 718-5895.

You can also visit their website: http://gwfoodconnection.wordpress.com/workshops/

Tree Guilds and Spring Planting Workshop

Location: Norquay Learning Orchard (2732 Horley Street / Vancouver - map)
Time: April 27, 2013 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Cost: Call to inquire

Rounding out the Renfrew-Collingwood Food Security Institute 2013 Winter/Spring Workshop series is one on trees and spring planting.

For more information or to register, visit the Renfrew-Collingwood Food Security Institute website: http://rcfsi.blogspot.ca/2013/01/new-schedule.html

Seed Starting

Location: YWCA (535 Hornby Street / Vancouver - map)
Time: April 30, 2013 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Cost: $26

Join horticulturist and community educator Lis Thomas to learn about the best ways to start your indoor or outdoor garden from seed. Students will learn the necessary factors for healthy seedling development and practice methods for propagation.

All students will also take home a plant in a pot.

For more information or to register, visit the workshop page here.

Feature: Welfare Food Challenge

Food plays a crucial role in people's lives -- it does more than simply sustain health and life -- but, as many of us gather together with family and friends over the holidays to eat and celebrate, for others, the ability to simply secure enough food is not certain.

Low-income Canadians are less likely to get the proper nutrition required for good health. For people receiving welfare, getting enough food week by week is a regular challenge they face.

An able-bodied single person in B.C. receives $610 per month in income assistance. After rent, transportation, and other monthly expenditures, that leaves $109 for food. That's about $26 left for food per week!

Total welfare	$610
Rent (realistic cost of an SRO)	$425
Damage deposit	$20
Book of 10 bus tickets (to look for work)	$21
Cell phone (to look for work)	$25
Personal hygiene/laundry	$10
Food	$109
Source: Welfare Food Challenge

Last month, from October 16 to October 22, over 100 people participated in the Welfare Food Challenge, organized by anti-poverty group Raise the Rates. During this week, participants ate only the food they could buy with the $26 food stipend. No accessing food banks or free meals through charities or friends, eating food they already had, or eating food they had grown.

The goal of the Challenge was to highlight the low welfare rates people on income assistance must live on.

What can you get for $26?

Raise the Rates spokesperson Bill Hopwood noted that the $26 did not go very far, nor did it provide money for things like spices to lend the food some flavour.

Gerry Kasten, a registered dietician and former cook, reported that his diet over the week fell short of Canada Food Guide recommendations -- by 17 servings of vegetables and fruits, 17 servings of dairy, and one serving of meat and/or meat alternatives. It was also short on micronutrients such as iron, calcium, zinc, B vitamins, and vitamin C.

Celebrity chef Karen Barnaby, in support of the Challenge, presented a sampling of low-cost meals in the Downtown Eastside during the week. Barnaby bought what she believe to be a week's worth of ingredients, barely breaching the $26; however, she soon realized that the ground rice-based meal plan she constructed would only provide enough food for five days.

Other participants recounted the feelings of stress that began to set in as the week went on, spurred by concerns that food would run out before the Challenge ended. Halfway through, some participants were already running out of money.

While the stress that participants encountered was temporary, the chronic stress that low-income people can experience given stretched food budgets and poor nutrition has short- and long-term physiological and psychological effects, such as weight loss, difficulty maintaining weight, and feelings of anxiety due to lack of control over their access to food.

So, how does the stipend of $109 fare? Not very well, it turns out. The Dietitians of Canada 2011 "The Cost of Eating in British Columbia" report put the monthly cost of a healthy diet for a single man on disability assistance at a starting cost of $322.

What is food poverty?

Low-income Canadians are much more likely to report poor health than people with higher incomes and further experience higher rates of chronic disease and a greater risk of premature death.

Food poverty refers to the inability to access sufficient amounts of health food needed for survival. While food banks and meal kitchens can help offset a lack of food, these social supports remain inadequate and were never intended to be long-term solutions to hunger.

In more remote parts of the province, food and nutritional assistance is often less reaer dily available.

The impact of not getting enough food transcends nutrition. Stress about running out of food and the lack of control over access to food also have a toll.

The problem with current welfare rates is that they have not kept pace with inflation and the rising costs of living. The last increase to provincial income assistance amounts was back in 2007.

Raise the Rates is hoping that the recent Welfare Food Challenge will spotlight the issues of food poverty and insecurity faced by low-income Canadians and specifically by welfare recipients. It wants the provincial government to increase welfare rates immediately, end the five-week wait for welfare, end the 100% clawbacks of earnings and child support from welfare recipients, and increase the minimum wage to $12 per hour.

Want to know more about the Welfare Food Challenge? Visit their website: http://welfarefoodchallenge.org/

For more information, visit the below websites and related articles:

Raise the Rates
MLA Welfare Challenge
Dietitians of Canada, "The Cost of Eating in British Columbia"

The Province, "Welfare food challenge"
Metro, "Welfare Food Challenge ends - for some"
The Vancouver Courier, "Welfare Food Challenge participants hungry and stressed"
The Vancouver Sun, "Vancouver Sun food columnist gets creative with low-cost cuisine"
Georgia Straight, "Impacts of food poverty highlighted by B.C. welfare challenge participants"
The Vancouver Sun, "Dozens step up for Welfare Food Challenge"
The Province, "Eating on just $26 a week proves challenging"