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THE COST OF EATING IN BC 2011
Dietitians of Canada, BC Region publish the report to bring attention to the fact that many British Columbians don’t have enough money to buy healthy food. Read the report to find out what you can do to help your fellow British Columbians afford to eat healthfully. http://www.dietitians.ca/Secondary-Pages/Public/The-Cost-of-Eating-in-British-Columbia.aspx
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Check out our Blog - http://gwfoodconnection.wordpress.com/
Vancouver Schools Rock
Bulk Buying on the Cheap
Sustainable Opportunities for Youth Leadership (SOYL)
Robin will be Missed
New Vancouver Tool Library
We are also on Flickr - http://www.flickr.com/photos/gwfc/sets/
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Events
1. EAST SIDE COMMUNITY GARDEN PLOTS AVAILABLE
2. STILL CREEK COMMUNITY GARDEN PLOTS AVAILABLE
3. COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE (CSA) HARVEST BOX PROGRAM
4. BRITANNIA BULK BUYING
5. BRITANNIA COMMUNITY KITCHEN
Workshops
1. EYA BEEKEEPING PROGRAM
2. EAT THE RICH – FERMENTATION WORKSHOP
3. TRAIN THE TRAINER CANNING WORKSHOPS IN VANCOUVER
4. TROUT LAKE FOOD WORKSHOP
5. ABORIGINAL COMMUNITY KITCHEN LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP
6. SEASONS OF FOOD
7. FOODSAFE LEVEL ONE COURSE
8. COMMUNITY KITCHEN ROUNDTABLES
Jobs
1. 2012 FARM INTERN JOB POSTING – RICHMOND SHARING FARM
2. OPERATIONS MANAGER, ROYAL CITY FARMER’S MARKET
3. COMMUNITY NURSERY YOUTH INTERNSHIP – ENVIRONMENTAL YOUTH ALLIANCE
Funding
Events
1. EAST SIDE COMMUNITY GARDEN PLOTS AVAILABLE
Two community gardens under the skytrain tracks are seeking new garden members for 2012. Further information on My Own Backyard (MOBY) Garden, which features a cob shed located at 11th and Commercial Drive, can be found on their blog http://mobygarden.wordpress.com/about/ or by emailing moby_lize@yahoo.ca .The second garden, Cedar Cottage Garden, with over 100 raised garden plots is located by Hull Street and Victoria Drive (below Stainsbury). Check out their website https://sites.google.com/site/cedarcottagegarden/how-to-get-involved or email them at cedarcottagegarden@gmail.com for additional information.The waiting list is relatively short, so there is a good opportunity for people to get plots for 2012 if the gardens are contacted soon.
2. STILL CREEK COMMUNITY GARDEN PLOTS AVAILABLE
Still Creek Community Garden (4410 Kaslo St, across from 29th Ave skytrain station) has plots available this season. Join a new garden and be part of the fun people who build its spirit! Interested gardeners are invited to join us at the Registration/AGM on Saturday February 18th, 4-7pm, at Slocan Community Hall (2750 E. 29th Avenue). For more information, please contact Cinthia at canyoudigit@posAbilities.ca
3. COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE (CSA) HARVEST BOX PROGRAM
Farmers Chris Bodnar and his wife Paige Dampier of Close to Home Organics are offering shares of their upcoming harvest! Sign up now to receive a weekly box of fresh local organic veggies for your choice of 16 or 24 weeks this summer. Chris & Paige are working with another farm in Keremeos, BC to offer an organic fruit share add-on too! Veggies will include: cucumbers, carrots, chard, lettuce, beans, tomatoes, rhubarb, berries, potatoes, onions, kale, squash and other fresh produce (click here to see an example box). Added fruit shares will include: cherries, apricots, peaches, apples, tomatoes and peppers. In collaboration with NOWBC Co-op harvest boxes can be picked up from any of 30 different locations around Vancouver and surrounding areas. 16 week veggie subscriptions cost $605 for a full share (good for most families or two serious veggie lovers) or $375 for a half share (enough for two or a generous amount for an individual). Fruit share options are $400 or $120 for apples only. Get a 10% discount if you sign up before March 1st. That works out to $21 or $34 in delicious fresh veggies each week this summer. Click here to sign up!
Participating in a CSA is one of the best ways to support our local farmers. In a CSA, customers give the farmer the security of having a buyer for the food they grow and pre-pay at the beginning of the season offering the needed financing to till, plant, water, weed and tend the crops they are growing for you through to harvest time. In return, the consumer gets the freshest and most nutritious produce available all summer long with the security of knowing where the food came from too.Go to www.closetohomeorganics.com to learn more or contact Joanna at joannam@nowbc.ca.
4. BRITANNIA BULK BUYING
Are you interested in fresh fruits and veggies? Do you want to save money? The Britannia Bulk Buying Group purchases fresh produce at wholesale prices saving you about 30% on your food bill. Food is bought once a month and brought to Britannia Community Centre to sort and pick up. Cost is $13 for about 7- 8 varieties of food. That is two bags of food. This program is for individuals and households who are struggling financially.
For more information call Ian @ 604-718-5895
5. BRITANNIA COMMUNITY KITCHEN
A community kitchen is coming to Britannia!
Community Kitchen participants come together every few weeks to cook and eat nutritious meals together and to take meals home to their families. Community kitchens provide a fun and supportive environment to meet new people and try new things and they can also save money on groceries.
The Britannia Community Kitchen project will feature diabetic friendly cooking designed to meet the needs of individuals with diabetes or at risk of diabetes. Each 11 week session will include a presentation by a health professional familiar with nutrition and diabetes prevention.
Come out and have some fun!
These kitchens are fully subsidized and open to individuals who are struggling financially. Donations are accepted. Registration for childminding is separate. Space is limited. Starting June 18, Sat 2 – 5pm and will run every two weeks.
For more information contact Britannia Food Security @ 604-718-5895
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Workshops
1. EYA BEEKEEPING PROGRAM
The Environmental Youth Alliance is now recruiting for our 2012 “Community Hive” Program that provides training and mentorship in hobby beekeeping for youth (ages 15-30)
The program runs from April 21 – October 7 with bi-weekly (every other week) sessions on Saturdays at the Strathcona Community Garden, which will have two working colonies that participants will be able to interact with and learn from. The curriculum includes: basic natural beekeeping, habitat creation, honeybee products, and honey extraction. We will also be visiting other apiaries inthe Lower Mainland to hear from bee farmers in the area.
To apply, simply email a letter of intent to Hartley Rosen (hartley@eya.ca) stating 1) Why you want to learn about bees, 2) Your past experience working with bees (if applicable), 3) What you want to learn from the program, and 4) Your age as of April 21,2012, and 5) Your contact info – address, phone # Participants MUST be able to commit for the entire duration of the program
Deadline to apply is April 6th, 2012
2. EAT THE RICH – FERMENTATION WORKSHOP
Eat the Rich! presents a workshop on raw fermentation as a method for food preservation. Fermentation is used in many cultures and contexts to increase the nutritional content of food, keep it from spoiling, and for increasing pro-biotics in ones diet. Come learn the basics of how to make raw sauerkraut and kombucha. Participants will leave with a kombucha mother and a jar of kraut to ferment.
This workshop has limited space, so please msg the facilitators Anthony Meza-Wilson & Ander Gates @anthony.mezawilson@gmail.com in order to reserve a spot. This workshop, as are all Eat the Rich! events, is by donation. All proceeds go to building a rad community kitchen in East Van.
Suggested donation $5 – $10, nobody turned away.Thursday March 8th, 7-8:30pmToast Collective (648 Kingsway by Fraser)facebook event:http://www.facebook.com/events/218459308253206
3. TRAIN THE TRAINER CANNING WORKSHOPS IN VANCOUVER
These two day workshops are specifically for those who want to teach canning classes in their community. Learn up-to-date safe canning practices as well as theoretical & practical techniques. We will review old & new canning equipment & tools as well as discuss the various canning products & ingredients on the market today. Find out about canning & safe food handling resources available to you. Discuss how to run a canning workshop that best suits your community’s needs. This workshop is a combination of lecture, discussion, demo and hands-on experience with boiling water bath canning and pressure canning. Bring your canning questions, comments and your own lunch!
Participants must be willing to answer a post-workshop questionnaire and participate in one 1-hour teleconference a few months after the workshop.
Prerequisites: Participants must be:Experienced in canningCommunity agency representatives who will be running community canning classes in 2012
Faciltated by:Emerie Brine, Executive Chef, Bernardin,Diane Collis, Manager, Fresh Choice Kitchens; andDarlene Tanaka, Co-ordinator, Fresh Choice Kitchens
The workshop is being offered twice, choose between:1) Mon, April 30, 2012 9 am – 4 pm & Tues, May 1, 2012 9 am – 4 pmOR2) Wed, May 2, 2012, 9 am – 4pm & Thurs, May 3, 2012 9 am – 4 pmCost: $175.00 per person* (please bring a lunch)Location: Vancouver Food Bank, 1150 Raymur AveRegistration: Contact Darlene Tanaka, 604-216-2325, darlenet@foodbank.bc.ca or send in a completed registration form.
4. TROUT LAKE FOOD WORKSHOP
Trout Lake Cedar Cottage Food Security Network invite you to the new Trout Lake Community Centre. Subsidies available.Register online http://vancouver.ca/parks/cc/troutlake/Or Call: 604-257-6955
Container Gardening – Edible Landscapes
Gearing up for spring? Learn how to prepare and plant a container garden filled with your favourite herbs, plants and vegetables. Take your own container and seeds home with you.
Wednesday, March 28th, 6-9pm$15/$5 seniors
5. ABORIGINAL COMMUNITY KITCHEN LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP
A community kitchen is a group of people who get together regularly to cook and eat together or cook and bring food home. Groups most often cook in community centers, neighbourhood houses, apartment building or hotel common rooms, schools, housing co-ops or people’s homes.
In this workshop, you’ll find out more about leading a ‘traditional’ community kitchen using First Nations foods, teaching methods and supports. Learn different ways a group can work together and learn how you can lead or start a community kitchen. Experience a community kitchen first hand!
Participants registering for this workshop must meet the following criteria:
• Live or work in the Vancouver Coastal Health Region; and,• Be associated with an Aboriginal program (such as the Aboriginal Strategic Health Initiatives Program)
Facilitated by: Jessica Chenery a passionate community development practitioner who embodies an Indigenous ancestral line to the central Vancouver Island area, shíshálh and Penelakut First NationsDiane Collis, Manager, Fresh Choice Kitchens, The Community Kitchen Program of the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society
Friday, March 9 9:00 am – 2:30pmVancouver Food Bank, 1150 Raymur Ave. Vancouver, BCREGISTRATION: Contact Leah Karpan, AHIP Assistant,ph: 604-875-5600 EXT. 63295,Email: leah.karpan@vch.ca
6. SEASONS OF FOOD
Hastings Food Security Alliance Coalition (Food-SAC) encourages you to come explore our skill-building workshops and children’s programs in the coming months.
The program will run every Tuesday morning from 9:30-12. Some Tuesday evening workshops and special events will be available. Our programs feature skill-building workshops for the adults while offering a drop off children’s program led by experienced childhood educators for children aged 6 months – 5 years. Children will also have the opportunity to visit and help their parents/caregivers during appropriate activities.
The focus of the children’s program is to explore whole foods, healthy eating and gardening through a weekly schedule that includes story-telling, singing, art, creative movement, free-play and outside time. The focus of the adult skill-building workshop is to teach practical skills while offering support and inspiration to move forward on the journey of healthy eating within a family context.
Cost: $5 (includes children’s program & food)Location: Hastings Community Centre, 3096 East Hastings St.Registration deadline: Thursdays, the week before each workshopRegister for all programs or just one! Call to register: 604-718-6222
• Mar 6 Resourceful Cook – bulk-buying & food co-ops in East Vancouver, 9:30-12:30 or 6-9pm
• Mar 27 Teaching Garden – work in garden while learning about planting indoors & outdoors, managing soil, 10-12pm or 6-8pm (no childminding at 6-8pm)
7. FOODSAFE LEVEL ONE COURSE
We all have questions when it comes to food safety. What should we be concerned with when handling food in our kitchens? What’s safe and what isn’t in our day-to-day work in the kitchen?Come learn the basics about safe food handling in a friendly classroom environment. This is a provincially recognized course taught by qualified instructors. It is suitable for individuals who have a grade 8 or higher reading comprehension level.
Sat, Mar 31, 2012, 9:00 am – 5:00 pmLocation: Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society, 1150 Raymur Ave. Vancouver, BCCost: $50.00 – $95.00 (sliding scale)
To register: Contact Darlene Tanaka, at 604-216-2325 or darlenet@foodbank.bc.caPlease note: Lunch is not provided, so please bring a lunch. Registration is limited to 20 per class. Payment required upon registration. Cancellations must be done at the latest, 72 hours before. No refunds for no-shows. The workshop may be rescheduled if registration numbers are not met.
8. COMMUNITY KITCHEN ROUNDTABLES
These free, two hour roundtable are an opportunity to meet other community kitchen leaders, to share and hear about other kitchen activities, challenges & successes. We are now posting an overview of what is discussed in our Roundtables – visit the blog category “Around the Table” to see notes of previous meetings.
Thurs, Jun 14, 2012, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
To register:: Contact Shona Lam at shonal@foodbank.bc.ca. Although it is a free workshop, we kindly ask that you register so that we know who will be in attendance. Location: Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society, 1150 Raymur Ave
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Jobs
1. 2012 FARM INTERN JOB POSTING – RICHMOND SHARING FARM
The Richmond Fruit Tree Sharing Project (RFTSP) is a non-profit community organization that grows vegetables on donated lands for the Richmond Food Bank and other agencies. We are looking for enthusiastic, hard-working farm interns for May – Aug 2012. The Sharing Farm is situated in the Terra Nova Rural Park and is also home to the Kwantlen University Farm School. The farm (3acres) is a hub of activity for organic farming, and food security in the area.
Interns will have access to many different workshops, permaculture, farming, fermentation, chickens in the city (see website for more) and will gain valuable skills in organic farming, machine operation, and running a community-supported agriculture program. This is a unique ‘community farm’ combining the practice of organic farming set within a framework of food justice and food security in the region.
The Richmond Fruit Tree’s Sharing Farm is located at the west end of Westminster Hwy, alongside the West Dyke. Successful candidates will report to a team of volunteer Board Directors and farm staff. The Sharing Farm site is not on a direct bus route but is accessible by bus with about a five minute bicycle ride or ten minute walk from the nearest bus stop.
For more information about the Sharing Farm please visit www.sharingfarm.ca
Duties and Responsibilities:
• Plant seeds/transplants, cultivate, water, weed and harvest• Keep records and a farm journal• Assist with the supervision and training of volunteers, Farm School students• Assist with educational programs, tours, special events and fund raising activities• Assist with the transportation and distribution of vegetables• Keep farm and storage areas organized and tidy• Assist running a 20 person CSA program• Assist management of high school interns
Must:
• be currently a full-time student who will be returning to college or university in the fall of 2012 and be 18 to 30 years of age (Service Canada requirements).• Have farming or gardening experience• Be self-motivated, flexible, willing to take initiative, work well on own and in a team environment• Be physically fit and enjoy working outside in all kinds of weather• Proven ability in working effectively with volunteers• Strong record-keeping ability• Valid driver’s license• Ability to operate and maintain tools and equipment
The ideal candidates will have a strong interest in organic farming and an interest to continue in this field.
Salary: $12 per hour + benefits35 hour work week, Tuesday – Saturday. Approx. 16 weeks depending on final HRDC Canada Summer Jobs approval of grant applicationStart Date: Mid May.End Date: August 31, 2012Please submit resume and a cover letter to:Farm Administrator Leslie Williams lesliewalkerwilliams@gmail.com
2. OPERATIONS MANAGER, ROYAL CITY FARMER’S MARKET
The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the entire operation of the Royal City Farmers Market. The position is a paid employee position who works from a home office. Hours are approximately 30 hours a week in the Summer and 30 hours a month in the Winter. Outside of the market days (Summer: Thursdays from 12:30pm to 8pm and Winter: Saturdays from 7:30am to 3pm), remaining hours may be completed on own schedule.
The Board would like to have the successful candidate job shadow the existing Operations Manager from the start of the Summer 2012 season (April/May) in an increasing job share capacity, starting at 5 hours per week and increasing to the full 30 hours per week by the end of the Summer 2012 season (October). This will allow for a complete transition to the new employee.
For job details, please visit:http://www.charityvillage.com/cvnet/viewlisting.aspx?id=248285&eng=true&fs=true
3. COMMUNITY NURSERY YOUTH INTERNSHIP – ENVIRONMENTAL YOUTH ALLIANCE
Learn everything you need to know to grow your own food. Get hands on experience working in an organic vegetable garden and community orchard. Help maintain 2 greenhouses. Help grow thousands of vegetable plants for under-served communities in East Vancouver. Meet like minded youth from around Vancouver. Earn $250 for your time and community service hours towards graduation.
We are looking for interns between 14 and 18 years of age. Interns will be expected to dedicate 5 hours of time per week for a 12 week period beginning the week of March 19th and culminating June 10th. We will spend 2 days a week together: 2 hours on a weekday after school and 3 hours on the weekend. At the completion of the 12 week program, apprentices will receive a certificate and reference from the Environmental Youth Alliance, along with a cheque for $250.
For full program description visit:http://www.eya.ca/youth-apprenticeship.html
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1. GREEN SHIELD CANADA COMMUNITY GRANTS
Priority is given to programs that enable access to health and social services for the most vulnerable members of Canadian society. Suggested program focus areas are families, youth or the aging population; socially or geographically disadvantaged populations; and proactive disease prevention. The deadline for applications is March 15. For more information visit www.greenshield.ca.
2. THE HEALTHY LIVING PROGRAM
Submission Deadline for the Letter of Intent: Mon, March 26, 2012 at 4:00 pm
The Healthy Living Program (HLP) of Vancouver Coastal Health has grant funding to support community projects in Vancouver. HLP provides funding to local community grassroots organizations for projects that address health promotion, healthy living and prevention of risk factors for chronic disease. Projects must focus on one or more of the following:
increased healthy eating
active living, and
tobacco reduction.
Projects must address target groups that HLP serves, specifically individuals aged 35 to 64 who are from one of the following groups: high risk ethno-cultural groups (for example, South Asian people are known to have a higher rates of diabetes), Aboriginal people, and
people impacted by social determinants of health (i.e. low-income).
Healthy Living Program grants of up to $8000 are now available for the 2012 funding stream, and the total pool of funds available is $40000. Funding is allocated once a year in May.
To begin the grant process, interested community agencies are invited to complete Grant Application Form. The Healthy Living Program team will prioritize and select the successful applicants. Funding is intended for specific time-limited projects including but not limited to:
New activities that bring people together to participate in healthy-living focused peer or buddy systems such as walking groups. New programs with a health or a chronic disease prevention focus: education sessions, a walking club or a cooking class or a series of active living, nutrition activities, or tobacco reduction education sessions.
Funding is not intended for one-time short term events. Funding is not intended for purchase of snacks for an existing program or for the purchase of start up equipment or sports equipment.
To learn more about the Healthy Living Program, please read the “Frequently Asked Questions” at the end ofGrant Application Form
Please note: Organizations who have received a Healthy Living Program grant in the last 12 months are not eligible to apply during the 2012 funding stream. Organizations who have received a Healthy Living Program grant must be in good standing with Healthy Living Program to be eligible for this and future funding streams. Please note: Organizations already in receipt of Vancouver Coastal Health funds may apply for the Healthy Living Program grant but must include two of three behaviours in their project: healthy eating, active living, tobacco reduction.
Projects may receive Healthy Living Program grant funds one time only.
A maximum of up to one grant will be awarded per VCH Community Health Area (CHA) in Vancouver; e.g. CHA 1 to CHA 6. This does not mean that each CHA will definitely receive a grant. (Note that a map of the CHAs is included near the end of the Grant Application Form)
If you have any questions about the application please phone the Healthy Living Program at (604) 267- 4430.
1. GREEN SHIELD CANADA GRANT
2. HEALTHY LIVING PROGRAM GRANT
2. HEALTHY LIVING PROGRAM GRANT
2. WWF - CANADA GREEN COMMUNITY SCHOOLS GRANT
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Events
1. EAST SIDE COMMUNITY GARDEN PLOTS AVAILABLE
Two community gardens under the skytrain tracks are seeking new garden members for 2012. Further information on My Own Backyard (MOBY) Garden, which features a cob shed located at 11th and Commercial Drive, can be found on their blog http://mobygarden.wordpress.com/about/ or by emailing moby_lize@yahoo.ca .The second garden, Cedar Cottage Garden, with over 100 raised garden plots is located by Hull Street and Victoria Drive (below Stainsbury). Check out their website https://sites.google.com/site/cedarcottagegarden/how-to-get-involved or email them at cedarcottagegarden@gmail.com for additional information.The waiting list is relatively short, so there is a good opportunity for people to get plots for 2012 if the gardens are contacted soon.
2. STILL CREEK COMMUNITY GARDEN PLOTS AVAILABLE
Still Creek Community Garden (4410 Kaslo St, across from 29th Ave skytrain station) has plots available this season. Join a new garden and be part of the fun people who build its spirit! Interested gardeners are invited to join us at the Registration/AGM on Saturday February 18th, 4-7pm, at Slocan Community Hall (2750 E. 29th Avenue). For more information, please contact Cinthia at canyoudigit@posAbilities.ca
3. COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE (CSA) HARVEST BOX PROGRAM
Farmers Chris Bodnar and his wife Paige Dampier of Close to Home Organics are offering shares of their upcoming harvest! Sign up now to receive a weekly box of fresh local organic veggies for your choice of 16 or 24 weeks this summer. Chris & Paige are working with another farm in Keremeos, BC to offer an organic fruit share add-on too! Veggies will include: cucumbers, carrots, chard, lettuce, beans, tomatoes, rhubarb, berries, potatoes, onions, kale, squash and other fresh produce (click here to see an example box). Added fruit shares will include: cherries, apricots, peaches, apples, tomatoes and peppers. In collaboration with NOWBC Co-op harvest boxes can be picked up from any of 30 different locations around Vancouver and surrounding areas. 16 week veggie subscriptions cost $605 for a full share (good for most families or two serious veggie lovers) or $375 for a half share (enough for two or a generous amount for an individual). Fruit share options are $400 or $120 for apples only. Get a 10% discount if you sign up before March 1st. That works out to $21 or $34 in delicious fresh veggies each week this summer. Click here to sign up!
Participating in a CSA is one of the best ways to support our local farmers. In a CSA, customers give the farmer the security of having a buyer for the food they grow and pre-pay at the beginning of the season offering the needed financing to till, plant, water, weed and tend the crops they are growing for you through to harvest time. In return, the consumer gets the freshest and most nutritious produce available all summer long with the security of knowing where the food came from too.Go to www.closetohomeorganics.com to learn more or contact Joanna at joannam@nowbc.ca.
4. BRITANNIA BULK BUYING
Are you interested in fresh fruits and veggies? Do you want to save money? The Britannia Bulk Buying Group purchases fresh produce at wholesale prices saving you about 30% on your food bill. Food is bought once a month and brought to Britannia Community Centre to sort and pick up. Cost is $13 for about 7- 8 varieties of food. That is two bags of food. This program is for individuals and households who are struggling financially.
For more information call Ian @ 604-718-5895
5. BRITANNIA COMMUNITY KITCHEN
A community kitchen is coming to Britannia!
Community Kitchen participants come together every few weeks to cook and eat nutritious meals together and to take meals home to their families. Community kitchens provide a fun and supportive environment to meet new people and try new things and they can also save money on groceries.
The Britannia Community Kitchen project will feature diabetic friendly cooking designed to meet the needs of individuals with diabetes or at risk of diabetes. Each 11 week session will include a presentation by a health professional familiar with nutrition and diabetes prevention.
Come out and have some fun!
These kitchens are fully subsidized and open to individuals who are struggling financially. Donations are accepted. Registration for childminding is separate. Space is limited. Starting June 18, Sat 2 – 5pm and will run every two weeks.
For more information contact Britannia Food Security @ 604-718-5895
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Workshops
1. EYA BEEKEEPING PROGRAM
The Environmental Youth Alliance is now recruiting for our 2012 “Community Hive” Program that provides training and mentorship in hobby beekeeping for youth (ages 15-30)
The program runs from April 21 – October 7 with bi-weekly (every other week) sessions on Saturdays at the Strathcona Community Garden, which will have two working colonies that participants will be able to interact with and learn from. The curriculum includes: basic natural beekeeping, habitat creation, honeybee products, and honey extraction. We will also be visiting other apiaries inthe Lower Mainland to hear from bee farmers in the area.
To apply, simply email a letter of intent to Hartley Rosen (hartley@eya.ca) stating 1) Why you want to learn about bees, 2) Your past experience working with bees (if applicable), 3) What you want to learn from the program, and 4) Your age as of April 21,2012, and 5) Your contact info – address, phone # Participants MUST be able to commit for the entire duration of the program
Deadline to apply is April 6th, 2012
2. EAT THE RICH – FERMENTATION WORKSHOP
Eat the Rich! presents a workshop on raw fermentation as a method for food preservation. Fermentation is used in many cultures and contexts to increase the nutritional content of food, keep it from spoiling, and for increasing pro-biotics in ones diet. Come learn the basics of how to make raw sauerkraut and kombucha. Participants will leave with a kombucha mother and a jar of kraut to ferment.
This workshop has limited space, so please msg the facilitators Anthony Meza-Wilson & Ander Gates @
Suggested donation $5 – $10, nobody turned away.Thursday March 8th, 7-8:30pmToast Collective (648 Kingsway by Fraser)facebook event:
3. TRAIN THE TRAINER CANNING WORKSHOPS IN VANCOUVER
These two day workshops are specifically for those who want to teach canning classes in their community. Learn up-to-date safe canning practices as well as theoretical & practical techniques. We will review old & new canning equipment & tools as well as discuss the various canning products & ingredients on the market today. Find out about canning & safe food handling resources available to you. Discuss how to run a canning workshop that best suits your community’s needs. This workshop is a combination of lecture, discussion, demo and hands-on experience with boiling water bath canning and pressure canning. Bring your canning questions, comments and your own lunch!
Participants must be willing to answer a post-workshop questionnaire and participate in one 1-hour teleconference a few months after the workshop.
Prerequisites: Participants must be:Experienced in canningCommunity agency representatives who will be running community canning classes in 2012
Faciltated by:Emerie Brine, Executive Chef, Bernardin,Diane Collis, Manager, Fresh Choice Kitchens; andDarlene Tanaka, Co-ordinator, Fresh Choice Kitchens
The workshop is being offered twice, choose between:1) Mon, April 30, 2012 9 am – 4 pm & Tues, May 1, 2012 9 am – 4 pmOR2) Wed, May 2, 2012, 9 am – 4pm & Thurs, May 3, 2012 9 am – 4 pmCost: $175.00 per person* (please bring a lunch)Location: Vancouver Food Bank, 1150 Raymur AveRegistration: Contact Darlene Tanaka, 604-216-2325, darlenet@foodbank.bc.ca or send in a completed registration form.
4. TROUT LAKE FOOD WORKSHOP
Trout Lake Cedar Cottage Food Security Network invite you to the new Trout Lake Community Centre. Subsidies available.Register online http://vancouver.ca/parks/cc/troutlake/Or Call: 604-257-6955
Container Gardening – Edible Landscapes
Gearing up for spring? Learn how to prepare and plant a container garden filled with your favourite herbs, plants and vegetables. Take your own container and seeds home with you.
Wednesday, March 28th, 6-9pm$15/$5 seniors
5. ABORIGINAL COMMUNITY KITCHEN LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP
A community kitchen is a group of people who get together regularly to cook and eat together or cook and bring food home. Groups most often cook in community centers, neighbourhood houses, apartment building or hotel common rooms, schools, housing co-ops or people’s homes.
In this workshop, you’ll find out more about leading a ‘traditional’ community kitchen using First Nations foods, teaching methods and supports. Learn different ways a group can work together and learn how you can lead or start a community kitchen. Experience a community kitchen first hand!
Participants registering for this workshop must meet the following criteria:
• Live or work in the Vancouver Coastal Health Region; and,• Be associated with an Aboriginal program (such as the Aboriginal Strategic Health Initiatives Program)
Facilitated by: Jessica Chenery a passionate community development practitioner who embodies an Indigenous ancestral line to the central Vancouver Island area, shíshálh and Penelakut First NationsDiane Collis, Manager, Fresh Choice Kitchens, The Community Kitchen Program of the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society
Friday, March 9 9:00 am – 2:30pmVancouver Food Bank, 1150 Raymur Ave. Vancouver, BCREGISTRATION: Contact Leah Karpan, AHIP Assistant,ph: 604-875-5600 EXT. 63295,Email: leah.karpan@vch.ca
6. SEASONS OF FOOD
Hastings Food Security Alliance Coalition (Food-SAC) encourages you to come explore our skill-building workshops and children’s programs in the coming months.
The program will run every Tuesday morning from 9:30-12. Some Tuesday evening workshops and special events will be available. Our programs feature skill-building workshops for the adults while offering a drop off children’s program led by experienced childhood educators for children aged 6 months – 5 years. Children will also have the opportunity to visit and help their parents/caregivers during appropriate activities.
The focus of the children’s program is to explore whole foods, healthy eating and gardening through a weekly schedule that includes story-telling, singing, art, creative movement, free-play and outside time. The focus of the adult skill-building workshop is to teach practical skills while offering support and inspiration to move forward on the journey of healthy eating within a family context.
Cost: $5 (includes children’s program & food)Location: Hastings Community Centre, 3096 East Hastings St.Registration deadline: Thursdays, the week before each workshopRegister for all programs or just one! Call to register: 604-718-6222
• Mar 6 Resourceful Cook – bulk-buying & food co-ops in East Vancouver, 9:30-12:30 or 6-9pm
• Mar 27 Teaching Garden – work in garden while learning about planting indoors & outdoors, managing soil, 10-12pm or 6-8pm (no childminding at 6-8pm)
7. FOODSAFE LEVEL ONE COURSE
We all have questions when it comes to food safety. What should we be concerned with when handling food in our kitchens? What’s safe and what isn’t in our day-to-day work in the kitchen?Come learn the basics about safe food handling in a friendly classroom environment. This is a provincially recognized course taught by qualified instructors. It is suitable for individuals who have a grade 8 or higher reading comprehension level.
Sat, Mar 31, 2012, 9:00 am – 5:00 pmLocation: Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society, 1150 Raymur Ave. Vancouver, BCCost: $50.00 – $95.00 (sliding scale)
To register: Contact Darlene Tanaka, at 604-216-2325 or darlenet@foodbank.bc.caPlease note: Lunch is not provided, so please bring a lunch. Registration is limited to 20 per class. Payment required upon registration. Cancellations must be done at the latest, 72 hours before. No refunds for no-shows. The workshop may be rescheduled if registration numbers are not met.
8. COMMUNITY KITCHEN ROUNDTABLES
These free, two hour roundtable are an opportunity to meet other community kitchen leaders, to share and hear about other kitchen activities, challenges & successes. We are now posting an overview of what is discussed in our Roundtables – visit the blog category “Around the Table” to see notes of previous meetings.
Thurs, Jun 14, 2012, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
To register:: Contact Shona Lam at shonal@foodbank.bc.ca. Although it is a free workshop, we kindly ask that you register so that we know who will be in attendance. Location: Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society, 1150 Raymur Ave
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Jobs
1. 2012 FARM INTERN JOB POSTING – RICHMOND SHARING FARM
The Richmond Fruit Tree Sharing Project (RFTSP) is a non-profit community organization that grows vegetables on donated lands for the Richmond Food Bank and other agencies. We are looking for enthusiastic, hard-working farm interns for May – Aug 2012. The Sharing Farm is situated in the Terra Nova Rural Park and is also home to the Kwantlen University Farm School. The farm (3acres) is a hub of activity for organic farming, and food security in the area.
Interns will have access to many different workshops, permaculture, farming, fermentation, chickens in the city (see website for more) and will gain valuable skills in organic farming, machine operation, and running a community-supported agriculture program. This is a unique ‘community farm’ combining the practice of organic farming set within a framework of food justice and food security in the region.
The Richmond Fruit Tree’s Sharing Farm is located at the west end of Westminster Hwy, alongside the West Dyke. Successful candidates will report to a team of volunteer Board Directors and farm staff. The Sharing Farm site is not on a direct bus route but is accessible by bus with about a five minute bicycle ride or ten minute walk from the nearest bus stop.
For more information about the Sharing Farm please visit www.sharingfarm.ca
Duties and Responsibilities:
• Plant seeds/transplants, cultivate, water, weed and harvest• Keep records and a farm journal• Assist with the supervision and training of volunteers, Farm School students• Assist with educational programs, tours, special events and fund raising activities• Assist with the transportation and distribution of vegetables• Keep farm and storage areas organized and tidy• Assist running a 20 person CSA program• Assist management of high school interns
Must:
• be currently a full-time student who will be returning to college or university in the fall of 2012 and be 18 to 30 years of age (Service Canada requirements).• Have farming or gardening experience• Be self-motivated, flexible, willing to take initiative, work well on own and in a team environment• Be physically fit and enjoy working outside in all kinds of weather• Proven ability in working effectively with volunteers• Strong record-keeping ability• Valid driver’s license• Ability to operate and maintain tools and equipment
The ideal candidates will have a strong interest in organic farming and an interest to continue in this field.
Salary: $12 per hour + benefits35 hour work week, Tuesday – Saturday. Approx. 16 weeks depending on final HRDC Canada Summer Jobs approval of grant applicationStart Date: Mid May.End Date: August 31, 2012Please submit resume and a cover letter to:Farm Administrator Leslie Williams lesliewalkerwilliams@gmail.com
2. OPERATIONS MANAGER, ROYAL CITY FARMER’S MARKET
The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the entire operation of the Royal City Farmers Market. The position is a paid employee position who works from a home office. Hours are approximately 30 hours a week in the Summer and 30 hours a month in the Winter. Outside of the market days (Summer: Thursdays from 12:30pm to 8pm and Winter: Saturdays from 7:30am to 3pm), remaining hours may be completed on own schedule.
The Board would like to have the successful candidate job shadow the existing Operations Manager from the start of the Summer 2012 season (April/May) in an increasing job share capacity, starting at 5 hours per week and increasing to the full 30 hours per week by the end of the Summer 2012 season (October). This will allow for a complete transition to the new employee.
For job details, please visit:http://www.charityvillage.com/cvnet/viewlisting.aspx?id=248285&eng=true&fs=true
3. COMMUNITY NURSERY YOUTH INTERNSHIP – ENVIRONMENTAL YOUTH ALLIANCE
Learn everything you need to know to grow your own food. Get hands on experience working in an organic vegetable garden and community orchard. Help maintain 2 greenhouses. Help grow thousands of vegetable plants for under-served communities in East Vancouver. Meet like minded youth from around Vancouver. Earn $250 for your time and community service hours towards graduation.
We are looking for interns between 14 and 18 years of age. Interns will be expected to dedicate 5 hours of time per week for a 12 week period beginning the week of March 19th and culminating June 10th. We will spend 2 days a week together: 2 hours on a weekday after school and 3 hours on the weekend. At the completion of the 12 week program, apprentices will receive a certificate and reference from the Environmental Youth Alliance, along with a cheque for $250.
For full program description visit:http://www.eya.ca/youth-apprenticeship.html
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Funding
1. GREEN SHIELD CANADA COMMUNITY GRANTS
Priority is given to programs that enable access to health and social services for the most vulnerable members of Canadian society. Suggested program focus areas are families, youth or the aging population; socially or geographically disadvantaged populations; and proactive disease prevention. The deadline for applications is March 15. For more information visit www.greenshield.ca.
2. THE HEALTHY LIVING PROGRAM
Submission Deadline for the Letter of Intent: Mon, March 26, 2012 at 4:00 pm
The Healthy Living Program (HLP) of Vancouver Coastal Health has grant funding to support community projects in Vancouver. HLP provides funding to local community grassroots organizations for projects that address health promotion, healthy living and prevention of risk factors for chronic disease. Projects must focus on one or more of the following:
increased healthy eating
active living, and
tobacco reduction.
Projects must address target groups that HLP serves, specifically individuals aged 35 to 64 who are from one of the following groups: high risk ethno-cultural groups (for example, South Asian people are known to have a higher rates of diabetes), Aboriginal people, and
people impacted by social determinants of health (i.e. low-income).
Healthy Living Program grants of up to $8000 are now available for the 2012 funding stream, and the total pool of funds available is $40000. Funding is allocated once a year in May.
To begin the grant process, interested community agencies are invited to complete Grant Application Form. The Healthy Living Program team will prioritize and select the successful applicants. Funding is intended for specific time-limited projects including but not limited to:
New activities that bring people together to participate in healthy-living focused peer or buddy systems such as walking groups. New programs with a health or a chronic disease prevention focus: education sessions, a walking club or a cooking class or a series of active living, nutrition activities, or tobacco reduction education sessions.
Funding is not intended for one-time short term events. Funding is not intended for purchase of snacks for an existing program or for the purchase of start up equipment or sports equipment.
To learn more about the Healthy Living Program, please read the “Frequently Asked Questions” at the end ofGrant Application Form
Please note: Organizations who have received a Healthy Living Program grant in the last 12 months are not eligible to apply during the 2012 funding stream. Organizations who have received a Healthy Living Program grant must be in good standing with Healthy Living Program to be eligible for this and future funding streams. Please note: Organizations already in receipt of Vancouver Coastal Health funds may apply for the Healthy Living Program grant but must include two of three behaviours in their project: healthy eating, active living, tobacco reduction.
Projects may receive Healthy Living Program grant funds one time only.
A maximum of up to one grant will be awarded per VCH Community Health Area (CHA) in Vancouver; e.g. CHA 1 to CHA 6. This does not mean that each CHA will definitely receive a grant. (Note that a map of the CHAs is included near the end of the Grant Application Form)
If you have any questions about the application please phone the Healthy Living Program at (604) 267- 4430.
3. WWF - CANADA GREEN COMMUNITY SCHOOLS GRANT
WWF-Canada is proud to announce the fifth cycle of the Green Loblaw Companies Limited, WWF-Canada will grant $600,000 over three years, up to $200,000 a year, to Canadian elementary and secondary schools. The grant program aims to support school projects that will connect students with nature, help reduce a community’s impact on the environment, increase understanding of environmental issues and solutions, stimulate environmental leadership, and inspire students and communities to take action.
The application deadline is: Monday, April 2, 2012 at 3:00 pm EST
Proposed projects must be implemented between June 1, 2012 and May 31, 2013. Winners will be announced in May 2012.
