Grandview Woodland Food Connection E-Newsletter

Welcome to issue #55 of the Grandview Woodland Food Connection E-Newsletter. This newsletter has been created to share information about food security in the Grandview Woodland and neighbouring communities. Please feel free to send us any information that you would like included.

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Check out our Blog - http://gwfoodconnection.wordpress.com/

A Year of Food Reflections
New SOYL Video

A Day at Britannia School (Garden Project)

We are also on Flickr - http://www.flickr.com/photos/gwfc/sets/

The Grandview Woodland Food Connection is seeking cooking, food preparation, and gardening workshop leaders to facilitate accessible fee based workshops at Britannia Community Centre. We welcome your skills and ideas. 

Anyone also familiar and quick with setting up MailChimp. We could use some help.
Contact GWFC @ 604-715895
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Events

1. NEW BRITANNIA COMMUNITY KITCHEN
2. BRITANNIA BULK BUYING 

Workshops

1. BRITANNIA HEALTHY EATING WORKSHOPS

2. ORGANIC ORCHARD MANAGEMENT TRAINING COURSE

3. LITTLE MOUNTAIN HEALTHY COMMUNITIES PROGRAM

4. COMMUNITY KITCHEN ROUNDTABLES
5. COMMUNITY KITCHEN LEADERSHIP WORKSHOPS
6. FOODSAFE LEVEL ONE
7. SAFE CANNING BASICS DEMONSTRATION
8. FIRST AID & FIRE SAFETY FOR COMMUNITY KITCHENS

Jobs

1. UBC FARM COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR
2. SPEC DEMONSTRATION FOOD GARDEN MANAGER & URBAN FARMER FIELD COORDINATOR


Volunteer

1. GRANDVIEW WOODLAND FOOD CONNECTION

Funding

1. 2013 HEALTHY LIVING PROGRAM GRANT

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Events

1. NEW BRITANNIA COMMUNITY KITCHEN

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.

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 March 2013, Sat 1 – 4pm and will run every two weeks for 11 sessions. Come out and have some fun!

For more information contact Grandview Woodland Food Connection @ 604-718-5895


2. 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.
Info: 604-718-5895 



Workshops

1. BRITANNIA HEALTHY EATING WORKSHOPS

The Grandview Woodland Food Connection presents this series of healthy eating food workshops designed to tantilize your taste buds and keep you healthy and nourished. All workshops are at Britannia Community Centre.
Registration: 604-718-5800    $15 each

Foodwisdom is a family run social enterprise that promotes food literacy and traditional food skills. Certified Red Seal Chef Antonietta Gesualdi, along with sous-chefs Maria and Francesca, run educational programs at the elementary school level. They have delivered programs under the Healthy Living Program with Vancouver Coastal Health as well as other initiatives.

Creamy Homemade Yogurt Recipes

Fresh home-made yogurt made with whole milk is still a staple in many health conscious households around the world. It is one of the nicest things you can do for a digestive system that is overwhelmed by the excesses of the western diet. It is also good for your pocketbook and our oceans, which are unable to digest the tons of plastic that disappear into them every year. Come learn why we don’t do skimmed or low fat milk.
Saturday January 19
1 – 4pm

Energy Tonics – Beyond Kombucha

Drink your way to a healthier you. We can start with Kombucha, but let’s move on to Bieler Broth, barley water, beet kvaas, potassium tea, Rejuvelac. Moroccan mint, and our own Foodwisdom nutrient dense hot cacao. Dr. Henry Beiler’s recipe of veggies and herbs combats stress, back pain and ligament problems. Barley water cleans out the kidneys and the complexion, popular amongst British athletes and old world traditionalists. Beet Kvaas is a potent blood tonic and conveys numerous health benefits. Our hot cacao will fuel your winter afternoons. Sample Bar and recipe overviews.
Saturday February 2
1 – 4pm

Fresh Organic Whole Spelt Pasta

We turn the fine art of making fresh pasta by hand into child’s play. As the parent of a child in one of our kids’ workshops said, “Dear Foodwisdom, My son Thomas, in Ms. Johanne’s Grade 2 class, will not cease asking me to make fresh pasta at home. He says he knows how. He says it’s delicious. Please be so kind as to forward the recipe and instructions.” Organic whole spelt from Anita’s Mill. Bring a rolling pin, if possible. Adults accompanied by a youth under 16yrs will receive a free Italian Espresso.
Saturday March 2
1 – 4pm

Eightfold Eats: Vegan, Gluten & Sugar-Free Baking

Join Mike Robinson, Owner of Eightfold Eats Gluten Free Bakery, Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Holistic Chef and Baker for this informative, fun, and affordable workshop. This workshop includes an un-baking demo with discussions on how to bake gluten and sugar-free treats. Included also are tips and discussions on dozens of alternative sweeteners; superfoods, Dairy along with necessary info about various types of cleanses. Participants receive handouts, FOOD, exclusive recipes and of course a chance to ask questions.
Wed. Jan. 30, 6:30-9:30pm
$25

2. ORGANIC ORCHARD MANAGEMENT TRAINING COURSE

The Environmental Youth Alliance is offering a comprehensive, hands-on training program covering the following topics: with a number of local experts instructing courses in the following topics: pruning and canopy Management; Integrated Pest Management and holistic orchard health; soils and orchard fertility; berry production; pollination and crop load management; grafting; trellises and other orchard infrastructure.

We are seeking applicants who have some experience in gardening/horticulture and would like to expand their knowledge and skill set to include organic, perennial fruit production. Special consideration will be given to applicants currently involved in community projects involving urban agriculture, but all who are interested are encouraged to apply.

February – June 2013 (2 Saturdays/month)
Applications must be received by: Friday, January 18th, 2013.
For details on how to apply and additional information please go to: http://www.eya.ca/training.html

3. LITTLE MOUNTAIN HEALTHY COMMUNITIES PROGRAM

Contact for info or registration: Jennifer at 604-879-7104, ext. 315 or email jennifer_wesman@Lmnhs.bc.ca

Healthy Selves, Healthy Communities: Healthy Living Program for Newcomers

Program addresses topics related to healthy living, wellness, and inter-cultural knowledge exchange. Classes are led by BCIT nurses and include educational lessons, games, and peer based focus groups. Sessions are designed according to need and request of participants, and cover a wide range of health-related topics for people wanting to lead healthier lifestyles. Snacks and bus tickets are included. Participants will receive a certificate and manual at the end of course.
Wednesdays 12:30-1:45pm (beginning September 12 and ending November 28)
Program 1: Jan.23-March 06
Program 2: March 20-May 01
Kensington Community Centre 2nd floor (5175 Dumfries @ 33rd ave and Knight st)

Community Kitchen

Come to our free Community Kitchens where you can learn new recipes from across cultures, teach others a favorite recipe, meet new people, and enjoy a meal together. Baking and cooking supplies will be provided; contributions always welcome. Please bring containers to take food home.
Mondays 4:00-7:00pm
Session #1: January 14, 21, 28, Feb. 04, 11
Session #2: March 04, 11, 18, 25

Community Dinner Nights

A delicious 3 course meal for families and singles. It is a nutritious and low cost meal.
Who: Community members
Every Friday evening, 5pm-6pm at LMNH
Little Mountain Neighbourhood House
Cost: $4.00 for members/ $5.00 for non-members (1/2 price for children)

Potluck and Sustainable Living Workshops with Village Vancouver (Main Street)

In partnership with Village Vancouver (Main St), these monthly meetings and workshops focus on quality of life issues: growing local food, gardening and seed saving, renewable energy, recycling, low-impact transportation, bike maintenance, bee keeping and backyard chickens.
First Tuesday of every month, 6:00-8:00pm
January 08: Community Food Mapping
February 05: Sewing 101
March 05: Topic to be announced

4. COMMUNITY KITCHEN ROUNDTABLES

These free, two hour roundtables are an opportunity to meet other community kitchen leaders, to share and hear about other kitchen activities, challenges & successes. Come to our Vancouver office to participate in person or participate remotely via teleconferencing. 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.

Dates/Times:

Thurs, Jan 17, 2013, 10:00 am -12:00 pm

Thurs, April 25, 2013, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society,

1150 Raymur Ave., Vancouver BC

To register: There is no fee for these events, but we kindly ask that you register by going to Brown Paper Tickets.

For more information: Contact Shona Lam at shonal@foodbank.bc.ca or 604-216-2326

5. COMMUNITY KITCHEN LEADERSHIP WORKSHOPS

During this workshop you will have the opportunity to find out more about community kitchens, different ways a group can work and how you can lead or start a community kitchen. Learn the history of the community kitchen movement and the effect it has had around the province. Hear about the different kitchen models that run successfully in our communities. Experience a community kitchen first hand! Lunch will be provided.

Dates/Times:

Thurs, Feb. 21, 2013, 9:00 am –3:30 pm

Location: Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society,

1150 Raymur Ave. Vancouver, BC

Cost: $45.00 (lunch provided).

To register: Contact Darlene Tanaka, at 604-216-2325 or darlenet@foodbank.bc.ca 

6. FOODSAFE LEVEL ONE

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.

Date/Time:

Sat, March 2 2013, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Location: Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society, 1150 Raymur Ave. Vancouver, BC

Cost: $50.00 – $95.00 (sliding scale)

To register: Contact Darlene Tanaka, at 604-216-2325 or darlenet@foodbank.bc.ca

Please note: Lunch is not provided, so please bring a lunch.

7. SAFE CANNING BASICS DEMONSTRATION

This one-day session for canning instructors/leaders will review the basics of both boiling water bath (BWB) canning and pressure canning. Learn about old and new canning equipment, tools and current canning products on the market. Get the latest information on safe canning practices. The workshop will consist of a Powerpoint presentation, demonstration and discussion. Due to time limitations, please note that there will be no hands-on component. Bring your canning questions and comments and a lunch! Presenters: Diane Collis, Manager and Darlene Tanaka, Training Co-ordinator, Fresh Choice Kitchens

Date/Time: Thursday, June 13, 2013 – 9:00am-4:00pm (please bring a lunch)

Location: Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society, 1150 Raymur Ave, Vancouver BC

Cost: $45 (Includes Bernardin cookbook & canning toolkit)

To Register: Contact Darlene Tanaka at 604-216-2325, darlenet@foodbank.bc.ca

8. FIRST AID & FIRE SAFETY FOR COMMUNITY KITCHENS

By request, we are offering our 1-day workshop for community kitchen (CK) leaders & participants on First Aid and Fire Safety. Vancouver Fire Fighters will facilitate “Save Somebody’s Life” & afterwards Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services will come & offer “Fire Safety & Fire Extinguisher Training”. Participants must attend both components for the day.

Save Somebody’s Life in the Kitchen.

How can you prevent accidents in the kitchen? Do you know what steps to take if a CK participant is choking? In this workshop you will gain knowledge & basic first aid skills needed in the first few minutes following an emergency in the kitchen. This course is suitable for anyone who wants to learn basic life saving skills, but does not require formal ‘certification’. Training focuses on the basic skills needed in the first few minutes following an emergency, provides advice on when to seek medical attention & includes practice scenarios.

Topics covered: • Burns • Knife Cuts • CPR • Choking

Fire Safety & Fire Extinguisher Training. Do you know what to do if there is a fire in the kitchen? Wondering how to use a fire extinguisher? This course is intended to give community kitchen leaders a basic understanding of fire safety & the use & limitations of portable fire-fighting equipment. It includes training on live fires using “Hands-On” Fire Extinguisher Training. Part of the course takes place outside & it is recommended that course participants wear comfortable, casual clothes appropriate to the weather conditions on the day.

Topics covered: • What is “Fire”? • Classifications of Fire • Leading causes of Fire • Types of Portable Fire Extinguishers • Making the “Right” Decision • Reporting an Emergency • Smoke Alarms • Evacuation Plans

Date/Time: Thurs, Feb 28, 2013, 10:00am-2:00pm

Please bring your own lunch

Location: Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society,

1150 Raymur Ave Vancouver, BC

Cost: $45.00/person

Further questions: Contact Darlene Tanaka, , ph: 604-216-2325, darlenet@foodbank.bc.ca

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Jobs

1. UBC FARM COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR

The UBC Farm is accepting applications for a Community Engagement Coordinator. This individual will be responsible for administration of the UBC Farm’s community oriented educational programming. These programs include but are not limited to: Children’s Education Programs, the Children’s Learning Garden, and the Volunteer Program. The application deadline is January 20th; see job posting (PDF) for full position and application details.

2. SPEC DEMONSTRATION FOOD GARDEN MANAGER & URBAN FARMER FIELD COORDINATOR

Founded in 1969, The Society Promoting Environmental Conservation (SPEC) is a non-profit charitable organization that addresses environmental issues in British Columbia, with a particular focus on urban

communities. Visit the website at www.spec.bc.ca for more information on SPEC’s Food programs and initiatives, and all of its environmental activities. The YWCA Metro Vancouver’s Rooftop Food Garden is an urban treasure that provides healthy, nutritious food to a family resource centre in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. The garden is a production-intensive vegetable garden complete with fruit trees, berries, a small greenhouse, and compost system. Using simple season-extension techniques, soil building, and crop rotation allows for a tremendous yield for the amount of space.

A unique partnership between SPEC and the YWCA Metro Vancouver brings together BC’s oldest environmental organization with BC’s oldest women’s social organization to grow food and grow farmers.Working under the direct supervision of SPEC and in collaboration with the Facility Manager at the YWCA, the SPEC staff person will be responsible for coordinating the SPEC|YWCA Urban Farmer Field School and managing the YWCA Metro Vancouver Rooftop Food Garden.

Hours per week: Approximately 25

Pay per hour: $18-20

Contract Duration: Feb. 1 2013 – Oct. 31 2013

For more information visit: http://www.spec.bc.ca/Resources/Documents/Job%20Postings/SPEC_Garden_UFFS_2013_Job_Posting.pdf

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Volunteer

1. GRANDVIEW WOODLAND FOOD CONNECTION

The Grandview Woodlands Food Connection is a grassroots food security group supporting residents to access healthy and affordable food. We are developing a number of community based food initiatives, including community gardening, bulk buying groups, school gardens, canning workshops,community kitchens and more and are looking for individuals interested in hands-on project coordination. Check out our projects. Call Ian @ 604-718-5895
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Funding

1. 2013 HEALTHY LIVING PROGRAM GRANT

Healthy Living Program provides grant funding to Vancouver community grassroots organizations for projects that address health promotion, healthy living and prevention of risk factors for chronic disease. Grants up to $8000 are available. The total pool of funds available is $40000. Funding is allocated once a year in May.

  

The funding will be available for projects within Vancouver that: 

• facilitate healthy eating and/or active living and/or tobacco reduction
• target individuals aged 35 to 64 who are from one of the following groups: Aboriginal peoples, people with low-income and high risk ethno-cultural group

Deadline is 4:00 pm on Monday, March 25, 2013.