Welcome to issue #69 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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New GWFC Posters
Been Doing Lots of Gardening
Off the Grill Report 2014
Events
2. STONE SOUP FESTIVAL
3. TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION IN THE INDIGENOUS LAND AND FOOD SYSTEM
4. RETHINKING SCHOOL FOOD: CULTIVATING A HEALTHY SCHOOL FOOD SYSTEM
5. ENVIRONMENTAL YOUTH ALLIANCE CELEBRATION AND AGM
6. WOODLAND COMMUNITY GARDEN SPRING GALA
7. CEDAR COTTAGE GARDEN SPRING FLING
8. GWFC COMMUNITY KITCHEN
9. 100 IN 1 DAY
10. SEED MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
11. SOUTH VANCOUVER MOBILE MARKET
12. GWFC BULK BUYING
13. NUTRITIONAL COUNSELING SERVICE
14. LITTLE MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY DINNER NIGHTS
Workshops
1. GWFC FOOD AND GARDEN WORKSHOPS
2. SPROUTING CHOI 101
3. PICKLE ASPARAGUS FOR YOUR COCKTAILS
4. GROWING GREAT MICROGREENS
5. SUSTAINABLE URBAN BEEKEEPING CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
6. SEASONS OF FOOD VANCOUVER WORKSHOPS
4. GROWING GREAT MICROGREENS
5. SUSTAINABLE URBAN BEEKEEPING CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
6. SEASONS OF FOOD VANCOUVER WORKSHOPS
Jobs
1. SUMMER FOOD PROGRAM FACILITATOR
2. UBC LANDED LEARNING
3. LEAD GARDENER/FARMER
4. 2015 FARM INTERN JOB POSTING
4. 2015 FARM INTERN JOB POSTING
Volunteer
1. NEIGHBOURHOOD FOOD NETWORKS EVENT VOLUNTEER
2. GRANDVIEW WOODLAND FOOD CONNECTION
3. VANCOUVER FRUIT TREE PROJECT
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2. GRANDVIEW WOODLAND FOOD CONNECTION
3. VANCOUVER FRUIT TREE PROJECT
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Events
1. BRITANNIA SCHOOL GARDEN FUNDRAISER
Tickets only $25, includes dinner - Eventbrite: Britannia School Garden Fundraiser
Share us on Facebook - http://on.fb.me/1EHHt0h
When: Sat, May 23rd, 6pm doors open, dinner 7pm, storytelling 8pm
Where: Astorinos, 1739 Venables
2. STONE SOUP FESTIVAL
3. TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION IN THE INDIGENOUS LAND AND FOOD SYSTEM
A STONE SOUP EVENT
4. RETHINKING SCHOOL FOOD: CULTIVATING A HEALTHY SCHOOL FOOD SYSTEM
This community celebration is especially important to us because we are using the occasion to honour and say thank you to Hartley Rosen for his 14 years of contribution to the organization and officially welcome Julia Thiessen as its new Executive Director.
WHEN: Thursday April 23rd, 2015 | 6 – 9PM
WHERE: Lost + Found Cafe, Vancouver BCCelebration and Party 6:00 – 8:52 pm
AGM business portion 8:52 – 9 pm
Help us plan for food, fun, and prizes, by RSVP’ing early! If your plans change, no problem, but please let us know so we can open up a spot for someone else!
RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW
6. WOODLAND COMMUNITY GARDEN SPRING GALA
9. 100 IN 1 Day
Got a food event idea? Would you like to partner with Grandview Woodland FOod Connection and share resources?Join us on Saturday, June 6, 2015 for 100 in1Day in Vancouver! The festival of civic engagement is returning to Vancouver for its second year. Presented by Evergreen, 100 in 1 Day invites organisations such as yours to submit ideas to make the city a better place!
If you want to put some positive changes in place, then we can help you do so!
These actions, known as urban interventions are a simple, often low cost way for organisations to showcase their ideas to improve the quality of life in their communities. We are hosting free workshops across the city and would love to see a representative from [organisation] there!
There are so many little things you can do to make Vancouver a better place! For example:
● you can host a soccer game in a local park to promote active lifestyles
● you can beautify your spaces through public murals
● you can create a community garden
If you would like to get involved, please:
1. Register for a free workshop
2. Submit your intervention ideas
3. Follow on Twitter @100in1DayVan
4. Connect on Facebook
5. Spread the word with #100in1Day
These interventions have the potential to transform the city by fostering a stronger sense of inspiration, community and belonging.
10. SEED MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
BC Seeds and FarmFolk CityFolk are happy to announce our 2015 Seed Mentorship Program! This program will match up new and eager seed growers with experienced seed growers throughout the province for a unique season-long Mentorship opportunity.
Potential Mentors – Are you an experienced seed grower in BC and want to share your knowledge with others? Mentors will play an important role in guiding Mentees through the seed-growing season and offering hands-on opportunities when possible. This transfer of knowledge and experience is important to the growth and resilience of our local seed system.
Potential Mentees (yes, that is a word!) – Are you a BC-based farmer wanting to increase your seed production knowledge and experience? Selected Mentees will receive 25 or more hours of one-on-one support from a Mentor and become part of one of Canada’s most diverse and experienced seed-growing communities. Mentorship will happen by phone, email and where possible through in-person meetings.
Mentors will help guide new seed growers through the season, introducing basic seed saving and plant breeding concepts and important in-field tasks leading up to the harvest, processing, and packaging of seeds at the end of the season.
The program runs from May through November. Application Deadline: April 27, 2015
For more information on the program and application forms please visit the BC Seeds website.
Fill out the Mentee Application here.
Fill out the Mentor Application here.
This program is part of a nationwide program funded through USC Canada’s Bauta Initiative with the goal of building a national movement to conserve and advance seed biodiversity, keep seed in the public domain, and promote ecological seed production.
11. SOUTH VANCOUVER MOBILE MARKET
12. GWFC BULK BUYING
13. NUTRITIONAL COUNSELING SERVICE
Nutrition counseling services by a certified holistic nutritionist and herbalist will be available for under-served residents and open to all community members on a sliding scale basis. This service is aimed at helping you navigate the food choices available in our area and choose the foods that are best suited for your health, taking into consideration any health issues or goals you may have. Improved eating habits can help boost your physical and mental health. This service also aims to help connect residents to affordable, accessible, healthy food programs and options. Service available Tuesdays 6-9pm.
Contact Nikoo Boroumand at info@healinggardenswellness.com to book an appointment. For more information, visit www.healinggardenswellness.com
Appointments at Britannia Community Centre
Supported by the Grandview Woodland Food Connection
14. LITTLE MOUNTAIN HEALTHY COMMUNITIES PROGRAM
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)
Who to contact: Jennifer 604-879-7104 ext.315 orjennifer_wesman@Lmnhs.bc.ca
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Workshops
1. GWFC FOOD AND GARDEN WORKSHOPS
2. SPROUTING CHOI 101
3. PICKLE ASPARAGUS FOR YOUR COCKTAILS
Start the 2015 harvest season off right with a workshop on pickling Asparagus, and learn spice combinations that are best suited for pickles used in cocktails.
This precious and regal vegetable makes a perfect pickled accompaniment to a Caesar or Bloody Mary – the long and slender spear goes well in most glassware.
Join Natalie from East Van Jam & Homesteading Mamas as she takes you through the basics of canning, while you also get to produce your own jar of these venerable pickles to take home. Recipe card for the best ever Caesar is included!
Thursday April 23rd 6-9pm
Studio 126 / 126 E Pender
Cost: $40
Registration: email studio126yvr@gmail.com to book your spot!
4. GROWING GREAT MICROGREENS
Join microgreens growing expert Chris Thoreau of the Vancouver Food Pedalers Cooperative, in cooperation with the Richmond Farm School, for this one-day comprehensive workshop on the art of growing microgreens.
Microgreens are an amazing, small-space, intensive crop popular with restaurants, farmers markets and CSA boxes. They can be grown all year round as a great income supplement to your farm or as a business all on their own. And, of course, you could just grow them at home for yourself and your family!
When: Saturday, April 18, 2015 from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Where: Kwantlen Polytechnic University – Richmond Campus
REGISTER HERE!
Chris will cover all aspects of microgreens production including:
Equipment and Infrastructure
Selecting Soil and Seeds
Hygiene and Sanitation
Crop Planning and Record Keeping
Crop Production
Climate and Light Adaptations
Harvesting, Packaging, and Transport
Sprout Regulations (ugh!)
Each topic will be covered in detail and include important tips, methodologies, and a focus on the importance of attention to detail. The workshop will also include electronic take-home materials for future reference. You will leave this workshop not only with a greater understanding of intensive microgreens production but also with greater insight into how to grow food on a small-scale efficiently. Come prepared for a day of images, discussions, and the odd bit of humour as we take you from seed to sprout in one day – preparing you for your own microgreens production in 2015!
Please bring a lunch!
Who should attend this workshop?
Small-scale farmers looking to diversify crop options – especially during the shoulder season
New famers looking to build their skills in intensive agriculture
Individuals and families looking to grow more food at home in tight spaces
Anyone interested in growing food locally year round – indoors and out!
Discounted price (50% off!) is offered to:
Alumni students of Richmond Farm School
Current and Alumni students of KPU Sustainable Agriculture Program
Current and Alumni students of UBC Farm Practicum Program and the UBC Faculty of Land and Food Systems
Chris Thoreau has been growing microgreens in the Strathcona neighbourhood of Vancouver for the past six years and growing food in one form or another for the past 15 years. His focus is on intensive, urban food production, developing efficient production systems, and actually trying to take some time off of work once in a while. Visit his sometimes active blog here or look for him and the Food Pedalers at a local farmers market or cycling around town doing sprout deliveries!
Questions? Send us an email!
5. SUSTAINABLE URBAN BEEKEEPING CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
Langara College Continuing Studies.
www.langara.bc.ca/bees
The information session is happening on Monday April 21st at 7pm at Langara College (100 West 49th Avenue) in room A253.
6. SEASONS OF FOOD VANCOUVER WORKSHOPS
Hastings Community Centre
Great instructors, excellent topics, small groups!!
ALL workshops only $15
Check out our upcoming workshops in April:
April 18 – Indian Cooking
April 19 – Kombucha
April 22 – Crock Pot Yogurt
April 25 – Korean Cooking
If you cannot afford to take a program we offer subsidies to members who have a Leisure Access Card. You can apply for a reduction of up to 50% off of the program fee. Ask for a form at the front desk.
If you have suggestions for workshops or would like to lead one,
please contact us at seasonsoffoodhcc@gmail.com.
Registration is available for all workshops online, by phone, or in person
Phone: 604.718.6222, ext. 2, after 12:00 noon every day
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Jobs
1. SUMMER FOOD PROGRAM FACILITATOR
Strathcona Community Center
The Summer Food Program Facilitator is a summer student position. The successful applicant will work with the Food Security Coordinator to support the community centre’s summer food programs and activities.
Projects and responsibilities will balance the student’s interests with the Centre’s needs and may include:
0 Co-facilitating an adult community kitchen program that serves diverse members of the Strathcona neighbourhood
0 Facilitating cooking activities for existing child and youth programs, within which many participants are members of visible minorities, Aboriginal and/or from low-income families
0 Supporting snack planning, food preparation and recipe/nutrition resource development for a variety of community centre programs, including child, youth and seniors programs
0 Assisting with safe receiving, inventory, storage, handling and distribution of food
0 Developing communications materials such as food newsletters/brochures, social media entries, bulletin boards and posters
0 Researching promising practices to further enhance food programing, with a specific focus on increasing accessibility, community-building and dignity for community members
0 Working as part of a team involving daily in-person and written communication in addition to attending regular food team meetings
0 Other food-related projects that may arise
Qualifications and Skills
0 Current post-secondary student (full-time studies preceding and following summer 2015)
0 Study in the area of nutrition, dietetics, culinary arts, recreation, public health, social work, childcare, education or another relevant field
0 Experience preparing food and certification in Food Safe Level 1 (or willing to obtain)
0 Excellent communication skills (written and oral)
0 Demonstrable interest in food and ‘food security’ issues
0 Ability to work with other organizations and people in a collaborative manner
0 Familiarity with the neighbourhood and other not-for-profit agencies an asset
Application Details
Period of employment: 9 weeks, beginning June 29, 2015
Hours per week: 35 hours
Wage rate: $14.00 per hour + 4% in lieu of vacation
Submit resume to: Lauren Brown, Food Security Coordinator
In person or via email: lauren.diane.brown@gmail.com
Deadline for application: May 24, 2015
2. UBC LANDED LEARNING
The Intergenerational Landed Learning Project partners elementary students and community volunteers to provide hands-on garden-based learning experiences growing, cooking, and eating healthy food!
If you interested in engaging youth with growing and cooking healthy food, please check out our UBC student job posts on UBC Careers Online (please note, Careers Online requires a UBC CWL login and password to see the posts). The deadline for applications is Sunday, March 29.
Students can use these program numbers to search the following jobs online:
815154-Landed Learning Foods Education Worker (Wed/Thurs, May-June) The ideal candidate will have experience and passion for cooking healthy foods and working with youth at the UBC Farm. There may be the possibility of continuing the position during the 2015-16 school year.
The following two positions work with Sustainable Opportunities for Youth Leadership (SOYL), a youth program of the Landed Learning Project, which engages secondary school students in cultivating their own personal power, building resilient communities and making good food accessible to all. During the summer, SOYL youth build and manage food-producing gardens at four VSB secondary schools and participate in service learning with innovative food systems organizations.
815216-SOYL Youth Garden Worker (Mid May-August) This person will work with the SOYL summer internship and must be available weekdays, 9-5. The Youth Garden Worker position is a part time (20 hours/week, flexible) position in the spring to aid in the SOYL summer program planning (youth recruitment, garden activities planning, and liaising with community partners), ramping up to full time (32 hours/week, 4-5 days/week) during the SOYL youth internship in July and August.
815196-SOYL Youth Garden Education Assistant (Mid May-August) The Youth Garden Education Assistant is a part-time (20 hours/week) position in the spring, assisting in the development of an advanced SOYL program, for youth who have completed the SOYL Summer 1. The person will collaborate with staff from Fresh Roots and the SOYL Program Manager to develop food production, marketing, and community leadership skills within the program. The position ramps up to a full time (32 hours/week, 4-5 days/week) facilitation position in July and August during the SOYL youth.
3. LEAD GARDENER/FARMER
LifeSpace Projects Ltd. is a team of builders, growers and creative minds dedicated to the craft of building top notch raised beds and helping people grow organic vegetables.
Our LifeSpace Gardens are self-watering. We have created a patent pending technique for building a self-contained hidden reservoir which ensures that as long as it contains water, the plants growing in the soil have a continuous and optimal amount of moisture. This greatly improves yield, and convenience. Depending on the size of the garden, they can literally go months in between watering – this ultra efficient technique conserves water, eliminates the bulk of the maintenance and your time spent on daily garden tasks.
Our gardens are tailored for the suburban and urban environments, for both residential and commercial purposes. We offer prefabricated units for popular locations such as decks and condo balconies, as well as custom designs built on site and integrated into the living space.
We also offer an online education and resource service as well as in person help for any gardening questions or needs.
The LifeSpace Lead Farmer is the go to for all gardening responsibilities. You’ll be planning, organizing, delegating and carrying out:
– Planting custom garden installs
– Maintenance of our clients gardens
– Group education seminars
– Garden Planning/design
– Seed starting and greenhouse work
You will also be involved with various nonprofits, and other community outreach programs.
This job is really a lot of fun if you’re a pro and passionate about growing food!
If you’re interested read more at: http://lifespace.myshopify.com/pages/job-opportunities
Or send your resume with 3 paragraphs about yourself toinfo@lifespaceprojects.com
4. 2015 FARM INTERN JOB POSTING
RICHMOND SCHOOLYARD SOCIETY
Our mission is to bring children into the outdoor classroom where they connect with the earth and their community. Our vision can be summed up in a simple equation: Kids + gardens + healthy food = stronger communities
Fundamentally, we believe that everyone benefits when children are give the opportunity to play in the soil, plant some seeds, harvest what they grow and to taste something fresh and delicious. Our program promotes community, local organic food, healthy eating choices and food sustainability in Richmond, British Columbia
The following five principles guide our work:
• Child focused and community based
• Collaborative and participatory
• Intergenerational cooperation and mutual respect
• Social and personal responsibility
• Stewardship of the land and its resources
www.kidsinthegarden.org
The Richmond Schoolyard Society is located at the west end of Westminster Highway, along the West Dyke. It is accessible by bus, skytrain, car or bicycle. It is a ten minute walk from the nearest bus stop.
Terra Nova Rural Park – 2631 Westminster Highway, Richmond BC.
Eligible Participants:
To be eligible, students must:
be between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of the employment; have been registered as full-time students in the previous academic year and intend to return to school on a full-time basis in the next academic year; be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act3; and, be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial/territorial legislation and regulations.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Reports to the Program Director, Program Assistant or Garlic Fest Coordinator
Plant seeds, transplant, cultivate, weed, water and harvest
Assist and support volunteer groups and activities
Assist and support educational programs leaders
Assist and support Garlic Fest Fundraiser
Qualifications:
Self motivated, flexible, willing to take initiative
Works well independently and within a team environment
Physically fit and enjoys working outside in all kinds of weather
Proven ability in working with co-workers and volunteers
Have a passion for event management
Responsible for high level of administrative multi-tasking
Create and manage event marketing and publicity including website content and press releases
Ability to manage contract and festival supply deliverables
Strong customer service focus
Compile an archive of all marketing activities
The ideal candidate should have gardening experience, enjoy event management and have a valid driver’s license. Criminal record check is required.
Salary:
$12 per hour + benefits
14 week contract commencing May 21st 2015 ending August 27, 2015
Please submit resume and cover letter to:
Program Director
Ian Lai
ianlai@telus.net
Application Deadline:
April 30, 2015
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Volunteer
1. NEIGHBOURHOOD FOOD NETWORKS EVENT VOLUNTEER
The Vancouver Neighbourhood Food Networks (VNFN) is creating a dynamic Events Committee to help plan several fundraising events throughout the year. If you’re interested in being on a committed team to share, learn, have fun, and most of all, help raise funds for the VNFN’s work, click here to learn more.
The Vancouver Neighbourhood Food Networks (VNFN) is creating a dynamic Events Committee to help plan several fundraising events throughout the year. If you’re interested in being on a committed team to share, learn, have fun, and most of all, help raise funds for the VNFN’s work, click here to learn more.
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.
We are currently seeking community members interested in helping us with our Off the Grill youth meal program (chef mentor), media, Advisory Committee, and fundraising event organization. This is a great opportunity to get involved in community food programming. Call Ian if interested @ 604-718-5895
3. VANCOUVER FRUIT TREE PROJECT
Pick leaders
What is a Pick Leader?
“Pick Leaders” help volunteers get the fruit from the tree to the charity! They arrange equipment and transportation details (with MODO car co-op, your own vehicle, or by bike), and lead a safe and fun pick with volunteers. Then they deliver the fruit to the community partner.
Why become a Pick Leader?
Help contribute to food security and make a difference in your community. This position is at the heart of the Fruit Tree Project, without Pick Leaders we couldn’t do it. Gain the deep satisfaction of diverting food from waste to those who need it. It’s also an amazing opportunity to lead a team, pick up some skills, meet great people and eat fresh fruit while you do it!
What is expected of me?
Pick Leaders are asked to commit to 4-5 picks per season. The season is July-October.
How does it work?
After a training and orientation session, you will receive emails from the coordinator with details about upcoming picks that are in need of a Pick Leader. Simply email back when you can lead a pick, so you can make it suit your schedule.
If you are interested please fill out the form on this page:https://vancouverfruittree.com/volunteer/pick-leaders/
What is a Pick Leader?
“Pick Leaders” help volunteers get the fruit from the tree to the charity! They arrange equipment and transportation details (with MODO car co-op, your own vehicle, or by bike), and lead a safe and fun pick with volunteers. Then they deliver the fruit to the community partner.
Why become a Pick Leader?
Help contribute to food security and make a difference in your community. This position is at the heart of the Fruit Tree Project, without Pick Leaders we couldn’t do it. Gain the deep satisfaction of diverting food from waste to those who need it. It’s also an amazing opportunity to lead a team, pick up some skills, meet great people and eat fresh fruit while you do it!
What is expected of me?
Pick Leaders are asked to commit to 4-5 picks per season. The season is July-October.
How does it work?
After a training and orientation session, you will receive emails from the coordinator with details about upcoming picks that are in need of a Pick Leader. Simply email back when you can lead a pick, so you can make it suit your schedule.
If you are interested please fill out the form on this page:https://vancouverfruittree.com/volunteer/pick-leaders/
