Food for All: Fall Workshop Series

Having gotten a couple of small grants to do two community food security workshops this fall from the Neighbourhood Small Grants, I’ve decided to expand on that and make a series of workshops that are accessible to folks in East Vancouver. These are all at the “101” level, and I will am working to get speakers on the subjects I don’t feel qualified to address. The first two workshops will definitely be free, but for others I will probably have to request a donation of $5-$10 to make them happen, unless I can get a line on another grant or two in the meantime. All workshops are sponsored by the Hastings-Sunrise Village chapter of Village Vancouver.

Tentatively, this is what I am planning:

• Food Security for Everyone | September 30th, 6:30-9 pm | 2.5 hours | Kiwassa Neighbourhood House
  This workshop will introduce the concept of food security both at home and in the neighbourhood. What do we need in our own households to be food secure? Why is this something we need to care about? What does a Community Food Security Assessment look like? Snacks provided.
• Canning 101: Applesauce and more | October 14th, 6-9 pm | 3 hours | Kiwassa Neighbourhood House
  Using applesauce as our hand-on learning tool, we will cover the basics of water-bath canning which is easy and a good way to store autumn left-overs. Participants will be involved in all stages of the canning process and will leave with a few jars of applesauce to put up for winter. Additional fall canning recipes will be provided as well as a other how-to materials. Workshop limited to 10 people, will start at 6 pm sharp.
• Wild Edibles: Weeds and mushrooms | November | 2.5 hours | Kiwassa
  I am currently looking for guest speakers on the topic of foraging within and just outside of city limits. Once I have those locked in, I’ll be able to provide more of a description.
• Cranberries from Wisconsin? Supporting Local Agriculture | December | 3 hours | Kiwassa
  Using cranberries as a jumping off point, we will discuss the importance of supporting local agriculture. Our hands-on activity will be canning cranberry-sauce made from locally-sourced cranberries and sugar. This will likely involve a donation for materials and will be limited to 10 people.
• Planning Your Spring Garden | January | 2-3 hours | Kiwassa
  Speaker and details TBA
• Beekeeping Basics | February | 2-3 hours | Kiwassa
  Speaker and details TBA

Once I confirm dates and times, I will post them here and provide registration information. If there is anyone out there who would like to help me give these workshops, or if you have speaker suggestions for these I would sure like to hear from you!