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Just Food

April 2008 Newsletter

Food-focused news and events in the Ottawa region

 

See below for more information on the following:

* Just Food Activities *

1. Beginner Organic Gardening Workshops – Coming in MAY!

2. Ottawa Area Farm Internships – Full or Part-time

3. Spin Gardening – Gardening in Someone Else’s Yard

*Calendar of Events *

( & other news items) from various organizations

4. COG Gardening Events – April 23rd – May 14th

5. Public Forum: CROPS, CARS & CLIMATE CRISIS – April 30th

6. Farmers’ Markets Opening in May!

7. “Growing Up Organic†Rocks! – May 3rd

8. Bon Appetit Ottawa – May 6th

9. The Herb Garden: Flavours of Sandy Hill – May 12th

10. Veg-Stock: Outdoor Music Festival – June 9th

11. Youth Farm Apprenticeship Camp -- July 28th to August 1st

If you received this monthly newsletter from someone else and would like to

receive it directly - become a member of Just Food (it's free!). Simply,

fill out the online membership form in the ‘get involved’ section of our

website: _www.justfood.ca_ (http://www.justfood.ca/)

All members automatically receive this newsletter once a month.

If you have a food event or issue that you would like posted on this

newsletter, or if you would like to be taken off this distribution list, please

email or call us directly (_info_ (info) ,

613-236-9300 x301)

Although all members and community partners of Just Food want to ensure

Ottawa becomes food secure, we have many diverse perspectives on how to get

there. Just Food welcomes this diversity and believes that it is through

working

collaboratively with different opinions that we will arrive at food security

for all. Any information that Just Food sends can include information from

different members and community partners and does not necessarily reflect the

opinions of all members or partners. If you ever have a question about any

information listed here, please do not hesitate to call us.

____________

1. Beginner Organic Gardening Workshops – Coming in MAY!

In May, Just Food will be offering beginner level organic vegetable

gardening workshops at various locations around the city. The workshops will

run

for 2 ½ hours at each location and will include topics such as:

o Soil building

o Composting

o Organic pest control

o And much more…

Watch this space on Just Food’s May newsletter for all of the details for

dates, places and how to register. Workshops will also be listed on our

website. All workshops will be $5 or pay what you can.

To get a jump-start on the workshops (and your garden!), feel free to

download the Garden Guide (available in both English & French) from our

website

at _www.justfood.ca_ (http://www.justfood.ca/) under the Community Garden

Network section.

2. Ottawa Area Farm Internship Opportunities

(Full-time and part-time intern spots available):

Ever wanted to become a farmer?

Want to at least know how to grow your own food?

Want to have a full-on outdoor experience this summer while learning new

skills?

Become a farm intern!

The skills acquired while fulfilling an internship are skills that will

benefit you for the rest of your life. Many farmers who host interns feel that

they are educating future farmers and business owners, leaders in agriculture.

This summer experience will help you lay the foundation of a possible

future business in farming by allowing you to work side-by-side with

experienced

farmers who will help you learn firsthand the details of setting up your own

farm business.

The internship experience allows you the opportunity to learn the practical

skills involved with farming. Learning to grow and cultivate food in this

day has become a lost art. By working with the land with your own hands, there

is a renewed connection with food and respect for what goes into cultivating

it. The internship with teach you sustainable and innovative ways to grow

food while learning how to enhance the environment around you.

Each farm offers its own unique farm internship experience.

The farms who are looking to hire an intern in this region include:

Bryson Farms CSA – Shawville, QC

Elm Tree Farm CSA – Arden, ON

Fair Weather Farm – Osgoode, ON

Waratah Downs Organic Farm – Iroquois, ON

Songberry Farm – Bristol, QC

What are your plans for the summer? Enjoy a summer that you will never

forget while learning new skills that will help sustain you for the rest of

your

life.

For more detailed information on these farm opportunities, please go to the

Just Food website at _www.justfood.ca_ (http://www.justfood.ca/) in the

Farming section, or call 613-236-9300 x301

3. Spin Gardening – Gardening in Someone Else’s Backyard

Are you interested in growing vegetables this season, but don’t have a yard

or a community garden plot? We’ve got the answer for some of you!

SPIN (small plot intensive gardening) is a concept of urban agriculture that

is taking hold across the country. There are many variations on SPIN

gardening ranging from gardeners or farmers (depending on how much you want to

grow) renting the yard from the homeowner, to bartering deals that can benefit

both the home owner and the farmer/gardener with produce for all. Some

additional information about SPIN gardening can be read at the following

article:

_http://thetyee.ca/Life/2006/05/19/UrbanGarden/_

(http://thetyee.ca/Life/2006/05/19/UrbanGarden/) .

People can offer their yard to someone to grow their own vegetables on, or

perhaps a homeowner is looking to share in the bounty of vegetables that the

gardener creates. You can be creative and barter a system that would be

beneficial to both farmer/gardener and homeowner. For example, the homeowner

could buy all of the seeds and would provide the tools required for gardening,

and in return they would receive a share of the vegetables from the garden

(between 10 & 50%) – the rest of the vegetables would be for the

farmer/gardener

for their personal use or to sell. Be sure that your arrangement is set up

and is clear to both parties before you start gardening / allow gardening in

your backyard.

You can also simply set up a match-up, where a gardener gardens on another’s

yard, and keeps the produce, while the homeowner gets the pleasure of seeing

a wonderful garden in their yard. (Front yards and backyards are

possibilities.)

Here in Ottawa we are beginning to get calls from people who would like to

share their yard:

* 1 Yard Available in the Westboro Area *

Contact Heather at _heather_ (heather) for

information on this backyard garden spot – its’ size is approximately 30’

x 40

’ and it is in the Westboro neighbourhood, near Scott Street & Parkdale Ave.

 

* Sustainable Living Ottawa East (SLOE) Urban Market Garden *

For the 2008 growing season, Sustainable Living Ottawa East (SLOE) would

like to set up an urban market garden in Old Ottawa East (OOE). We are looking

to find someone with an agricultural background willing to do the farming,

and are advertising for additional landowners in OOE who are willing to allow

part of their property to be used for this purpose, in return for some share

of the produce. In addition to assembling a sufficient land area for a

commercial operation, SLOE will help with establishing relationships with the

landowners, and with investigating options for " seed " funding. SLOE piloted a

very

successful farmers market in OOE last summer, and the market will run for

the full season in 2008, affording a convenient venue for the sale of the

produce.

For more information on urban market gardening, please visit

_http://www.marketgardening.com/wallysmarketgarden/_

(http://www.marketgardening.com/wallysmarketgarden/) . If you are interested

in, please email SLOE at, or contact

Rebecca Aird at 613-233-6286.

Do you have a yard that someone else could use?

Homeowners:

If you have a yard (front or back) with a garden space of at least 20’ x

20’

and you would like to let someone garden it, please let us know. Contact

_info_ (info) and let us know what

neighbourhood you are in, how much garden space you have and what contact

information

can be sent out publicly (ie. cell phone, work phone number, email address,

etc).

4. COG Gardening Events – April 23rd – May 14th

** STARTING TONIGHT **

ORGANIC GARDENING COURSE FOR APARTEMENT DWELLERS!

Topics on the agenda include: Organic vegetable gardening in small spaces

with information about soil, sun and water requirements for square foot

gardening. As well, pot size and other safety requirements for successful

balcony

gardening. The underlying theme is organic gardening with emphasis on the

satisfaction and rewards for efforts involved.

Days & Times: WEDNESDAYS 7 to 9 pm

Dates: SESSION 1: April 23rd, 30th

SESSION 2: May 7th, 14th 2008

Location: Sandy Hill Community Centre, 250 Somerset East

Cost: $31.25 for one session of two evenings. TBC

Information: Please call David at 613 834 5091

Registration: Bruno at Sandy Hill Community Centre, (613) 564-1062.

CALLING GARDENERS! INTERMEDIATE ORGANIC GARDENING COURSE

We’re offering you an Intermediate Organic Gardening Course to learn and

share knowledge on the secrets of tending organically. Workshop topics will

include:

Getting the Dirt on Organic Gardening –Why go organic? Standards?

Soil building, Organic Vegetables & Natural Pest Management,

Yard Management Naturally –Learn “other†ways than chemicals!

Organic Herb Gardening –How to grow for culinary and medicinal uses!

Organic Seeds –Heritage,Hybrid, Seed saving, Seed crisis worldwide

Harvesting and preserving organic produce & extending growing season

Dates: Wednesdays, April 23, 30, May 7, 14, 7 pm to 9 pm

Location: Sandy Hill Community Centre, 250 Somerset East

Cost: $62.50 for 4 week course, $25 per 2 hour session TBC

Information: Please call David at 613 834 5091.

Registration: Bruno at Sandy Hill Community Centre, (613) 564-1062.

5. Public Forum: CROPS, CARS & CLIMATE CRISIS – April 30th

Public Forum

“CROPS, CARS & CLIMATE CRISIS: The Global Impacts of Growing Biofuels on

Food, Farmers and Human Rightsâ€

The corporate " agrofuels " gold-rush has ignited a major global conflict.

Find out why...

Wednesday April 30th, 2008 from 7 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Bronson Centre, 211 Bronson Avenue [between Nepean & Lisgar]

Free Admission!

Featuring:

· Peter Rosset, Center for the Study of Rural Change in Mexico

· Alberto Gomez, Via Campesina, Mexico

· Javiera Rulli, Base Investigaciones Sociale, Paraguay

· Ditdit Pelegrina, SEARICE, Philippines

· M.C.: Darrin Qualman, National Farmers Union, Saskatoon, Canada

Presented by Beyond Factory Farming, Canadian Biotechnology Action Network,

ETC Group, Food Action Committee-Ecology Action Centre Halifax, Inter Pares,

National Farmers Union, Partnership Africa Canada, P.E.I Coalition for a

GMO-Free Province, The Ram's Horn, USC Canada.

For more information: Visit _www.cban.ca/agrofuels_

(http://www.cban.ca/agrofuels)

E-mail: _info_ (info) or Phone: 613-241-2267

6. Farmer’s Markets Opening In May

Market season is upon us and some of our favourite farmers’ markets are

opening in May:

Metcalfe Farmers’ Market (_www.metcalfefm.com_ (http://www.metcalfefm.com/)

) – May 3rd from 8 a.m. to noon

Carp Farmers’ Market (_www.carpfarmersmarket.com_

(http://www.carpfarmersmarket.com/) ) – May 10th from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Perth Farmers’ Market (_www.perthfarmersmarket.ca_

(http://www.perthfarmersmarket.ca/) ) – May 10th from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Main Farmers’ Market (at St. Paul’s University) – May 17th from 9 a.m.

–

2 p.m.

Lansdowne Farmers’ Market (_www.lansdownefarmersmarket.com_

(http://www.lansdownefarmersmarket.com) ) – May 24th.

Stittsville Farmers’ Market – official opening May 29th, Thursday

afternoon from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. weekly, although will be open all day Sunday,

May

25th, at Waldorf School’s “Spring-festâ€.

North Gower Farmers’ Market – May 31st

Use the links (where available) provided for more information on directions

and times. You can always find out locations of markets throughout the year

by visiting the Ottawa Buy Local Food Guide on our website.

See you at the Market!

7. Growing Up Organic " Rocks! – May 3rd

On May 3rd at Babylon (317 Bank & Maclaren Sts. in Ottawa), the first ever

Ottawa Rock Lottery will be thrashing out tunes to send 4 kids to our Youth

Farm Apprenticeship Camp in July. Organizer Luca Furgiuele describes the

shenanigans: What is a rock lottery? 25 local musicians will voluntarily enter

their names into a draw; the names will be drawn on the date of the

performance. These musicians will be placed in random bands together. There

will be

five, five-piece bands. The musicians must then come together to make 20-30

minutes worth of original music to be played THAT EVENING! Intrigued? Tickets

are

only $5, and are available in advance, or at the door (unless it sells out).

Keep your eyes on Luca's website at _http://www.myspace.com/ottawarocklottery_

(http://www.myspace.com/ottawarocklottery) for confirmed bands and ticket

locations

8. Bon Appetit Ottawa – May 6th

Some Savour Ottawa restaurants are serving their delicious wares at Bon

Appetit on May 6th. Eat delicious food, support this great event & learn more

about the following Savour Ottawa restaurants:

Courtyard Restaurant

Red Apron

Sam Jakes Inn

Thyme & Again Creative Catering

the urban element

For more information about Savour Ottawa visit _www.savourottawa.ca_

(http://www.savourottawa.ca/) , or follow the link at _www.justfood.ca_

(http://www.justfood.ca/) .

Bon Appetit Ottawa

Ottawa's premiere gourmet event

Tuesday May 6th, 2008, 5:30-9 p.m.

Aberdeen Pavilion, Lansdowne Park

 

The top food and wine event in Ottawa is fast approaching! Bon Appetit

Ottawa will take place on May 6, 2008 at the Aberdeen Pavilion where more than

90

restaurants, caterers, wineries and breweries will be featured. Regular

admission is $75 ($45 tax receipt), which gets you in the door and includes all

of your food and beverages for the evening. Bon Appetit Ottawa has raised

more than $1 million dollars for charity and with your support we’ll continue

providing poverty relief to children and the elderly. For details and to

purchase tickets, go to _www.bonappetitottawa.ca_

(http://www.bonappetitottawa.ca/)

9. The Herb Garden: Flavours of Sandy Hill – May 12th

Flavours of Sandy Hill

2 Cultural Cooking Demonstrations

One in English/Une en français

Free/Gratuit!

Monday, May 12th 6-8 PM

Indian Cooking – Sarita will share some favorite vegetarian

recipes. After the show, you are welcome to view a display, have a

small taste and chat.

le lundi 26 mai de 18 h 00 à 20 h 00

La cuisine mauricienne – Nariman partagera quelques mets

typiques de l’île Maurice. Veuillez rester après la démonstration pour

les déguster et rencontrer les amis de la Côte-de-Sable.

You must register for these events. Vous devez vous inscrire pour ces

évenements. Please contact Olly at 613-244 -2792 for more information or to

register.

10. Veg-Stock: Outdoor Music Festival – June 9th

VegStock outdoor music festival, organized by the branch restaurant in

support of the Kemptville Farmer’s Market

Carrots! Onions! Celery! Get ready to get chopped and get boiled!

VegStock is on the way! the branch restaurant, in conjunction with the

Salvation

Army Food Bank, The Kemptville Kinsmen and the Dandelion Festival is proud to

introduce VegStock on Sunday, June 8th! VegStock is a full day of the Ottawa

Valley’s finest folk, country, bluegrass, roots and rock and roll music;

Texas style Barbecue; Beau’s Lug Tread beer and an opportunity to help support

the Kemptville Farmer’s Market as it enters its second year!

The VegStock portion of the Festival is a paid admission of $10.00 plus a

can of food, with all of the profits going to support the Kemptville Farmers

Market, and with the canned foods helping to bolster up stores for the

Salvation Army Food Bank.

VegStock will be hosting live music on an outdoor stage from noon until

dark, including Lynne Hanson, John Carroll, Al Wood, Leavin’ Train, Pat

Moore,

Meredith Luce, Jeff Meleras, The Standby Brothers and Barn. Other music and

performances on a second stage TBA

Please contact the branch restaurant (613-258-3737) for more or more current

information.

WHAT? VegStock outdoor music festival

WHEN? Sunday, June 8th, 12:00 noon until dark

WHERE? 15 Clothier Street East, Kemptville Ontario, in the parking lot

behind the branch restaurant

11. YOUTH FARM APPRENTICESHIP CAMP (11 - 14 years) – July 28th to August

1st

Canadian Organic Growers (COG), through its Growing Up Organic project,

invites youth to join the vibrant local organic food movement! We’ll explore

some

unusual methods of growing food in the city, including rooftop gardening,

container gardening and the value of community gardens; meet community leaders

working on food security issues; and watch some spine-chilling videos sure to

bring lively debate to the question: who is growing our food, and just what’

s in it? We’ll then escape the city and head out to Alpenblick Farm for 2

nights. Farmers Robert & Petra will teach you how to milk goats, make cheese,

and care for the cattle & sheep that graze their 320 acre organic farm outside

Stittsville. While there, you’ll learn how to cook over an open fire with our

nutritionist; identify and prepare wild edible plants; and participate in a

land art project with the help of professional artists!

July 28 - August 1

9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

$250.00

Register with the Glebe Neighbourhood Activities Group on their website at:

_http://www.gnag.ca/programs/camp.htm_ (http://www.gnag.ca/programs/camp.htm)

or by phone at 613-564-1058.