Shuswap Food Action is presenting two shows at the Salmar Classic in celebration of a new chapter in the group’s history.  Shuswap Food Action is in the midst of becoming Shuswap Food Action Co-op.  The Co-op will continue the work started with the 2006 Eat Local Project by advocating for food security within the Shuswap.

On March 8^th at 2pm the Green Thumb Garden Project documentary will be shown as a warm up to the feature presentation, ‘A Sense of Wonder’.  Salmon Arm will be one of 100 cities in North America, participating in the premiere tour of ‘A Sense of Wonder’ throughout the month of March. 

 ‘A Sense of Wonder’ depicts Rachel Carson and her struggles to expose the risks of pesticides in the sixties.  Carson was one of the earliest environmentalists and a noted author.  Her book Silent Spring has become well known in the environmental movement.

 Before the feature presentation the locally produced documentary about the Shuswap Green Thumb Garden Project will be premiered.  The film was created by Steve Mennie and Jen Dyck as they followed the project throughout the season.  This will be the first public showing of the film.

 Tickets are $2.00 per person or $5.00 per family.  Come celebrate with locally made treats.  For more information please contact foodaction@youthpartners.ca or call 517-9271.

In mid June 2008, the City of Salmon Arm voted to adapt the Shuswap food charter as policy.  The decision was unanimous.  All councilors spoke of the importance of food both in their own lives and in the current global situation.  The endorsement of the charter, which makes Salmon Arm only the fourth British Columbian community to have a food policy, is a positive step towards creating a secure local food system in the Shuswap.

The Shuswap Food Action charter is a vision that everyone can adopt and put into action in their lives.  Already, over 100 people and organizations have signed the charter.  Anyone can sign, simply by clicking the food charter button on this site and making the pledge.

This policy provides a clear direction for the entire community when considering food security issues.  With a food policy that supports local food a thriving local food system can take root.   Unified, the community will be better able to attain the goal of a healthy food system.

The first in a series of workshops presented by the Green Thumb Garden Project is scheduled for  May 3^rd , 9:00 am at the SASCU Downtown Activity Centre.  This planting seminar, lead by Patrick Steiner the owner of Stellar Seeds, will prepare attendees for the coming gardening season.  The workshop is free and open to both the Green Thumb Garden participants and public. 

The seminar will cover soil preparation, planting , maintenance and composting.  All experience levels are encouraged to attend this fun instructional opportunity.  This community event will promote a culture of gardening and build self sufficiency skills throughout the Shuswap.  

Growing a network of gardeners where knowledge can be shared is one of the main goals of the Green Thumb Garden Project.  To further this end the new website www.shuswapfoodaction.ca , has been created with a forum.   The forum is a new tool that can be used for discussions on gardening and any other food security issue.  Hopefully, a supportive online community will flourish on the website.

The Green Thumb Garden Project will offer a number of free workshops related to food throughout the season.  These will all welcome the general public in the spirit of building community.  Please watch for further dates and details.

 

Shuswap Food Action and the City of Salmon Arm will be introducing a new program to Salmon Arm this season.  The Green Thumb Garden Program will address food security within Salmon Arm by building raised bed gardens.  By increasing garden space, the amount of food within the community will also increase. 

Gardens will be provided to applicants who are food insecure and organizations that serve this population.  Everything needed to start a garden including soil, seeds and instruction will be provided.  Though individuals and organizations will be responsible for their gardens, mentors will provide advice throughout the season for the beginning gardeners. 

 Special events will also be planned to involve the entire community and to strengthen the gardeners network.  With wide support, this project could become a model for other towns.  The aim of the program is to empower people by teaching them to grow their own food.

This program is a non-profit initiative of Shuswap Food Action with additional support from the City of Salmon Arm and Salmon Arm Partners in Community Leadership Association. The Union of BC Municipalities is funding the Green Thumb Garden Program for 2008 from their Community Health Promotion Fund.    

Gardeners and non-gardeners alike take note; the time to plant is upon us.  Join the Eat Local project for a Gardeners Fair at the SASCU Downtown Activity Centre on May 27 from 9 am to noon.   This festive community event aims to create enthusiasm for the coming growing season by offering workshops and access to local vendors and information.

Workshops will be lead by Patrick Steiner of Stellar Seeds on the fine art of container gardening.  There are two sessions 9:30 and 10:30.  For a $2.00 minimum donation, participants receive instruction, soil, plants and a handbook.  Space is limited so come early to reserve your spot.  Everyone can get started on the path to successful growing.  Don’t forget to bring your own special 8 inch container for planting.

Throughout the morning celebrations will continue around the workshops.  A variety of local vendors will set up market tables and information from groups like Shuswap Food Action and the Seed Savers will also be on display.  Check out the new seasonality chart for the Shuswap.  With a handy reminder like this nobody will miss local strawberries this season.  Everyone is encouraged to come enjoy the spring atmosphere and get involved in food production.

Sponsoring this event is Pedro Gonzales Fruit Stand and Stellar Seeds.  Because the Eat Local Project is not being funded at this time, it is thanks to many dedicated volunteers that this and other events will be held throughout the season.  To volunteer please call 517-9271 or email foodaction@youthpartners.ca.

Contact information:

Jen Gamble
Phone: (250) 517-9271
Email: foodaction@youthpartners.ca

We'd like to welcome you to the new website, please have a look around.  If you have any questions or comments please don't hesitate to contact us.

If you are interested in becoming a member, please fill out our Online Application Form.