Algoma Food Network

Good Food Stories: Farm Algoma

buyalgoma — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:18:15 +0000

Over the summer, the Algoma Food Network and its partners undertook a project to work with Powerline Films and Sustain Ontario to produce two short documentaries on food and farming in Algoma. The first documentary looks at the potentials of farming in Algoma and the second is due to be released in the coming months.

Farm Algoma from Simon Brothers on Vimeo.

The Algoma Food Network thanks everyone was involved with this project.

OSEA’s Community Power Roadmap to Success Workshop

buyalgoma — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 17:54:00 +0000

Ontario Sustainable Energy Association (OSEA) and NORDIK Institute are hosting a hands-on workshop in Sault Ste. Marie on Friday September 23, 2011.

At this workshop OSEA will walk you through an overview for a project that will give you the basic tools required to get a community solar power project started in your own community. The goal is to engage established community-based organizations and institutional groups with assets and to build up their capacity to collaborate on their own community power projects. Community power projects can be ideal for a range of applications including arenas, community halls, churches, museums, hospitals, co-operatives, and non-profit organizations.

Where: The Delta Hotel – G. Simpson Meeting Room AB 208 St. Mary’s River Dr. Sault Ste. Marie, ON

When: Friday September 23, 2011 9:00AM until Noon

Featuring: Harry French (Guest speaker and workshop leader) Bio: http://www.ontario-sea.org/Page.asp?PageID=924&ContentID=3128

To register for this event get your free ticket at: http://communitypowerroadmapssm.eventbrite.com

Alternatively, you can contact Community Power Coordinator Danny Goedhard to register: d_goedhard@hotmail.com (705) 949-2301 x4378

Check out the event page on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=171687042906313

If you know a community organization or community that could benefit, please forward this on!

OSEA inspires and enables the people of Ontario to improve the environment, the economy and their health by producing clean sustainable energy in their homes, businesses and communities. Full details at http://www.ontario-sea.org and www.nordikinstitute.com

This event is part of Soo Sustainable, Sault Ste. Marie’s 1^st Annual Green Days hosted by the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre. For more info on Soo Sustainable events, visit www.ssmic.com/greenweek

All the best, Alex!

buyalgoma — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 15:52:06 +0000

For the last seven months, Alexandra Jaffit has been working hard with Algoma Food Network partners to strengthen networks and market local agriculture. This past week she launched the 2011 Buy Algoma. Buy Fresh. producers directory that is making its way around to farmers’ markets, coffee shops, and points of interest around Algoma District. This directory connects rural farmers with local consumers, tourists, and restaurants who wish to source local products.

The new 2011 Buy Algoma Buy Fresh directory can be downloaded here (PDF): Buy Algoma. Buy Fresh. 2011 Directory

You can also get more detailed descriptions of what farmers’ have to offer at the Buy Algoma. Buy Fresh. website (www.BuyAlgoma.ca)

Algoma Food Network thanks Alexandra for all her hard work and wishes her the best in future endeavors. She is now a true locavore as she has just started getting food from a CSA through Desbarats Country Produce.

Goat is Good

buyalgoma — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 19:34:26 +0000

NORDIK Institute, along with the Algoma Sheep and Lamb Producers Association, is excited to announce its research regarding local lamb and local chevon (meat goats).

There will be two focus groups, which will take place later this week, to discuss preferences to eating lamb and/or chevon, and how local producers could meet consumer’s needs. This initiative was brought about in order to determine the feasibility of a market based co-operative for lamb and meat goat producers in the Algoma District.

Sound interesting? The two focus groups are open to the general public, both taking place at Algoma University.

WHEN: Thursday June 23rd from 7-8pm and Friday June 24th from 1-2pm

WHERE: The Speak Easy, Algoma University, Sault Ste. Marie

Can’t make the focus group, but still want to have a say? Click here to fill out our online survey! http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/lambandchevon

For more information please contact:

Broderick Causley
bcausley@algomau.ca
or call 705.949.2301 x4378

See more here!

Roots To Youth

Mora Lee Sound — Wed, 25 May 2011 18:26:20 +0000

“Roots to Youth is an exciting initiative which links young people with community partners in the planning
and implementation of community garden projects, healthy eating, and fitness workshops. Youth gain valuable experience by participating in the planning and implementation of the project from seed to harvest. Come out, get involved, learn what we’ve done so far and what the growing season has in store! “

For more information
please contact:
Amie Harnish
amie@saultyouthassociation.com
or call 705.946.1299

See more here!

It’s Raining

Mora Lee Sound — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 19:12:37 +0000

The need for water conservancy is becoming more and more apparent. Here in Sault Ste. Marie, we may be situated on the largest fresh water lake in the world -Go Us! – but that does not leave us immune to the rapidly decreasing water levels. Recently, water collection devices like Rain Barrels have made a mainstream resurgence. They make rain collection and reuse quite simple and allow you to reduce your dependency on your municipal water supply, saving you money on utility bills. The water that is collected can go a long way in maintaining your lawn, flower beds, vegetable gardens and your house plants as well. Ready-made Rain Barrels are often fitted with an intake that can directly connect to the downspout from your eaves trough, a filtering mesh for insects and small debris as well as a spigot for gravity-fed watering in the yard.

The student’s of F H Clergue French Immersion Public school are making use of the benefits of Rain Barrels and hope you will too! They’re fund-raising to help the earth and build their very own Teaching Garden on the grounds of the school. The Clergue community is excited about the opportunity for everyone to learn about gardening and agriculture in a sustainable way.

The grade 2 students of F.H. Clergue created a list of the benefits of the Rain Barrels:

You will save money by not running your water!
Rain that falls from the ground, lands on your vehicle and picks up oils. This water goes into the sewers and back into our lakes.
Rain that falls into a rain barrel is then used in a garden or to water your lawn. The garden/lawn filters the water, cleaning it which will send clean water into our lakes.
Rain from a rain barrel is pure and clean. There are no chemicals. Use this water to water your plants inside and outside! Your plants will thank you.
We will benefit from a Learning Garden built at the new F.H. Clergue school that we could use to learn more about our earth.
With the water from a rain barrel you can wash your pet, water your garden, or clean your driveway!

To date, they’ve sold 81 barrels, and must reach their goal of 300 by April 15.

Here’s how you can go about purchasing your Rain Barrel -

1. Click on this link , order and pay online by using VISA or Mastercard.

2. Click on this link , place an order and pay with cash on pick-up.

3. Call F.H. Clergue (705-945-7136) and tell us what you want, and we’ll place the order for you!

4. Drop into F.H. Clergue and use our sign-up sheet to order your rain barrel.

“The rain barrels come in three colours, black, grey and terracotta and are $55 per barrel. Check-out our website for more information! www.rainbarrel.ca/fhc

Thank You! Merci! From Mlle Phillips’ Grade 2 Class!

Calling All Farmers

Mora Lee Sound — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 14:41:29 +0000

In anticipation of the release of the second annual Local Farmers’ Directory, we are seeking YOU! …Any and all farmers in the area who are looking to increase their public profile and customer base. This year, along with the updated directory, we’ll be creating an online presence for our Prolific Producers, including profiles and pictures of the farms and their products.

For more information and enrollment, please contact our research and marketing assistant, Alexandra Jaffit – 705-949-2301 x 4812 or by e-mail, Alexandra.jaffit@algomau.ca

Local Farmers’ Directory

Mora Lee Sound — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 21:12:24 +0000

Last year, NORDIK Institute, the Algoma Food Network and local farmers’ markets launched the first annual local farmers directory, “Buy Algoma. Buy Fresh.”. The directory lists over 40 farms throughout the Algoma district as well as their available products. This initiative was brought about in order to promote awareness and access to locally sourced, wholesome foods.

Farmers and food enthusiasts alike are excited to make connections through the directory, which can be found at www.buyalgoma.ca. After its release in 2010, there were additional farmers who were interested in being included. In June 2011, the directory will be reissued to encompass several more farms in the region.

David Thompson, project coordinator for the directory, said: “If you are a producer in the Algoma district that offers fresh, home grown, farm-produced or homemade products please get in touch with us. Your details will be stored on our database and may be actively promoted online and via the new farmers directory.”

To have your information included in the local producers directory and online database, or to find out more about this initiative, please contact Alexandra Jaffit at 705-949-2301 x 4812 or by e-mail – Alexandra.Jaffit@algomau.ca.

Seedy Saturday – February 19th

Mora Lee Sound — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 17:25:57 +0000

Here are some events in your area you might want to pop into your calendar!

Seedy Saturday Sault Ste Marie!

Saturday, February 19, 10 am to 3 pm
443 Northern Avenue, Sault College Cafeteria, B Wing West Sault St. Marie, ON.

Beat the winter blahs! Meet up with members of your community to gab about gardening tips, heirloom seeds and more at Seedy Saturday an event co-hosted by Clean North, Sault College, Sault Ste Marie Horticultural Society and Seeds of Diversity Canada!

Join USC Canada program manager for Nepal, Kate Green and USC champion Greta Kryger of Greta’s Organics for an entertaining and informative afternoon of local food, friends and fun. There will be a community seed exchange, gardening and food kiosks and more!

Be sure to catch the screening of the film Saving the Seed : The struggle for seed sovereignty in Honduras. This 20 minute film follows farmers from the remote highlands of Honduras. Be sure to stick around for a discussion of the parallels and contrasts between the Canadian and Honduras experiences.

Presentations and workshops will run all afternoon on a variety of subjects. Be sure to check out the children’s activities and the tasty refreshments too! Participants who wish to trade seeds can bring their seeds in labelled envelopes for sorting from 10 – 11 am and the exchange that will follow between 11:15 am – 12:15 pm. Admission is by donation. Free parking.

For more information caontact Suzanne Hanna at (705)759-2893 or wildgardener@shaw.ca.

Seedy Sunday Sudbury!

Sunday, February 20, 10 am to 4 pm
Market Square Sudbury, ON.

Put the spring back into your step! Come out and join your community to get the best tips on gardening, food, seeds and more at Seedy Sunday, an event hosted by the FoodShed Project! There is something for everyone at this year’s Seedy Sunday, where both the novice and the expert will learn something new about how to make their garden grow!

USC Canada’s program manager for Nepal, Kate Green and USC champion Greta Kryger of Greta’s Organics will be there to answer your questions about everything under the sun in your garden, from what’s best to plant and when, to where you can get the best local varities for your climate.

Want to take a look beyond your backyard? Shift your focus to a global perspective, join Kate for a workshop on local and international seed saving issues!

We hope to see you at this community building event! Exchange and buy rare and heritage seeds, listen to guest speakers and support local food. Children welcome!

For further information, contact Doreen Ojala at 705-675-3894 or projectmanager@foodshedproject.ca

We hope to see you there!

Please forward this message to anyone who might be interested.

Founded in 1945 as the Unitarian Service Committee of Canada by Dr. Lotta Hitschmanova

www.foodshedproject.ca

Debbie Field – Good Food For All!

Mora Lee Sound — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 16:16:43 +0000

Back in November, as many of you may recall, AFN Hosted Debbie Field – of Toronto FoodShare (http://www.foodshare.net -for a fun and informative event that we called Good Food For All. Debbie explored many topics with the audience all pertaining to food and food related issues, both locally and world-wide. On a global level, Debbie shed light on malnutrition – both from lack of food, as well as the pandemic of obesity and diabetes due to overeating and poor food choices.She also discussed environmental issues surrounding unsustainable systems as well as the issue of farmers being unable to make a living within the current food system.

Her primary focus was “Exploring a Sault Food Charter”. Debbie shared the Toronto Food Charter as an example, showing how such a document would benefit our community – allowing us to have a common campaign, to work together and foster strategic alliances – it would work as a tool to advance food access and food projects in Sault Ste. Marie. Food Charters across Canada have been shown to help raise government attention at the municipal level and set benchmarks to further efforts towards adequate, healthy food for the whole community. Along with Sault Ste. Marie’s Food Charter, we took a look at the community food movement – what it is and what it could be here in the Soo. We’re working to further community involvement in back yard gardening, school based nutrition programs, promoting healthy food choices and celebrating culture and family through food. Debbie was engaging and informative! She did a fantastic job of sharing her knowledge with the audience and directing our community towards becoming a healthier and happier Sault Ste. Marie. We’d like to thank Debbie for joining us as well as:

Willowgrove United Church -www.wondercafe.ca

Healthy Communities Partnership Algoma

Personal Fit Meal Catering – www.saultpersonalfit.blogspot.com

Vinaissance

Luke Vine-Sweet Water Ranch

St. Joseph Island Coffee Roasters – www.freshfaircoffee.com

NORDIK Institute – www.nordikinstitute.com

Valleyfield Farm

Algoma Public Health- www.algomapublichealth.com

Canadian Red Cross - www.redcross.ca

If you’d like to download a summery of Debbie’s presentation, click here.