May 19, 2010: FSRN Joins Facebook
Now you can use Facebook to keep up-to-date with FSRN events and announcements.
Coming up on Saturday, May 29:
Join FSRN and friends as we officially launch the growing season with a garden party and barbecue at the LU Campus Garden, this Saturday May 29th from 11am till 2pm.
Organizers are planning lots of great kids' activities, music, draws and silent auctions. If you're musical, bring your instrument! A barbecue is planned, so come hungry.
One of the highlights of the day will be a tomato information booth. Learn about growing, harvesting and making use of those juicy gems and be sure to head on over to the greenhouse between 1 pm and 2:30 to pick up your heirloom tomato plants for only $3 each.
Email elizabeth@foodsecurityresearch.ca for more information. Everyone is welcome.
Successful and Fun "Greenhouse-Raisin'"
-a note from Heidi Zettel, Roots to Harvest
The Youthscapes Greenhouse raising went off without a hitch over at the Cornwall and Algoma St. garden on April 25, 2010. Around 20 young'uns and old'uns came out to show their support and work hard. We were able to get the greenhouse up in 4 hours flat!
Many thanks to all our volunteers, Roots to Harvest, and the Food Security Research Network for all their continued support of the project.
Look for Thunder Bay-grown watermelon and squash in August!
Coming up on May 18th:
FSRN sponsors FoReST Lab's free showing of DIRT! THE MOVIE
Join other gardeners and agricultural growers to view "DIRT! The Movie," brought to you by Lakehead University's FoReST Laboratory, our local OMAFRA-accredited soil testers. Graham Saunders, author of "Gardening with Short Growing Seasons," will also be a part of this event to answer your gardening questions. He will have books on-hand for sale.
DATE: May 18, 2010
TIME: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
LOCATION: Lakehead University, ATAC 1001
Read more and view movie trailer
If you bring a garden soil sample during the movie night, we'll cut $5 off the regular soil testing price. Get your soil tested for only $30 + tax.
Download soil sampling instructions and form
Upcoming FSRN events in Upsala and Atikokan
Starting in April the people of Upsala will be enjoying a number of workshops at Upsala Public School dedicated to growing your own fruits and vegetables. Plans include workshops on techniques for growing veggies, soil testing and amendments, seed collecting, greenhousing and cellaring your produce for the winter.
These workshops are free but organizers have requested that participants register in advance to ensure adequate supplies will be on-hand. Please click here to download the full schedule and registration form.
Wednesdays at 8pm EST beginning April 7th:
Prof. Harpelle's Television Series to Premiere on TFO
Lakehead University professor Dr. Ron Harpelle and his filmmaking partner Kelly Saxberg have completed their biggest project ever. Starting next Wednesday at 8:00 pm the French language version of Citizens of the World, (Citoyens du Monde) will air on TFO. Citizens of the World is a six-part documentary series, filmed in over a dozen countries and focused on Canada’s role in supporting research for development. This timely series looks at six broad themes, Water, Women, Politics, Health, Information and Communication Technologies and the Emerging Economies of China, India and Brazil... (click here to read the full article)
February 1, 2010:
Space Available in the Campus Community Garden
The Campus Community Garden is accepting registrations for space in the Garden until March 1st. Space is limited and will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. The 2010 Garden Handbook is also available for download; learn more here.
FSRN Recognized in the Thunder Bay District Agricultural Economic Impact Study
The recently released Thunder Bay District Agricultural Economic Impact Study has demonstrated that the Food Security Research Network is making a difference in developing a local food system. The report states that
"The Food Security Research Network (FSRN) is acknowledged as an important catalyst for promoting agriculture and food security in the region – which has indirectly helped to support the growth of farm operations and other agri-related initiatives (e.g. small scale farming, community gardens) that have a specific focus on promoting local food production and consumption. There is also growing interest in organic farming in the area and direct marketing activities such as farm retail outlets and farmers’ markets.
"Although only recently established, FSRN has become a very important institution for the local agriculture sector. As described by agri-sector stakeholders, FSRN has attracted the interest of and successfully engaged younger people in agri-related activities with a strong emphasis on promoting production activities for the local market. FSRN is credited with fostering optimism for growth in the local agri-sector and local food production activities." (p. 106 Thunder Bay District Agricultural Economic Impact Study (TBAEIS) October 2009)
Click here for links to other
reports and information on the Thunder Bay
District report's Recommendations.
Congratulations to Sandrine Badio on the completion of her thesis
Understanding Gleaning: Historical and Cultural Contexts of the Shift from Rural to Urban Models for the Improvement of Food Security
Abstract
In an effort to reduce fiscal deficits, governments have, over the last few decades, slashed social programs that protect the welfare of low-income families in Canada. As a result, the responsibility for providing for the poor is returning to communities and non-profit organizations. Centuries after the undermining of gleaning, communities across North America are reviving and modernizing the asncient practice to tackle one dimension of poverty—food insecurity. This report attempts to provide an overview of gleaning, its various facets, and how it is being used presently as a tactic to achieve food security.
October 8th, 2009:
An Exciting New Partnership!
FSRN is pleased to announce a new partnership with Food Secure Canada and their People's Food Policy Project initiative.
Food Secure Canada says that "the People's Food Policy Project aims to unite the voices of Canadians to develop the People's Food Policy, which will be based on the principles of food sovereignty and to provide the framework for a just and sustainable food system in Canada."
Lee-Ann Chevrette, Special Events Coordinator for the FSRN, will be acting in the role of "Community Animator" and holding discussions with community members and organizations to explore the principles of food sovereignty and national food policy. The project is expected to wrap up in early 2011.
Want to know more about Food Secure Canada and this exciting new initiative? Visit them online.
http://foodsecurecanada.orghttp://peoplesfoodpolicy.ca
