With the 2010 Winter Olympics fast approaching, the topic is on every Vancouverite's lips. For a food-focussed analysis of the Olympics that consideres corporate sponsorship and Indigenous food sovereignty, check out Deconstructing Dinner's January 14th documentary.
On February 23, 2006, Deconstructing Dinner aired a one-hour feature titled "A Dinner Date With the Olympics". The episode was produced alongside the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin. The show focused its attention on two of the Games major sponsors (Coca-Cola and McDonald's). When we think of the Olympic Games, the athletes, the events, we think of human beings at the peak of performance, in optimal physical and psychological states. Sports do after all evoke images of health and well-being. So when two of the Games major sponsors are Coca-Cola and McDonald's (perhaps the two most targeted food companies in the world for their unhealthy food and their environmental, social and animal welfare practices), it sparked that 2006 episode which deconstructed this seeming hypocrisy. On this 2010 Version of that original broadcast, we revisit with the episode and add some much-needed 2010 updates.
[Text modified from Deconstructing Dinner.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
The Future of Food: Discussion with Percy Schmeiser
"I have always campaigned on the right of a farmer to save and re-use his own seed. This is what I have been doing for the last 50 years. I will continue to support any efforts to strengthen the rights of a farmer to save and re-use his own seed."
-Percy Schmeiser
If you haven’t heard Percy speak you are missing one of the important voices in sustainable agriculture today. He is a farmer who faced Monsanto, lost the legal battle, almost lost his farm yet continues to hold the ethical higher ground as he questions genetic engineering and bioengineering companies like Monsanto who continue to engineer and patent seeds. Exclusive patented ownership of seeds means a farmer cannot save seeds for future planting, trade them, share or sell them to another grower. Our food system is dependent on seeds. Percy is an engaging speaker with knowledge about this important issue.
Future of Food: Discussion with Percy Schmeiser
When: Saturday Feb 6th
Time: 7:00 pm
Where: Vancouver Unity Church
To RSVP or for more information contact Raoul Bedi (604 437 5683)
Percy Schmeiser is a 77-year old farmer who, along with his wife Louise, have received global recognition for their passion and devotion to standing up for the rights of farmers. In December 2007, the Schmeisers were awarded the Right Livelihood Award (also known as the "Alternative Nobel").
Schmeiser spent 1998-2004 standing up to one of the most influential agricultural companies in the world - Monsanto. While it was Monsanto that took Schmesier to court on that occasion, the roles were reversed on Wednesday March 19, 2008, when Monsanto found itself being taken to court.
It was the first case between Monsanto and Schmeiser that led to the 2004 Supreme Court of Canada Decision that ruled in favour of Monsanto. While the decision assured that regardless of contamination, a farmer cannot grow patented seeds, Schmeiser recognized that if the company is indeed the owner of the plant, then they should be liable for the damages that their property causes others.
(Text modified from Deconstructing Dinner's feature interview and documentary "Monsanto Pays Percy Schmeiser").
-Percy Schmeiser
If you haven’t heard Percy speak you are missing one of the important voices in sustainable agriculture today. He is a farmer who faced Monsanto, lost the legal battle, almost lost his farm yet continues to hold the ethical higher ground as he questions genetic engineering and bioengineering companies like Monsanto who continue to engineer and patent seeds. Exclusive patented ownership of seeds means a farmer cannot save seeds for future planting, trade them, share or sell them to another grower. Our food system is dependent on seeds. Percy is an engaging speaker with knowledge about this important issue.
Future of Food: Discussion with Percy Schmeiser
When: Saturday Feb 6th
Time: 7:00 pm
Where: Vancouver Unity Church
To RSVP or for more information contact Raoul Bedi (604 437 5683)
Percy Schmeiser is a 77-year old farmer who, along with his wife Louise, have received global recognition for their passion and devotion to standing up for the rights of farmers. In December 2007, the Schmeisers were awarded the Right Livelihood Award (also known as the "Alternative Nobel").
Schmeiser spent 1998-2004 standing up to one of the most influential agricultural companies in the world - Monsanto. While it was Monsanto that took Schmesier to court on that occasion, the roles were reversed on Wednesday March 19, 2008, when Monsanto found itself being taken to court.
It was the first case between Monsanto and Schmeiser that led to the 2004 Supreme Court of Canada Decision that ruled in favour of Monsanto. While the decision assured that regardless of contamination, a farmer cannot grow patented seeds, Schmeiser recognized that if the company is indeed the owner of the plant, then they should be liable for the damages that their property causes others.
(Text modified from Deconstructing Dinner's feature interview and documentary "Monsanto Pays Percy Schmeiser").
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
2010 Innovative Community Capacity Building Awards
On January 13, Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH) was honoured with two awards for innovation in Community Capacity Building. Through the Community Capacity Building awards, the Canadian Cancer Society recognizes non-profit organizations' efforts to build the viability of BC communities.
CNH Youth Prevention Education Coordinator Kelley Wong accepted an award on behalf of the I Can Choose, We Can Choose program. This program fosters peer-to-peer mentoring and prevention strategies around the challenges faced by youth in our community. Working closely with students from the Windermere Family of Schools, I Can Choose, We Can Choose addresses eating disorders, sexual violence and exploitation, sexually transmitted infections, gang involvement, substance misuse, and many other issues.
Stephanie Lim accepted an award on behalf of the Renfrew Collingwood Food Security Institute, which is based at Collingwood Neighbourhood House. Many thanks to Charito Gailing and Helen Yeung of Evergreen Community Health Centre for nominating the RC FSI. Thanks also to Shannon Rees and Nancy Reynolds for supporting this nomination.
Kelley and Stephanie are deeply honoured to receive these awards on behalf of our hardworking predecessors, our funders, and the wonderful contractors/staff, volunteers, and program participants who make our work possible. Our heartfelt thanks for your ongoing support and contributions; this acknowledgment truly belongs to you.
For more information and to see a complete list of award recipients, please visit The Canadian Cancer Society website.
CNH Youth Prevention Education Coordinator Kelley Wong accepted an award on behalf of the I Can Choose, We Can Choose program. This program fosters peer-to-peer mentoring and prevention strategies around the challenges faced by youth in our community. Working closely with students from the Windermere Family of Schools, I Can Choose, We Can Choose addresses eating disorders, sexual violence and exploitation, sexually transmitted infections, gang involvement, substance misuse, and many other issues.
Stephanie Lim accepted an award on behalf of the Renfrew Collingwood Food Security Institute, which is based at Collingwood Neighbourhood House. Many thanks to Charito Gailing and Helen Yeung of Evergreen Community Health Centre for nominating the RC FSI. Thanks also to Shannon Rees and Nancy Reynolds for supporting this nomination.
Kelley and Stephanie are deeply honoured to receive these awards on behalf of our hardworking predecessors, our funders, and the wonderful contractors/staff, volunteers, and program participants who make our work possible. Our heartfelt thanks for your ongoing support and contributions; this acknowledgment truly belongs to you.
For more information and to see a complete list of award recipients, please visit The Canadian Cancer Society website.
Friday, January 15, 2010
3 New Community Gardens
We are in the early development stages for two new community gardens on Horley St. and Cheyenne St. (respectively). Details of this project can be found in the previous post.
The Environmental Youth Alliance is facilitating the creation of a third new community garden in the Renfrew Collingwood Neighbourhood. The garden will be at the corner of East 24th Ave. and Vanness Ave. and will be called C.R.O.W. Point Garden.
There are 15 plots available for local residents (which have already mostly been claimed) and there are 15 plots available free of charge to local youth and community organizations.
If interested, please attend the upcoming consultation meeting:
C.R.O.W’s Point Garden community consultation
January 20th
Kensington Library
1428 Cedar Cottage Mews
7:45 p.m.
For more information, please contact Samantha Charlton at the Environmental Youth Alliance.
EYA is a grassroots organization that provides youth with meaningful skill building opportunities in the environmental sector. One of their main areas of interest is Urban Agriculture; they have been creating gardens since 1993.
The Environmental Youth Alliance is facilitating the creation of a third new community garden in the Renfrew Collingwood Neighbourhood. The garden will be at the corner of East 24th Ave. and Vanness Ave. and will be called C.R.O.W. Point Garden.
There are 15 plots available for local residents (which have already mostly been claimed) and there are 15 plots available free of charge to local youth and community organizations.
If interested, please attend the upcoming consultation meeting:
C.R.O.W’s Point Garden community consultation
January 20th
Kensington Library
1428 Cedar Cottage Mews
7:45 p.m.
For more information, please contact Samantha Charlton at the Environmental Youth Alliance.
EYA is a grassroots organization that provides youth with meaningful skill building opportunities in the environmental sector. One of their main areas of interest is Urban Agriculture; they have been creating gardens since 1993.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Food Traditions Documentation & Fresh Film Screening
Hello and Happy New Year! Here's a bit of news on the goings-on at the Food Security Institute.
February Garden Club/Film and Discussion Night
Please note that the Garden Club and Workshop Series (normally held on the second Thursday evening of the month) will not run in January. We resume again in February with a screening and discussion of Fresh. Fresh is a 2009 film about the farmers, thinkers and business people across the United States who are re-inventing our food system.
View the trailer here:
RSVP to join us on Thursday February 11th at 7pm. Please advise if you require child-minding.
Food Traditions Documentation.
We are working on a small publication that combines residents’ family recipes with the food stories of community seniors. Through this project, we explore the cultural importance of food, our changing food systems, and imagine a more sustainable future.
If you are interested in participating (either as an interviewer or interviewee), please contact Stephanie by email or by telephone at 604.435.0323 ext. 237.
New Community Gardens!
As part of the 2010 Garden Plots by 2010 Challenge, the City of Vancouver is working with residents to create 2010 community garden plots by (you guessed it) the end of 2010. Through this initiative, the City hopes to promote the environmental, social, and economic benefits of urban gardening.
In 2009, the City identified 2755 Cheyenne Ave. and 2723 Horley St. as sites for two new community gardens. Community gardens are important neighbourhood gathering places that promote sustainability, urban greening, community building, crime reduction, exercise, and local food production. The existing Collingwood Community Gardens near Joyce St. and Vanness Ave. (run by an amazing team of local gardeners) are a great example of community gardens and their positive impact on neighbourhood life.
After requesting applications from local community organizations in October 2009, The Renfrew Collingwood Food Security Institute and Evergreen were selected to develop and manage new community gardens on these two sites. These organizations will work with local community members to develop a garden plan and build the gardens over the next few months.
You are warmly invited to an information session:
Monday January 18 2010
7pm
Renfrew Park Community Centre
2929 East 22nd Ave.
604.257.8388
Learn more about the gardens, get involved with design or building, and find out how you can get involved. For information or to RSVP, contact Jason Hsieh (Community Food Liaison) or Hilary Davies (Community Development Manager, Evergreen)
If you would like to speak to a City representative about the 2010 Challenge more generally, please call 604.873.7204 or email communitygardens@vancouver.ca.
February Garden Club/Film and Discussion Night
Please note that the Garden Club and Workshop Series (normally held on the second Thursday evening of the month) will not run in January. We resume again in February with a screening and discussion of Fresh. Fresh is a 2009 film about the farmers, thinkers and business people across the United States who are re-inventing our food system.
View the trailer here:
RSVP to join us on Thursday February 11th at 7pm. Please advise if you require child-minding.
Food Traditions Documentation.
We are working on a small publication that combines residents’ family recipes with the food stories of community seniors. Through this project, we explore the cultural importance of food, our changing food systems, and imagine a more sustainable future.
If you are interested in participating (either as an interviewer or interviewee), please contact Stephanie by email or by telephone at 604.435.0323 ext. 237.
New Community Gardens!
As part of the 2010 Garden Plots by 2010 Challenge, the City of Vancouver is working with residents to create 2010 community garden plots by (you guessed it) the end of 2010. Through this initiative, the City hopes to promote the environmental, social, and economic benefits of urban gardening.
In 2009, the City identified 2755 Cheyenne Ave. and 2723 Horley St. as sites for two new community gardens. Community gardens are important neighbourhood gathering places that promote sustainability, urban greening, community building, crime reduction, exercise, and local food production. The existing Collingwood Community Gardens near Joyce St. and Vanness Ave. (run by an amazing team of local gardeners) are a great example of community gardens and their positive impact on neighbourhood life.
After requesting applications from local community organizations in October 2009, The Renfrew Collingwood Food Security Institute and Evergreen were selected to develop and manage new community gardens on these two sites. These organizations will work with local community members to develop a garden plan and build the gardens over the next few months.
You are warmly invited to an information session:
Monday January 18 2010
7pm
Renfrew Park Community Centre
2929 East 22nd Ave.
604.257.8388
Learn more about the gardens, get involved with design or building, and find out how you can get involved. For information or to RSVP, contact Jason Hsieh (Community Food Liaison) or Hilary Davies (Community Development Manager, Evergreen)
If you would like to speak to a City representative about the 2010 Challenge more generally, please call 604.873.7204 or email communitygardens@vancouver.ca.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Washington State Department of Agriculture seeks a Farm-to-School Project Coordinator
Deadline: January 15, 2010
This is a three year, full-time project position. Location is preferred in Seattle. Travel is required with possible overnight stays.
The WSDA Farm-to-School Program is dedicated to fostering relationships between schools and agricultural producers in Washington State. Our goal is to support expanding economic opportunities for farmers while educating students about the connections between food, farming, health, and the environment. The program provides information, inspiration, assistance, and policy solutions for those working to supply healthy Washington-grown food and related education to youth in our State.
Duties include but are not limited to the following:
* Develop and conduct training sessions to educate growers about institutional markets
* Develop and conduct farm-to-school workshops and adapt an online toolkit for school food service professionals.
* Develop resources and hold events to help farmers understand and prepare for Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) audits.
* Plan, conduct and analyze surveys of farmers and processors to build an inventory of current capacity for post-harvest processing required to meet the school food service market.
* Develop and oversee contracts and supervise volunteers to complete some projects.
QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelors degree and at least two years relevant experience in agricultural or food marketing.
Preferred Skills:
* Food industry experience in marketing, distribution, institutional purchasing, and/or farm business planning.
* Survey research development, analysis and reporting
* Excellent verbal and written communication
* Training and event planning and meeting facilitation
* Ability to independently work on multiple projects within timelines
HOW TO APPLY – DO NOT APPLY THROUGH CAREERS.WA.GOV
Send a letter of interest, an application or resume, and answers to the questions below no later than January 15, 2010 to Linda Pentt, Human Resource Consultant: hr (at) agr.wa.gov OR fax to: 360-902-1821 OR snail mail: P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560
Questions for Applicants:
1. What is your experience with agricultural or food marketing? What was your specific role and responsibility in that endeavor? If you have experience in institutional purchasing, please describe that here, as well.
2. This job will require collaborative work with a variety of agencies, stakeholder groups, agricultural producers, local school districts and other interested parties. What is your experience working collaboratively with diverse groups and guiding a group to successfully implement a program? What specific roles and responsibilities have you had in this process?
3. Describe any experience you have designing and conducting survey research projects. Please include your specific roles in developing research plans, analyzing data and reporting findings.
4. What other experience do you have that would be beneficial to this position that you have not already expressed in your cover letter or resume?
This is a three year, full-time project position. Location is preferred in Seattle. Travel is required with possible overnight stays.
The WSDA Farm-to-School Program is dedicated to fostering relationships between schools and agricultural producers in Washington State. Our goal is to support expanding economic opportunities for farmers while educating students about the connections between food, farming, health, and the environment. The program provides information, inspiration, assistance, and policy solutions for those working to supply healthy Washington-grown food and related education to youth in our State.
Duties include but are not limited to the following:
* Develop and conduct training sessions to educate growers about institutional markets
* Develop and conduct farm-to-school workshops and adapt an online toolkit for school food service professionals.
* Develop resources and hold events to help farmers understand and prepare for Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) audits.
* Plan, conduct and analyze surveys of farmers and processors to build an inventory of current capacity for post-harvest processing required to meet the school food service market.
* Develop and oversee contracts and supervise volunteers to complete some projects.
QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelors degree and at least two years relevant experience in agricultural or food marketing.
Preferred Skills:
* Food industry experience in marketing, distribution, institutional purchasing, and/or farm business planning.
* Survey research development, analysis and reporting
* Excellent verbal and written communication
* Training and event planning and meeting facilitation
* Ability to independently work on multiple projects within timelines
HOW TO APPLY – DO NOT APPLY THROUGH CAREERS.WA.GOV
Send a letter of interest, an application or resume, and answers to the questions below no later than January 15, 2010 to Linda Pentt, Human Resource Consultant: hr (at) agr.wa.gov OR fax to: 360-902-1821 OR snail mail: P.O. Box 42560, Olympia, WA 98504-2560
Questions for Applicants:
1. What is your experience with agricultural or food marketing? What was your specific role and responsibility in that endeavor? If you have experience in institutional purchasing, please describe that here, as well.
2. This job will require collaborative work with a variety of agencies, stakeholder groups, agricultural producers, local school districts and other interested parties. What is your experience working collaboratively with diverse groups and guiding a group to successfully implement a program? What specific roles and responsibilities have you had in this process?
3. Describe any experience you have designing and conducting survey research projects. Please include your specific roles in developing research plans, analyzing data and reporting findings.
4. What other experience do you have that would be beneficial to this position that you have not already expressed in your cover letter or resume?
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