Forums

Topic: Meeting re Mobilizing Community Resources Around Food Issues- March 2, 2010

Author	Message
Laura Gorman Thu Feb 18, 2010 4:19 pm	Invitation to meet on Mobilizing Community Resources Around Food Issues Tuesday March 2, 2010, 9-11am Downtown Community Centre, 35B Weber St. W., Kitchener As a result of the Waterloo Regional Food Summit held in November 2009, various participants from the community expressed a need to share ideas and develop resources for more grassroots, community efforts around such activities as accessing healthy food, community gardening and educating about food issues. This meeting will give people a chance to create more awareness of some of the initiatives already under way. It is also an opportunity to share experience of how best to engage the interest and participation of neighbourhoods, schools and community groups and how to secure funding, donations, volunteers, space and other resources. The outcomes and continuation of this action group will be determined by the members. If you have any questions, please contact Laura Gorman gorman_laura@hotmail.com
Laura Gorman Thu Mar 18, 2010 10:02 am	Mobilizing Community Resources Around Food Issues Tues Mar 2, 2010, Downtown Community Centre All – how to match available space with potential community gardeners > Guelph and others have backyard sharing programs >Robert mentioned WLU has a program .>Greg M mentioned a church group partnering with a local farmer and raising food to donate >go to Region website for map of public access gardens Chris Varga – Healthy food distribution, serves from 100-400 people through donations and purchases from the Kitchener Market, distributions through a network of drivers, volunteers, self-help. -historically managed half and half through donations and purchases; currently needs another $100 / week to meet minimum needs -program has grown but doesn’t have consistent resources to serve increased numbers -need permanent site by next fall > School of Social Work might provide co-op student to help with planning for growth and finding resources -Access for people with low income to community gardens. >Region website has a map of gardens that could be shared with participants. Perhaps some coordination would help manage and share the labour commitment required for a garden plot. - where to compost waste from Market and distribution program? >Laura to ask about non-residential green bin options Robert Milligan – Geodesic solar greenhouse for year-round production. - could be rooftop - would provide employment for urban farmers - would be great to have a regional or city greenhouse Greg Michalenko – Community Garden Council -40 + gardens, some “underground” public access to gardens, gardens geared for people with mental health issues, for people with disabilities, hold spring Community Garden Festival -Regional legislation (?) on planning for community gardens and requirement for cities to put into their policy and programs: *City of Kitchener public meeting Monday March 8th, 7 pm in Council chambers regarding Official Plan; Community Garden Council will make proposal for more gardens, funding for start-up administration, new subdivisions have designated space where accessible to those who most need it, also edible fruit trees in city parks -need to study how accessible current gardens are for those who are requesting plots Tyson Reiser – Neighbourhood gardens and public education - trying different models of community garden but liability issues, need to get more community support and support at different levels of government -need to link all the different programs and resources > Laura - Food Systems roundtable has just found someone to look at mapping organizations and individuals involved in food issues -Public policy on subsidies to food producers and distribution of food for example in public schools, is not aimed at healthy food -Social assistance is insufficient and forces people to prioritize -Can people afford rent and healthy food? -Day of farm labour in return for food? >Greg says farmers don’t need untrained labour Tracey Buschlen – Weber Park community garden -community plots expensive, challenge to maintain and often not productive, need larger communal plots especially to be accessible to children and families >Greg M mentioned expertise needed, Master Gardeners are required to donate 30 hrs/year >could have individual plots but communal herbs and perennials; have community feasts - Weber Park Community Garden approved by City but CFNeighbourhood Assoc asking for business plan >Greg M suggested talk to Chandler Mowat organizers who worked with neighbourhood assoc. to plan at community centre - have Native plant grower prepared to help with planning - would like to apply for Community Garden grant, potentially LEAF grant >Greg M says also Region of Waterloo funding, speak to Carol Popovich - get Mennonites back to the market vs food buyers Aura Herzog – Golden Hearth Bakery, urban farmer -Kitchener market to open weds market again. Community and vendor support needed for consultation and support to make it successful. Perhaps a shift in hours would benefit everyone" - Cooking centre in Market is great idea but at $40 per class, not generally affordable - Children’s Museum going to host a CSA initiative >Tyson – approached Market before about CSA, may be time to try again Greg – Little City Farm -education focus but with limited resources, need to do teach the teacher model -Market in Waterloo town centre will have a CSA, could use as leverage for getting one into Kitchener market -Food as a rallying issue is more popular than income and poverty issues but still links -Many farmers have excess crops but can’t get to buyers due to limited transportation (Mennonites) or can’t find a market that will pay an equitable price
Meredith Weldon Sat Mar 27, 2010 11:04 pm	Thank you for all of this information. It's great to see so many people involved in the local food system and trying to get our local food to more people. I wish I could have been at the meeting!