Healthy Food System Series at the Kitchener Public Library

The Waterloo Region Food System Roundtable and the Kitchener Public Library present monthly public events to encourage discussion of food issues in Waterloo Region.

UPCOMING EVENTS: (for printable poster click here)

The Hidden Dangers of Sewage Sludge
Tuesday, September 28, 2010, 6:30-8:30pm, KPL Forest Heights Branch, 251 Fischer-Hallman Road, Kitchener

Have you ever wondered what happens to all the solid waste from waste water (sewage) treatment plants? Approximately 120,000 tonnes of sewage sludge are spread on 15,000 hectares of Ontario farmland each year. Come hear why, and why many people are concerned!

Think Globally, Eat Locally
Tuesday, October 26, 2010, 6:30-8:30pm, KPL Forest Heights Branch, 251 Fischer-Hallman Road, Kitchener

Concerned about the array of problems you hear about our food system? Unsure what to do about it? Cathy Hansen, local organic farmer and Red Seal Chef, will help you create your own personal local sustainable food strategy that allows you to realize your vision for the food system.

The Perils of Processed Food
Tuesday, November 30, 2010, 6:30-8:30pm, KPL Forest Heights Branch, 251 Fischer-Hallman Road, Kitchener

We have access to a vast array of fast, convenient processed food choices. But what effect is all of this convenience having on our health? Join nutritionist Ellen Desjardins as she presents the latest findings of the perils of processed foods, and presents alternative "real food" options.

 PAST EVENTS:

Genetically-Modified Food
Tuesday, June 22, 2010, 6:30-8:30pm, KPL Main Branch, 85 Queen St N, Kitchener

What are the benefits and risks of genetic modification? Why do so many reject this technology, while proponents insist it is essential to feed the world? What alarm bells have Canadian consumers missed about this oversold, underperforming technology? Come prepared to share your thoughts. Presenter Dr. Ann Clark is an Associate Professor in Plant Agriculture at the University of Guelph and coordinates the university's Organic Agriculture program.  To view the poster used to promote the event, click on the poster on the left.  To view Dr Clark's presentation, click here.

 

Food "Waste" or Resource?
Tuesday, May 25, 2010, 7-9pm, KPL Grand River Branch, 175 Indian Road, Kitchener

Food waste and packaging represents a large portion of the "waste" in our landfills. This can change if more people compost and more companies reduce food packaging. Join a waste management professional and a local organic farmer in a discussion of this challenge for our community.  Click on poster on the right for a printable full-size poster.

Walkable Local Foods: Local food buying clubs
Tuesday, April 27, 2010 ,7-9pm, KPL Main Branch, 85 Queen St N, Kitchener

Want to be able to walk to pick up local foods? It is possible! Uptown Waterloo has a food buying club that makes eating local convenient and fun for its 500 members. Your neighbourhood can have one too. Come find out how to set up a local food buying club in your neighbourhood.

Edible Cities – Can Urban Agriculture Feed Us All?
Monday, March 29, 2010 ,7-9pm, KPL Main Branch, 85 Queen St N, Kitchener

Join us for an informative session on urban agriculture, including green roofs, community gardens, SPIN (small-plot, intensive) farming, urban homesteading, urban forests and wild harvesting, as we explore how urban agriculture can be a solution for creating sustainable cities and feeding us all.  See Discussion Forum for commentary on this event.

The Threat of Gravel Pits to Agriculture and Food
Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 7-9pm, Kitchener Public Library Main Branch, 85 Queen St N, Kitchener

Over 7,000 acres of the best potato land in Dufferin County has been bought by a company that seeks to mine the land for the mineral aggregates below the surface. Across the province, many more acres of prime agricultural farmland lie on top of valuable aggregates, and existing provincial and municipal policies do little to prevent their conversion to gravel pits. Come hear from a panel of local farmers and activists talk about the threat to our food production and what can be done about it.

View photos, videos, and presentations from Gravel Pits event here.  See Discussion Forum for more info.

Grown Close to Home - Really!
Tuesday,  January 26, 2010, 7-9pm, Kitchener Public Library Main Branch, 85 Queen St N, Kitchener

Tired of food that looks and tastes like it has traveled miles to your plate? Not really sure where the "Grown Close to Home" food in the grocery stores comes from? Concerned about pesticides and chemicals on your food? Want to eat more local, sustainable food? Join us for a panel discussion about where, why, and how to eat local and sustainable foods in Waterloo Region. Get connected to your food and some of the farmers who grow it.

O" Canada - The New Canadian Organic Standards and Products Regulations
Tuesday, December 15, 7-9pm, Kitchener Public Library Main Branch, 85 Queen St N, Kitchener

In June 2009, the new Organic Products Regulations (OPR) came into effect, making the organic standards mandatory. Wondering what this is and what it means for farmers, retailers and consumers? Join us for a talk and panel discussion about the standards and regulations as well the new Canada Organic logo.

Fair Trade in the Waterloo Region and Internationally
Tuesday, November 24, 7-9pm, Kitchener Public Library Main Branch, 85 Queen St N, Kitchener

Sean Zister, owner of Seven Shores Urban Market & Café, will speak on the Impact Fair Trade has with Local and International Producers.

• What does Fair Trade mean?
• Can you make a difference?
• Did you know: 8% of Ontario Farmers are under the age of 35 … if farmers don’t get a fair price for their products, who is going to take over their operations?

What's on the Label?  What's on your Plate?
Tuesday, October 27, 7-9pm, Kitchener Public Library Main Branch, 85 Queen St N, Kitchener

Join the discussion as we learn about misleading labels and signs on our food products. Local food activist John McVicar reveals label shortcomings and advises vigilance when making your purchases at the grocery store.  Heather Harding, project coordinator with Ontario Greenbelt Alliance, explains why you may not be pouring much Ontario pinot noir into your glass even though the wine says "product of Canada."

The 100-Mile Challenge: Waterloo Edition
Tuesday, September 29, 7-9pm, Kitchener Public Library Main Branch, 85 Queen St N, Kitchener

Come hear from people who are nearing completion of their 100-day commitment to eat only foods from within 100 miles of their home! Challenge organizers from the Healing Path Naturopathic Clinic will describe how and why they started the challenge, and several participants will share their experiences.  Also, Gusto Catering chef Dominic Ellis will give tips on the many options available to you in cooking with local foods.