Near North Locavores: local

Showing posts with label local. Show all posts

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Conference about Local Food & the History of Subsistence Comes to North Bay

This week from October 2nd to the 4th, there is a Conference about local food and the history of subsistence coming to North Bay. It is being hosted by Department of History and the Canada Research Chair in Environmental History at Nipissing University and Network in Canadian History of the Environment.

The Conference is being kicked off with a panel discussion with some Near North Locavores members, as well as a local producer. The info about this even was forwarded by one of the organizers, James Murton:

Contemplating Local Food: An Evening at the Kennedy Gallery

Where does your food come from? Does it matter? How do you "eat locally" in northern Ontario?

On Friday evening, October 2, join a panel of local food providers and activists for a lively discussion of why local food matters, and what they are trying to do about it.

Brought to you by the Department of History and the Canada Research Chair in Environmental History at Nipissing University, and the Network in Canadian History of the Environment.

Panelists

Jeremy St. Onge, wild foods enthusiast, aminita to zinania
Dave Lewington, Dalew Farms, Lavigne, ON
Lucy Emmott, gardener

Where and When

Friday, Oct 2, 6:30 pm (panel begins at 7:30)
W.K.P. Kennedy Gallery
150 Main St E
North Bay, ON

For more information contact James Murton at jamesm at nipissingu dot ca (replace "at" and "dot" with appropriate symbols) or 705 474-3450 x4402.

The actual Conference will be held at Nipissing University's Monastery Hall from October 3rd to the 4th. You can find more info about it here.

Monday, August 10, 2009

Phelps Community Gardens in Redbridge

Volunteers working in the garden {photo by Keri Edmunds Mulka}

In the Spring 2008 community members of Redbridge got together to create Phelps Community Gardens on the property of Phelps Central School on Glenvale Drive. Here is a little blurb about the group from their Facebook page:

We are a group of community members committed to strengthening our local school, the community we live in, and most importantly educating & inspiring through gardening. The schools gardens is a fun way to expand curriculums, conservation efforts, to develop a healthy understanding of nutrition, and to further the academic achievement through hands-on learning.

Phelps Central School students getting ready to work {photo by Keri Edmunds Mulka}

The group is a grassroots organization that runs largely on material and financial donations from community members and the work of dedicated volunteers. The group did receive a small grant from the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unity through the Take Heart Ontario program (the same funding source that the Locavores got this year for our Community Garden) for material start up costs.

Phelps Community Gardens does sell some produce from time to time and also have a neat little cookbook that was created by SOFA Communications, a company which donated its designing services for the cookbook project.

The Community Gardens is in its second year, and the group is very excited to have the children come back to school so they can enjoy the garden!

On a suitable day in late September or early October, students will get to enjoy a harvest festival where they will harvest the veggies, collect seeds, and enjoy a feast made from food in the garden.

Each class is responsible for its own part of the garden {photo by Keri Edmunds Mulka}

This is a fantastic project and the Near North region needs more like it. If you would like more information you can check out the group's Facebook page, and if you are interested in making a donation, volunteering, or purchasing a cookbook, please call Keri Edmunds Mulka at (705) 663-2885.

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Calling All Local Producers: Great Opportunity with Vested Interest!

We are please to announce our support for a new and exciting venture that is being undertaken by Vested Interest that is both sure to benefit local food producers, as well as local eaters!

A little while back, Brent and Jenn Bywater, the owners of Vested Interest has approach the Near North Locavores with their idea. They are looking to carry products grown and made by local producers in their store, which is centrally located in downtown North Bay.

To start with they are looking to carry products with a longer shelf life, and may expand further to other products, dependent on the success of this initial trial run.

If you are a producer who might be interested in getting involved (or know of another Near North food producer who might be, for more information and application please contact Jenn and Brent Bywater at (705) 474-5055 or email them at jen@vestedinterest.ca.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

A Great Video on Local Food from Northern Edge Algonquin

Near North Locavore member and kitchen and garden manager at Northern Edge Algonquin Greg Waters talks with Todd Lucier (also of Northern Edge) about local and organic food, and
gives a tour of the garden at Northern Edge and local farmers' markets. This video was shot last summer.

Enjoy the video!

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Farmers Market Season Starts!

This is a photo of our booth last year at the North Bay Downtown Farmers' Market. We will be there again this year!

Here is an article from the North Bay Nugget giving details about various farmers' markets in the Near North region. Many open this Victoria Day weekend, including the North Bay Downtown Farmers' Market on Saturday and we will be there!

Farmers' market outgrows its home
By MARIA CALABRESE
Source found here.

The buzz around buying local is taking the sting out of trying to find a place for producers to market their goods.

Board’s Honey Farm has been selling its golden nectar at the North Bay Downtown Farmers’ Market since the venue opened eight years ago when there was less noise about leaving a carbon footprint.

“It’s about food value, quality and taste,” says Ann Board after tapping some honey at the farm nestled in Restoule, about 65 kilometres southwest of North Bay.

The market gives the public a chance to buy direct from the producers and build a trust that the food is safe, Board says.
“It’s bringing the country into the city.”

The busy beekeepers have a dozen hive locations and a menu of honey flavours depending on what flowers are in bloom, like wildflowers, meadow blend, basswood and buckwheat.

There’s scores of value-added goods like skin products, candles, creamed honey, and there’s relish and salsa made with their sweet yield instead of sugar.

The North Bay Downtown Farmers’ Market opens for the season Saturday with small business owners, crafters, artists and producers selling locally grown and handmade products.

While market manager Ron Warman is pleased to see the explosion of interest from vendors and buyers, he’s frustrated to cap the number of vendors at 30 and turn away 17 others who are interested in joining this year because there isn’t enough space for them at the current location on McIntyre Street across from city hall.

He won’t bump crafters who have supported the market in its lean years in favour of new producers who want to plant their roots now that homegrown, handmade goods are hot commodities.

“That’s our problem right now is trying to accommodate this new interest,” says Warman, adding seniors and young families prefer that central spot with free parking and within walking distance for downtown residents. “We’re hesitant to move, but we can’t grow in that location.”

Friends of the Waterfront offered an area in front of the Discovery North Bay museum, but it’s too small to fit the growing market, Warman says.

It needs an area that’s at least 30-by-60 metres to accommodate 40 vendor spots — some vendors need more than one spot — with access to electricity, parking and washrooms, although Warman would like to see a bigger space so the market can bloom.

Warman would also like some kind of covering, whether it’s a tent or permanent structure, when the weather isn’t on their side. Exposure to biting wind and blowing sand is the main reason the market abandoned its first haunts on Oak Street.

“I’m not going to move unless it’s a step up,” he says.

The cost and global impact of transporting foreign foods to grocery stores and a push to eat local has even spawned a reality TV show with six families from Mission, B.C., volunteering to only eat food that has been produced within 100 miles, named after the book of the same name.

This year’s farmers’ market will offer a new baker and steady favourites, with maple products, perennials, jewelers, crafters, handmade soaps, woodworking, fresh-grown produce and other goods.

There’s also a booth with hot drinks and a new coffee club to reward repeat customers.

Also new this year is a pancake festival May 30 with syrup provided by vendor Matthews Maple Syrup of Powassan.

The market is open every Saturday rain or shine until the Thanksgiving weekend.

On the web: northbayfarmersmarket.ca

mcalabrese@nugget.ca

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Near North Producers

This is a list of Near North Ontario Producers. Be sure to check back, as well will be constantly updating this list!{In alphabetical order}. If you know of any Near North Ontario producers, please let us know about them and we will add them to our list!

Algonquin Honey
(honey, preserves, condiments)
(705) 636 1883
34 Whispering Wind Lane
Emsdale, Ontario P0A 1J0

Algonquin Tea Company
(organically grown and ethically wildcrafted tea and workshops)
http://www.algonquintea.com/
spirit@algonquintea.com
(613) 628-6157
RR5 106 Augsburg Road
Eganville, Ontario, K0J 1T0

Alsace Gardens
(vegetables and plants)
(705) 724-3900
RR#2
Powassan, Ontario, P0H 1Z0

Artan Gardens
(organically grown vegetables and herbs)
seed@artangardens.com
North Bay, Ontario

Barb's Jams & Jellies
(preserves)
yellekbobbik@vianet.ca
(705) 472-1509
1933 RR#4, Hwy 17W
North Bay, Ontario, P1B 8G5

Becker's Berry Patch
(strawberries)
http://www.beckersberrypatch.com/
mailto:beckers@lincsat.com
(705) 724-2305
Nipissing, Ontario, P0H 1W0

Belle Valley Wool
(sheep's wool and related products)
http://www.bvwools.com/

Board's Honey Farm
(honey, honey related products, beekeeping items and workshops)
http://www.boardshoneyfarm.com/
shop@boardshoneyfarm.com
(705) 729-2939
6866 Hwy. 534, RR#1
Nipissing, Ontario, P0H 1WO

Commanda Country Gardens
(native plants, wild flowers, perennials, and herbs suitable to the Near North)
http://www.countryroadstour.com/commandacountry.html
(705) 729-5714
3507 Alsace Road
Commanda, Ontario

Creative Meats
(Milk, fish, meat)
705-967-2006
7437 Hwy 17
Warren, Ontario P0H 2N0

Creekbend Farm
(honey and related products)
(705) 594-1087
RR #1
Lavigne, Ontario

Dalew Farms
(CSA, pasturized livestock, beef, chicken, turkey, eggs and organically grown vegetables)
(705) 594-1823
10781 Hwy 64
Lavigne, Ontario

Ellery's
(plants, perennials, and herbs)
(705) 724-6192
1581 Maple Rd, RR#1
Powassan, Ontario P0H 1Z0

Golden Beef
(beef, sold at Callander Farmers Market on Sundays)
Shelly Rahme (regional rep)
(705) 663-1181
Redbridge, Ontario

Hidden Valley Farms
(frozen beef, eggs, in season vegetables)
(705) 776-9018
565 Development Rd
Bonfield, Ontario

Highlander Brew Company
(microbrewery)
http://www.highlanderbrewco.com/index.htm
highlanderbrewco@hotmail.com
(705) 386-2337
South River, Ontario

Jackie's Harvest
(vegetables and preserves)
(705) 474-5352
1124 Premiere Rd
North Bay, Ontario, P1A 2J1

Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh & Muskoka Lakes Winery
(cranberries, wine and related products)
http://www.cranberry.ca/
(705) 762-2303
1074 Cranberry Rd
Bala, Ontario

L&D Greenhouse
(plants and vegetables)
kgauthier323@acpol.com
(705) 471-4484
560 Nipissing
Sturgeon Falls, Ontario, P2B 2L1

Leisure Farms
(berries and baked goods)
http://www.leisurefarms.ca/
(705) 753-1876
744 Quesnel Road
Sturgeon Falls, Ontario
P0H 2G0

Matthew's Maple Syrup
(maple syrup and related products)
http://www.matthewsmaple.com/
dave@matthewsmaple.com
(705) 724-3427
R.R. #2, 239 Ski Hill Rd.
Powassan, Ontario, P0H 1Z0

Mary Ann's Homemade Jams and Jellies
(preserves)
maryannecfullerton@yahoo.ca
(705) 472-2959
600 Booth Street, Unit # 2
North Bay, Ontario, P1A 4J7

Misty Haven Alpacas
(alpaca's wool and related products)
http://www.mistyhavenalpacas.com/
norma@mistyhavenalpacas.com
(705)752-4256
245 Derland Rd
Corbeil, Ontario

Muskoka Cottage Brewery
http://www.muskokabrewery.com/
(705)646-1266
13 Taylor Rd
Bracebridge Ontario L 1S6

Nature Balance
(organically grown produce, garlic, seasonal vegetables, herbs, and Christmas trees)
donnasoutar@vianet.ca
(705) 493-3679
900 Tower Dr
North Bay, Ontario

Olde World Bakery
(bread and baked goods)
northstargems@inbox.com
(705) 474-2617
542 Cartier St
North Bay, Ontario P1B 8N5

Phoenician Gourmet
(Middle Eastern delecacies and catering)
phoeniciangourmet@sympatico.ca
http://www.blogger.com/www.phoeniciangourmet.blogspot.com
(705) 497-5956
411 Wickstead Avenue
North Bay, Ontario, P1A 4A8

Schlosser Farm
(maple syrup, strawberries, corn, seasonal vegetables)
schlosserfarm@netspectrum.ca
(705)724-3144
RR#1 63 Schlosser Line
Trout Creek ON P0H 2L0

Silver Rapids Farm
(beef, lamb, potential CSA for 2010…call this year for next year’s beef and lamb, sold out for 2009)
david.dockendorff@gmail.com
(705) 724-9183
Powassan, Ontario

Terza Farms
(flour, grains and pork)
http://www.terzafarms.ca/
(705) 563-8021
RR # 1, Milberta Road
Thornloe, Ontario

The Swiss Pastry Chef
(bread and baked goods)
http://http//swisspastrychef.com/
uriesen@cogeco.ca
(705) 472-2253
126 Main Street East
North Bay, Ontario

Thibeault Marsh Farm
(CSA, fruits and vegetables)
http://www.thibeaultmarshfarm.com/
sylviothibeault@yahoo.ca
(705) 867-0482
225 Pothier Rd
St Charles, Ontario, P0M 2W0

Thornloe Cheese
(cheese)
http://www.thornloecheese.ca/
info@thornloecheese.ca
(705) 647-7441
999697 Hwy 11 N
Thornloe, Ontario, P0J 1S0

Vinegar on the Rocks
(Preserves and condiments)
(705)671-2899
595 Kathleen Street
Sudbury, Ontario P3C 2N4

Willow Farm Poultry
(Free range chicken and duck eggs)
ssmyth@onlink.net
(705)744-2230
Suzanne's Road R.R. # 2
Mattawa, ON P0H 1V0

Wyness Sprouts
(sprout kits, wheatgrass, sprouts, buckwheat)
tildenlake1@ontera.net
(705) 892-2364
7 Bells Road, Box 36
Tilden Lake, Ontario, P0H 2K0

Sam & Ester Yoder
(Hormone and medication free livestock lamb, chicken, turkey, eggs, organically grown vegetables)
(705)724-6771
Chisholm, Ontario

Laura& Sarah Ann Yoder
(Organically grown vegetables and baked goods)
(705)724-9546
Chisholm, Ontaro

Friday, April 24, 2009

Foodland Ontario's Availability Guide

Foodland Ontario has an excellent resource for those who want to know what type of Ontario-grown food is available, and when. You can see their list, as well as find recipes and nutritional information by clicking here.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

An Article About Our Community Garden Partnership

This is an article written last week in a local paper about our project partnership with Artan Gardens to start a non-profit community garden.

Locavores to grow produce for not-for-profit organization
From the North Bay Nugget

By Jenny Potter on April 15, 2009

Zel Artan has big plans for the 1.2-hectare patch of land her parents have been growing vegetables on for the past 20 years.

The Artans are turning some of the weeding and watering over to the public this summer, opening up 464 square metres of garden to members of the Near North Locavores, who plan to grow produce and donate it to a local not-for-profit organization.

For many years, Artan’s Turkish-Canadian parents have lived off the produce grown from their garden near the Laurier Woods.

Excess produce is sold to the community at the North Bay Downtown Farmers’ Market each Saturday in the summer or preserved for the winter.

But as time wears on, maintaining the large garden has become difficult for the couple.

Last summer, Artan, who splits her time between Toronto and North Bay, picked up the shovel and continued in her parents’ footsteps working the garden with the help of friends.

“I got involved with it last year and fell in love. It’s like a vegetable Sweetman’s Garden,” she said of the lot on McIntyre Street West that has offered a floral oasis for visitors for many years.

This summer, some members of the Near North Locavores plan to revitalize an overgrown part of the Artans’ garden, growing fresh organic produce that will be donated to a not-for-profit organization yet to be determined.

The area will also be used to demonstrate how people can grow some of their own food.

Next summer, the group hopes to establish community allotments, allowing people to grow their own vegetables.

Laurel Ronan, a core member of the Locavores, said they are excited to be able to use the land and expand an already beautiful garden.

Opening the garden to the public is just the starting point for Artan. She has many campaigns and challenges planned for the city.

The Seed to Feed Earth Week challenge kicks off Wednesday, with a goal of raising awareness of the importance of collecting and keeping seeds year after year.

“Planting vegetables is one thing,” she said. “It’s about making people aware of protecting the heirloom seed varieties.”

Along with the campaign, her personal goal is to educate herself and her family on being self-sufficient, starting with feeding her family at least one meal a day from food they produced.

She hopes other families in the city will take up the challenge as well.

“My kids understand that organic produce tastes better and is better for you,” she said.

She also hopes to pass on gardening skills to a younger generation through a children’s day camp this summer.

The long-term goal is to make the garden an educational facility, and Artan hopes government grants will allow them to add a horticultural ecology centre.

There is also a documentary planned on the garden, and she hopes the interest will garner them a television show.

In the meantime, volunteers will start turning the earth later this week, preparing the garden for planting and building a water-retention system to collect rain water for the garden.

“I think North Bay needs this,” Artan said.

jpotter@nugget.ca

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

A Little Bit About the Near North Locavores

Welcome to our blog!

The Near North Locavores is a grassroots, not-for-profit organization that was started up in Feburary 2008. Our main goal is to promote local food production and consumption of the Near North region of Ontario, Canada.

We are a diverse group comprised of current and aspiring producers, people in business and health care, environmentalists, gardeners, people concerned about food security, and consumers who want access to more locally produced food.

In our first year we had a table at the North Bay Downtown Farmers’ Market, where we helped to sell local producers’ food, and distributed information. We will be back at the Market for the 2009 season starting on May 16th and we will be there every Saturday until the closing of the Market on October 10th.

We are currently have many exciting projects underway, including a community garden (partnered with Amelia Rising Sexual Assault Centre, North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit, and the Take Heart Program); a local producer database, and a partnership with Vested Interest to establish a central location to purchase local produce year round!

For more information, you can check out our Facebook group or email us at nearnorthlocavores(at)hotmail.com.