Tag Archives: Friends of UBC Farm

UBC Farm’s 2010 FarmAde Event

Today is UBC Farm‘s annual FarmAde Open House and I’m heading over. I’ve been out to the farm a few times and this time I’m going to take in one of the farm tours, rain or shine.

Friday, September 17th
3:00 – 5:00 pm
UBC Farm Shuttle Bus Map

There’s lots going on, including:

  • Live music
  • A BBQ for everyone, literally (vegan, veggie and beef burgers)
  • Produce market of farm-fresh corn, other veggies and fruits
  • Adult entertainment (beer garden featuring local beer and a beer-making workshop)
  • Supervised kid’s area with face painting
  • Farm Tours and more… (details)

If you can’t make it out to the farm today, you can still take a video tour below to learn what happens there and why efforts to save UBC Farm continue to be important.  We’re not out of the woods yet in the battle between short-term real estate value vs. long-term, food security value.

2008 Vandusen Harvest Celebration

Vandusen Botanical Garden’s 2008 Harvest Celebration and Farmers Market was a great opportunity to take in both the fabulous Vandusen gardens and delicious garden produce. A wide variety of food products were available as expected, but I was also intrigued to discover a few organizations that are making a difference in the community.

The Vancouver Food Policy Council has succeeded in having a Food Charter adopted by the Vancouver City Council, indicating they are committed to “the development of a coordinated municipal food policy” and a “just and sustainable food system.” The VFPC continue to work with a variety of organizations and programs to further these goals.

Originally begun as a resource for underprivileged families, the Community Kitchen Program has grown to bring people from all walks of life together. In partnership with the Greater Vancouver Food Bank, this community-building program uses church and community centre kitchens, as well as its own facility, as a meeting place for people to gather, learn, cook, and eat together.

UBC Farms and Friends of the UBC Farm were on hand to highlight the innovative research, sustainability education, and food security initiatives that the student-run farm has been involved in since its inception in 2000. Friends of UBC Farm is working to raise awareness of the University of British Columia’s plan to develop the property for yet more market housing at the expense of the valuable contribution the farm provides in creating a sustainable food system and culture.

Three more examples of the communities that good food builds. Delicious.

Food is Fundamental Conference, Sept 23-27, 2008

The Student Environment Centre (SEC) and Friends of the UBC Farm (FotF) are hosting the “Food is Fundamental” conference to educate, discuss and take action on pressing food issues. The conference brings world-renowned scholars, local activists and members of the community together to reflect on the place of food in the wide network of cultures, policies and economies. Film screenings, live music, and free dinner are all part of the fun!