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.
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.