Kamloops

KFPC Food Security Awareness Campaign – Provincial Election

Amanda — Sun, 12 May 2013 22:41:34 +0000

The Kamloops Food Policy Council has put into action several initiatives in order to bring a discussion about food policy into the forefront of the upcoming provincial election.
Our campaign included the following:

Six letters-to-the editor that highlight provincial government policy directions detailed in the BC Food Systems Network position paper.
A questionnaire distributed to each candidate designed to reveal personal experience and party policies as they relate to food security for BC.
An invitation to all BC Election Candidates to attend the event LET’S TALK ABOUT FOOD, which was held on April 3rd, 2013.

Five published letters to the editor can be found (listed with the name of the author) at the following links:
1) Carole Hebden, KFPC: Support Locally Produced Food

2) Jacquelyne Foidart, Aboriginal Friendship Centre: Equitable Access to Food an Important Human Rights Issue

3) Deanna Hurstfield, City Cycle Growers: Keep Food Policy in Mind as Election Gets Underway

4) Dave Whiting, KFPC: Let’s Talk About Food Policy This Campaign

5) Robin Reid, TRU: BC Connected to Global Food Chain

In order to inform the electorate of party policies related to food security, the Kamloops Food Policy Council sent the following questionnaire to all BC Election candidates in the Kamloops North and South Thompson ridings. We received a completed survey from Kathy Kendall, NDP Kamloops North Thompson, and no replies from the other candidates. The follwing is the reply we received from Kathy Kendall.

KFPC: Part A: Please briefly outline in the space below any personal actions that you have taken that enhance or promote local food security.

I shop locally as much as possible; I am not 100% 100 mile, but probably 80. I shop at the Farmers’ Market for all my produce when it is available; I get my meat through 4H connections, at the Farmers Market or from the TRU meat store. I freeze as much fruit as I can when it is available in the summer months. When I do go to a store I shop locally at NuLeaf and Heartland Foods (local grains for cereal and baking and local dairy).

I’m not a great gardener but I do have 3 apple trees; I make juice and sauce as I have not figured out a way to get rid of the roll-leaf moth without chemical pesticides. I always have 6 or 7 tomato plants and some raspberry cane and try various other things such as squash, carrots etc.

KFPC: Part B: The BC Food System Network (BCFSN) believes that achieving BC food security will require an evidence-based review of current policies, followed by strong policy action aimed at the following four policy directions:

a. ensuring equitable access to food

b. strengthening local agriculture

c. fostering sustainability and climate resiliency, and

d. implementing a ‘whole-of-government’ approach.

For each of these sections, the BCFSN suggests policy directions. We would like to hear how your party platform, or party position papers, relate to these policy directions.

Using the survey forms below, please indicate by placing an “X” in the column that indicates how your party platform or party position papers relate to elements within these policy directions. Feel free to elaborate using the comments section.

a. Ensuring equitable access to food

Food Policy Element	Clear policy proposed	Some policy proposed	No Policy Proposed	Comments
poverty prevention and elimination	X			The BC NDP will introduce a legislated Poverty Reduction Strategy with targets and timelines. This is just one of many polices we are introducing in our platform to reduce poverty.
food affordability		X		The BC NDP will tackle food affordability through targeted policies to increase local agricultural production and polices to raise household incomes such as: investing $210 million a year into a BC Family Bonus program; tying minimum wage and income assistance to inflation; doubling the earning exemption for income assistance and providing and immediate increase in income assistance rates of $20 per month.
nutrition education		X		The BC NDP will bring back Buy BC, a local food marketing program that successfully encouraged British Columbians to buy local food; we will maintain successful nutrition programs such as agriculture in the classroom and will work with schools and advocacy groups to improve and develop nutrition education programs.
strengthening rural economies	X			The BC NDP will place a renewed emphasis on rural economic development with clear policies that invest in our forest land base, promote agriculture and support sustainable growth in BC’s natural resource industries.Our policies to support rural economic development also stress the vital importanceof working with First Nations to revitalizethe treaty process and enhance long-term economic opportunities for Aboriginal peoples.
food as a priority for small business development		X		The BC NDP is committed to developing local markets and increasing market share for BC food producers so that small and medium sized agricultural businesses can grow and flourish and we will work with small and local businessowners to implement the BC SmallBusiness Accord.
green jobs	X			The BC NDP will prioritize fighting climate change and will create more green jobs through investment in transit, green infrastructure and retrofits, agriculture and sustainable forestry.
collaboration with indigenous governments on indigenous food systems		X		The BC NDP will work with First Nations and Aboriginal communities to support economic development through revenue sharing, and revitalize the treaty process. We will work with First Nationsto support economically and culturally vibrant communities.
land conservancies set aside for Indigenous food/medicine harvesting			X
food and health lenses used when making decisions about industrial resource extraction/development			X

Did we miss something? Are there other elements of “Ensuring equitable access to food” that are in your platform that you want to tell us about? Please see more details of our poverty reduction plan at www.bcndp.ca

b. Strengthening local agriculture

Food Policy Element	Clear policy proposed	Some policy proposed	No Policy Proposed	Comments
protection of Agricultural Land Reserve	X			The BC NDP will renew the Agricultural Land Commission and protect the Agricultural Land Reserve.
providing incentives for food production on agricultural land			X
assistance for new farmers – farm succession, land access, apprenticeship programs/mentoring		X		A BC NDP government will support new and existing farmers through targeted policies to Grow BC, Buy BC and Feed BC such as providing more direct support to organic and conventional farmers through enhanced extension and field services for marketing and operations; and by strengthening support for the Buy BC marketing program for BC agricultural products. We will also prioritize skills training tohelp British Columbians obtain the skills needed to succeed in today’s diverse economy.
assessing implication of new and existing regulations on small producers		X		We will work with small and local business owners to implement the BC Small Business Accord.
encouraging BC sellers to sell within BC markets	X			The BC NDP will strengthen support for the Buy BC marketing program for BC agricultural products.
meaningfully engaging farmers and communities		X		A BC NDP government will work in consultation with the agricultural community.
grants for producers starting/increasing production for BC market		X		The BC NDP will help orchardists with replanting and other input costs, and provide more direct support to organic and conventional farmers through enhanced extension and field services for marketing and operations.
identify what food comes into and leaves BC			X
database of information on what is viable to be grown in regions of BC			x
increasing food production and processing capacity in-province		x		A BC NDP government will support new and existing farmers through targeted policies to Grow BC, Buy BC and Feed BC such as providing more direct support to organic and conventional farmers through enhanced extension and field services for marketing and operations; and will support small businesses in a variety of ways including: expanding the Buy BC marketing program to include non-agricultural products made in BC; implement the BC Small Business Accord and undertaking a comprehensive review to modernize & improve BC’s liquor laws.
develop local food procurement policies within government ministries, school districts, Crown corporations and Health Authorities	x			The BC NDP will establish a “Local Business First” government procurement policy, starting with BC hospitals buying locally grown food.
ensure Province retains control of purchasing and procurement policies in light of trade negotiations (for example CETA and TPP)		x		Adrian Dix has been clear that BC should be speaking out about deals like CETA and put pressure on the federal government to be tough at the bargaining table when negotiating trade deals.

Did we miss something? Are there other elements of “Strengthening local agriculture” that are in your platform that you want to tell us about? Please see more details on how we will increase support for agriculture and food security at www.bcndp.ca

c. Fostering sustainability and climate resiliency

Food Policy Element	Clear policy proposed	Some policy proposed	No Policy Proposed	Comments
research/services for small-scale farmers		x		A BC NDP government will support new and existing farmers by providing more direct support to organic and conventional farmers through enhanced extension and field services for marketing and operations.
organic producers and urban agriculture projects		X		See above
supporting food providers in shifting to sustainable production in both urban and rural settings (for example Environmental Farm Planning, community managed fisheries, etc)			x
providing resources to research climate change impacts/adaptations			x
communicate climate change research findings through targeted extension services		x		A BC NDP government will support new and existing farmers by providing more direct support to organic and conventional farmers through enhanced extension and field services for marketing and operations.
providing marketing assistance for existing, transitional and new organic farms	x			See above

Did we miss something? Are there other elements of “Fostering sustainability and climate resiliency” that are in your platform that you want to tell us about? If the BC NDP forms the next government in British Columbia, we would look forward to meeting with you to discuss issues and work together on ways to improve Food Security in Kamloops and our province.

d. Implementing a whole-of-government approach

Food Policy Element	Clear policy proposed	Some policy proposed	No Policy Proposed	Comments
ensuring food policy coherence/consistency across agencies and programs			x
working with like-minded governments and organizations to implement whole-of-government perspective		x		A BC NDP government will recognize local governments as an independent, responsible and accountable order of government, and empower them to enact municipal finance reform; and will build government-to-government relationships based on respect and recognition between the province and First Nations.
initiating government-wide review of spending to identify food-related initiatives			x
ensure government food related programs are complimentary, purposeful and co-ordinated			x
establish inter-ministerial body including Ministries of Health, Environment, Agriculture, Education and Natural Resources to collaborate on sustainable community food and agriculture plans			x
support and expand school meals programs, school gardens and food literacy programs		x		The BC NDP will maintain successful nutrition programs such as agriculture in the classroom and will work with schools and advocacy groups to improve and develop nutrition education programs.
provide support for communities to develop food system plans, urban agriculture projects, food recovery programs and social enterprises		x		A BC NDP government will work with municipalities to build and rehabilitate green infrastructure, and support climate solutions in communities across BC.

Did we miss something? Are there other elements of “Implementing a whole-of-government ” that are in your platform that you want to tell us about? If the BCNDP forms government we will take steps to offer stability and cross Ministry coordination to the agricultural sector.

A big thank you to all involved in our BC Elections campaign for awareness about food policy issues. We hope that our efforts have helped you to decide how you will be voting on May 14th!

Do not hesitate to contact us at kamloopsfoodpolicy@gmail.com if you have any further questions.

April 3 2013, LET’S TALK ABOUT FOOD 5:30 Mt. Paul United Church

Carole — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 16:20:54 +0000

The Kamloops Food Policy Council is hosting “Let’s Talk About Food” on Wednesday, April 3 at Mt. Paul United Church (140 Laburnum St. on the North Shore) from 5:30 till 8:00 PM.

All members are encouraged to attend. An invitation has been sent to elected officials and BC political candidates to join us for the entire event. “Let’s Talk About Food” is an opportunity for sharing information and networking, as well as participating in focused facilitated discussion on specific food policy themes.

The program for the evening is as follows:

5:30 – 5:45 Introductions (Laura Kalina and Paula Rubinson, Kamloops Food Policy Council Co-chairs)

• introduce the Kamloops Food Policy Council and its member organizations

• introduce City of Kamloops elected officials attending

• introduce Provincial Election candidates attending

• introduce volunteer facilitators and recorders

5:45 – 6:15 Potluck Dinner (dishes and cutlery provided)

6:15 – 7:15 Focused, facilitated discussion within 5 groups on 5 food policy themes:

• Gleaning as a program to reduce food wastage

• Food Action Projects

• Strengthening Our Food Economy

• Urban Agriculture

• Food System Challenges

7:15 – 8:00 Wrap-up

• report back from discussion groups

• next steps for the Kamloops Food Policy Council

See you there,

Carole Hebden

Communications Committee

Food Security: Letters-to-the-Editor in Kamloops Daily News

Carole — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 16:09:45 +0000

http://www.kamloopsnews.ca/article/20130227/KAMLOOPS0303/130229830/0/kamloops/support-locally-produced-food

http://www.kamloopsnews.ca/article/20130313/KAMLOOPS0303/130319959/-1/kamloops0303/equitable-access-to-food-an-important-human-rights-issue

Minutes January 23, 2013

Carole — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 23:46:22 +0000

KAMLOOPS FOOD POLICY COUNCIL

Minutes of meeting, January 23, 2013

PRESENT:

Laura Kalina, co-Chair

Carole Hebden (minutes)

Anne Grube, Farmers’ Market

Nicole Beauregard, Parks Department, City of Kamloops

Dave Whiting, Community Mapping, Thompson Shuswap Food Connections

David Hoar, Open Door Group & Gardengate

Daphane Nelson, Thompson Shuswap Chef-Farmer Collaborative

Elaine Sedgman, Thompson Shuswap Master Gardeners

Erin Edwards, Kamloops Public Produce Project

Dede Bone, Community Kitchens

Shelaigh Garson, Community Gardens

Wendy Gardner, TRU

Jacquelyne Foidart, Aboriginal Friendship Centre

Walt Klenner, BC Honey Producers Association Kamloops Division

Bill & Pat Davies, Kamloops Organic Gardeners

Sandra Frangiadakis, MEd Student

Dylan Houlihan, Urban Systems

Addie Houlberg, TRU/UNBC Student

Louise Marcelet, Master Gardener

Sarah Harder, Urban Agriculturist

Jenna Nickles, Kamloops Urban Hens

REGRETS:

Paula Rubinson, co-Chair

Maren Luciani, Planning Department, City of Kamloops

Mendel Rubinson, Farmers’ Market

Robin Reid, TRU Faculty

Welcome and Introductions

MINUTES from December, 2012 are available at http://kamloopsfoodpolicycouncil.com/

1) AGM Planning – L. Kalina

D. Whiting proposed that the AGM focus on networking amongst council members, political candidates for the May BC election, and the community. D. Nelson described the success and limits to the “speed dating” model used at the Farm to Chef Collaborative AGM.

Feb. 20 (date/location TBA) will be the business aspect of the KFPC AGM and also the stakeholder presentation by M. Luciani on the City of Kamloops Agricultural Area Plan.

March (date/location TBA) will be the public networking AGM.

L. Kalina spoke to the need for KFPC to update its vision and mission statement and suggested a special meeting with a facilitator for this purpose. Discussion.

Action: Formed an AGM Planning Committee L. Kalina, D. Whiting, C. Hebden, D. Bone, D. Nelson

2) Community Liaison Updates

Master Gardeners, E. Sedgman – Seedy Saturday will not be held this year. In its place, Master Gardeners will run advice clinics at the Sahali Mall Farmer Markets Feb. 02, 16 and March 02, 16 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Seeds will be given away as “Veggie Garden in a Bag”

Seedy Saturday organizers are arranging for Dan Jason, founder of Seeds of Diversity Canada, to talk on “Starting a Seed Bank” in Kamloops. Date TBA.

April 19 – Thompson Shuswap Master Gardeners assoc. is organizing a free public presentation titled “Life After Pesticides” with entomologist Dr. Linda Gilkeson.

Two master gardeners are developing a book titled “Kamloops Grown Heirloom Tomatoes”

Aboriginal Friendship Society, J. Foidart – Offering three 6-week long Food Security Programs. The programs are free with a certificate upon completion. The next program begins Feb. 22.

Community Mapping, D. Whiting – Continues to support R. Reid’s work through TRU – an analysis of community garden users in Kamloops. This data will link in with D. Whiting and C. KC mapping program.

Community Gardens, S. Garson – Some gardens remain unallocated at Mac Park, Rotary Garden and River Street. Waiting lists exist.

Has 250 boxes of organic seeds, each box with about 400 seed packages.

Working to develop a garden and mini-horticulture program at KRCC.

Community Kitchens, D. Bone – Three specialty kitchens (gluten-free baking, diabetic meals, healthy snacks) are advertised in the City of Kamloops Activity Guide.

Food Bank, L. Kalina – renovations soon underway. They will affect our KFPC meeting space in March.

Farmers’ Market, A. Grube – Markets at Sahali Mall Feb. 02, 16 and March 02, 16 and 30.

April 20 is first regular market downtown.

Recently updated mission and vision statements.

March 01-03 is BC Association of Farmers Markets Conference in Kamloops. Register at their website. Possibly some presentations will be open to the public.

Thompson Shuswap Chef-Farmer Collaborative, D. Nelson (www.tscfc.org) – Strategic plan will be finalized soon. Mid-late Feb is AGM.

Has submitted RFP to supply protein to TRU Culinary Arts Program. Thank you to KFPC for letter of support.

Discussion: changes in food connections that are enabling institutions to purchase local food and contribute to local economies. A ‘collaborative’ plays a critical role in meeting contract requirements. Kamloops is making good inroads in this food security aspect.

April 25-28 Canadian National Slow Food Conference in Osooyos. D. Nelson will attend and speak on behalf of KFPC.

TRU, W. Gardner – Student poster projects will focus on industry issues and solutions as raised during the City Agriculture Area Planning process. April 8 2:30-4:30 at TRU is poster day.

Twenty TRU students who intend to transfer to UBC Dietetics Program are seeking community service opportunities.

Gardengate (Open Door Group), D. Hoar (http://www.opendoorgroup.org/)

SAGE – Seniors Action for Gardening & Education – fundraising and promotions to support this group of avid former gardeners. City of Kamloops Seniors Advisory Committee offered to assist.

Are receiving calls from seniors who can no longer garden and are willing to let their land be used as long as it is “kept nice”.

Winter Activities include bulb forcing, and sign making.

City of Kamloops, N. Beauregard, Parks Department

Program facilitation with Master Gardeners, Community Kitchens and City of Kamloops gardening programs, as well as, KFPC Public Produce workshops. City greenhouses tours will happen again this spring.

Circulated information on a matching grant opportunity www.cnfromthegroundup.ca. This program helps municipalities and First Nations communities across Canada green public properties with its partners Tree Canada and Communities in Bloom.

Urban Agriculture Plan and Social Plan review is currently underway.

Public Produce signage for MacDonald Park has been funded.

Introduced Walt Klenner, BC Honey Producers Association Kamloops Division who spoke about this group’s project to increase public awareness about bees and the current by-laws that prevent backyard bee hives. Demo hives are planned for the MacDonald Park community gardens.

Urban hen advocates are working with appropriate City channels.

3) Working Groups – Updates

a) Gleaning Program – no update

b) Public Produce Project, L. Kalina - Applied for Social Planning Grants for Phase III to develop and deliver training sessions for community groups interested in implementing their own public produce gardens. Planting food in the planters outside the Library/TNRD building will not be pursued any further. Two students are available in March to assist with other projects.

c) BC Election – making food security a provincial priority Approval given for small honorarium to help with the letter writing campaign.

4) ROUND TABLE

NEXT MEETING:

AGM Business Meeting is February 20 from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Venue: Tournament Capital Centre, Meeting rooms C & D

Potluck appies

Following dinner, M. Luciani will make a presentation on the City of Kamloops Agriculture Area Plan.

AGM and Presentation (Kamloops Agriculture Area Plan)

Carole — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 23:40:09 +0000

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING: The Kamloops Food Policy Council cordially invites members and guests of the Council to the Annual General Meeting. The agenda will be posted soon. Save the Date.

Date: 20^th February 2013

Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Venue: Tournament Capital Centre

910 McGill Road

Meeting Rooms C & D

Free parking

Kamloops Seedy Saturday(s)

Carole — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 23:35:19 +0000

When: February 2 and 16, 2013 and March 2 and 16, 2013
Where: Sahali Centre Mall
Time: 10:00am-2:00pm
Contact: Leslie Welch 250.828.2321 or Fawn Knox 250.579.5768
Email: plants444@gmail.com or fawnfknox@gmail.com

“In our society, growing food yourself has become the most radical of acts… By the process of directly working in harmony with nature, we do the one thing most essential to change the world – we change ourselves.”
Jules Dervaes

PRESS RELEASE: Annual Seedy Saturday alters direction to pave the way for Seed Sanctuary

Seedy Saturday Event held on the last week of February is being altered so plans towards establishing a local Seed Sanctuary can begin. The Seedy Saturday event began with the idea of providing opportunities for individuals to learn how to save and share local, organic seeds, how to grow a successful garden and how to preserve the harvest. We will continue with this in mind but one group is providing a whole new approach to our annual event while others are preparing for a local seed sanctuary.

This year the Thompson Shuswap Master Gardeners will host a Veggie Garden in a Bagevent during which gardening advice, information handouts on soil fertility, seed saving, and demonstrations will be offered. In addition the Master Gardeners have gathered packets of seeds into paper bags organized to contain most of the seeds needed to plant a successful garden. These bags will be handed out free to folks attending the Veggie Garden in a Bag event. The event will take place at the Visions Farmers Market at Sahali Mall commencing on February 2, 2013 from 10:00am-2:00pm. The event will be held on February 16, March 2, and 16 at the same times.

With plans well under way for a successful alternative to the Seedy Saturday, attention is now being directed to establishing a local seed sanctuary and, as well, inviting those individuals who have saved his or her own seeds to participate in a locally grown seed exchange. Our goal is to appeal to interested individuals who appreciate the importance of preserving and promoting regionally adapted organic seeds. We will need a devoted group of people who would be committed to maintaining, evaluating and keeping records of vegetables and herbs grown in this area.

This will be a daunting task but fortunately help is not far away. Dan Jason, founder of theSalt Spring Seed and Plant Sanctuary, is willing to come to Kamloops to talk about his experiences on Salt Spring Island and to help us to “grow our own seed bank”. Dan Jason will be here in Kamloops on Saturday April 27th to speak to those interested in this project and to those who want to participate in a locally grown seed exchange. The time and location are currently being considered and will be announced soon. The goal to establish a local seed sanctuary is closer to being realized.

MInutes December 05, 2012

Carole — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 01:15:28 +0000

KAMLOOPS FOOD POLICY COUNCIL

Minutes of meeting, December 05, 2012

PRESENT:

Paula Rubinson, co-Chair

Carole Hebden (minutes)

Nicole Beauregard, City of Kamloops, Parks Department

Maren Luciani, City of Kamloops, Planning Department

Mendel Rubinson, Farmers’ Market

Anne Grube, Farmers’ Market

Elaine Sedgman, Thompson Shuswap Master Gardeners

Dave Whiting, Community Mapping, Thompson Shuswap Food Connections

Chandra KC, GIS

Daphane Nelson, Thompson Shuswap Chef-Farmer Collaborative

Robin Reid, TRU Faculty, Public Produce Project

Wendy Gardner, TRU Faculty

Donovan Cavers, City Councillor, Conscientious Catering

Shelaigh Garson, Community Gardens

Jacquelyne Foidart, Aboriginal Friendship Society

Sarah Harder, Urban Agriculturist

Deanna Hurstfield, SPIN Gardener

Scott Redgrove, District Parent Advisory Council

Dylan Houlihan, Urban Systems, BCSEA

Les Carty

REGRETS: Laura Kalina, co-Chair

Welcome and Introductions

MINUTES from October 2012 are available at http://kamloopsfoodpolicycouncil.com/

1) City of Kamloops

(a) Kamloops Agriculture Area Plan (AAP), M. Luciani, Planning Department

Public consultation Phase 1 is coming up in January or February

Consumers, producers, local retailers provide input

Roadshow 1: Soliciting feedback to issues identified related to local agriculture industry

Roadshow 2: soliciting input on strategies and actions to support local agriculture industry (public consultation phase 2 – feb./march

Background report is almost complete

Discussed the idea of AAP presentation (15 min. plus Q/A) at the January meeting or our AGM

(b) Urban Agriculture Plan, N. Beauregard, Parks Department

Food security and urban agriculture will be included as a chapter in the Social Plan. The current (2008) Social Plan will be reviewed over 2013, a revision prepared early in 2014, final approvals end of 2014 and in 2015 policy adoption takes place. KFPC will be included as a major partner in the consultation plan.

KFPC feedback provided to AAP has been referred to Urban Agriculture Plan

(c) Public Produce Project – evaluation of season’s activity is underway

2) Working Groups – Updates

(a) Gleaning Program –D. Hurstfield (Members: D. Bone, E. Edwards, D. Hurstfield, R. Reid, Lisa Ritcey) – have met twice. Decided to form a Society. Are drafting a budget. Seeking grants from City of Kamloops. Model will be 1/3 picker: 1/3 owner: 1/3 non-profit. Community Kitchen will benefit. Open to fruit and other produce.

Q. (D. Nelson) – can farmers use the Gleaning Program given issues of shortage and affordability of pickers in our region?

A. question referred to working group.

Q. (M.Luciani) – Would picking produce on Lorne Street public produce site be a fit with Gleaning Program?

A. Yes

Comment by R.Reid – a paid coordinator is needed to ensure successful launch of this program.

Comment by D. Cavers – a paid coordinator is needed to identify trees

(b) BC Election and Food Security – (Members: C. Hebden, D. Whiting, A. Grube, E. Edwards, D. Nelson). Planning a questionnaire for all candidates.

Comment by M. Rubinson – invite candidates to KFPC meeting

(c) Public Produce Project, E. Sedgman – debrief meeting was held with City. Permanent signage is being developed. Funding for a kiosk is needed for MacDonald Park. Victoria St. location awaits design changes to facilitate sunlight exposure. Discussion ensued regarding fall clean up and maintenance responsibilities.

(d) A. Grube (i) Water Metering for urban food producers discussion of logistics, financial implications and other challenges (ii) Goji Berry Trail letter circulated; Parks & Rec Committee meets in March 2013. (iii) TNRD Planters – deferred to a future meeting.

3) Community Liaison Updates

W. Gardner (wgardner@tru.ca) is seeking an audience for TRU Ag Sci student poster sessions. Suggestions included the Open House for AAP, the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets AGM March 1-3, KFPC AGM. Contact her directly.

E. Sedgman – Parks & Rec City guide has various Master Gardener courses (soils, structures, seed planting). April 19-20 free workshop on “organic methods for disease control”.

R. Reid – grant applications to analyze and map 80 survey returns. United Way is interested in the results to gear some of their programs in strategic directions.

M. Rubinson – Farmers are resting now. Winter farmers market locations are on the Kamlops Farmers Market Facebook page.

S. Garson – Community Garden registrations are completed and waitlists started. Received city funding to finalize “Cultivating Community: A Guide to Starting a Community Garden” but the document will need desktop publishing. Planning courses for springtime. ICS website has been updated to include Community Gardens. TRU has a culinary arts garden. Thrive Festival in June 2013 at TRU will include a focus on Agriculture.

P. Rubinson –City of Chicago has rooftop beehives that help fund Arts Programs. GE-free BC is launching anti-GMO apple campaign and seeking volunteers – S. Harder volunteered. Thanks to all who support organic producers.

D. Nelson (www.tscfc.org) – strategic planning now complete and identifying next steps. AGM is Feb. Received first grant application and it’s from ICS Community Kitchen Program.

4) ROUND TABLE

A. Grube – Farmers Market awarding $500 to a horticulture student.

- BC Association of Farmers’ Markets March 1-3 AGM will be held in Kamloops at 540 Hotel. They are seeking silent auction donations and sponsors.

NEXT MEETING: Wednesday, January 23 at 5:00

Future Meetings: Feb. 20 and Apr.03.

NEXT MEETING is JANUARY 23, 2013 at 5:00 Kamloops Food Bank/Action Centre 171 Wilson St, North Kamloops (Potluck Dinner)

Carole — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 01:05:07 +0000

Public Produce Strategy Report

Amanda — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 05:52:24 +0000

We’d like to encourage everyone to take a look at the Public Produce Strategic Report that some of our members were instrumental in developing. If you’re wondering about how the Kamloops Public Produce Project came to be, or where it’s going, many answers may be found in here! There are many wild and wonderful things that could happen with the public produce movement in our city (and province, and country), with support in the right places.

We are currently working on the next phase of the project, which we’re calling Phase III: Public Produce in Your Own Backyard. This next step will lend support and guidance to other organizations and communities who hope to start their own public produce project. If this is something that you or your group is interested in pursuing, get in touch with us at the Public Produce Project and we’ll keep you updated on the next exciting developments! (publicproduceproject@gmail.com)

Without further adieu.. the Public Produce Strategy Report Sept2012 !

Minutes of meeting, October 24, 2012

Carole — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 19:15:17 +0000

KAMLOOPS FOOD POLICY COUNCIL

Minutes of meeting, October 24, 2012

PRESENT:

Laura Kalina, co-Chair

Paula Rubinson, co-Chair

Carole Hebden (minutes)

Maren Luciani, City of Kamloops

Mendel Rubinson, Farmers’ Market

Anne Grube, Farmers’ Market

Dave Whiting, Community Mapping, Thompson Shuswap Food Connections

David Hoar, Open Door Group & Gardengate

Daphane Nelson, Thompson Shuswap Chef-Farmer Collaborative

Erin Edwards, Kamloops Public Produce Project, Kamloops Food Bank

Robin Reid, TRU Faculty, Public Produce Project

Chris McCuaig, Community Kitchens

Dede Bone, Community Kitchens

Sarah Harder, Urban Agriculturist

Deanna Hurstfield, SPIN Gardener

Jeff Conners, Phoenix Centre

Lisa Ritcey, Bear Aware Program

Nick Barry, TRU Student

Matt Greenwood

REGRETS: Nicole Beaureguard

Welcome and Introductions

MINUTES from September 5, 2012 are available at http://kamloopsfoodpolicycouncil.com/

1) Kamloops Agriculture Area Plan (AAP):

(a) Farm Tour Report, A. Grube – described some producer challenges with equipment transportation over rail crossings, need for temporary workers (pre-Christmas), the local food distribution system.

(b) AAP Update, M. Luciani – Public consultation phase commences early December with a “road show” of presentations to interest groups/individuals and feedback gathered (KFPC will be included). Clarified that the AAP is for commercial agriculture not urban agriculture but the Farmers Market is an area of overlap. In 2013, the Social Planning Council starts to develop a Kamloops Urban Agriculture Plan. KFPC input on the draft AAP Issues document was forwarded to J. Casorso. Possibility of presenting the AAP draft plan at the KFPC AGM in Feb. 2013. AAP meetings are open to the public.– refer to Agriculture Advisory Committee meetings for specific times and location. ‘Like’ their facebook page for more information.

2) City of Kamloops, M. Luciani for N. Beaureguard

(a) An updated Public Produce brochure was distributed.

(b) Gleaning Program – N. Beaureguard and J. Casorso suggested a Working Group be struck to include 4 KFPC members. The City will not run a Gleaning Program, but can participate as a partner. Applying for a Social Planning Grant by November 13 deadline could be an initial action item.

ACTION: Gleaning Program Working Group was created.

Members are D. Bone, E. Edwards, D. Hurstfield, R. Reid and Lisa Ritcey from the City Bear Aware Program.

ACTION: E.Sedgman, L. Kalina and E. Edwards

3) Public Produce Project, L. Kalina

(a) Final Report to be posted on KFPC website. Over one year to complete. Reads like a “Best Practices Report”. Darrin Nordhal has included Kamloops as a chapter in his new book.

(b) Applying for Social Planning Grants – to develop and deliver power point presentations that would train community groups in the implementation of public produce gardens throughout the city. Also submitting an application to complete the community garden how-to manual.

(c) A. Grube requested that KFPC support another approach to the TNRD to plant food in the planters outside the Library/TNRD building.

ACTION: L. Kalina to ask permission to present this idea at a TNRD Directors’ Meeting.

4) A. Grube

(a) Described current water metering rates and urged a special rating system for urban agriculturists. M. Luciani suggested this idea be presented to the urban agriculture planning process.

(b) Renaming of W. St. Paul Street multi-use path to Goji Berry Trail in recognition of Chinese workers’ contribution to local food security. Dried goji berries were sampled by members as A. Grube described their history and location and the support for renaming from the Kamloops Chinese Cultural Association.

ACTION: KFPC will submit a letter to the City requesting this name change.

5) BC Election – making food security a priority, C. Hebden

Call for a Working Group to develop a plan for KFPC that would elevate food policy on BC’s political agenda. D. Whiting suggested the Ontario Local Food Act would be a good resource.

ACTION: Working Group created. Members are C. Hebden, D. Whiting, A. Grube, M. Greenwood, D. Nelson, and E. Edwards. C. Hebden to call first meeting.

6) Community Liaison Updates

Community Mapping, D. Whiting

Mapping continues to support Community Gardens and R. Reid’s work through TRU.

Food Bank, E. Edwards

(a) “Cost of Eating” report is out. Encouraged members to read it. Low income Canadians are very food insecure. 40% of food produced is wasted in the food management chain.

(b) Music Makes Meals November 10, Kamloops Conventions Centre. Tickets are only $10 to hear 4 bands and help raise food money.

(d) Trailer fire was a serious loss. Will be applying for grants to construct a fully accessible client use area.

Farmers’ Market, M. Rubinson and A. Grube – AGM was recently held. Food bank donations were made by vendors. Research reports are available for Wednesday and Saturday Farmers’ Markets. These reports need to be put onto the internet for KFPC.

Thompson Shuswap Chef-Farmer Collaborative, D. Nelson (www.tscfc.org) – Grants are available for C-F Collaborative members who have non-profit projects. Application form is on their website.

Gardengate (Open Door Group), D. Hoar (http://www.opendoorgroup.org/)

(a) Pumpkins of Light – October 25

(b) Increasing by 12’ their greenhouse to accommodate seedlings.

(d) cold storage built last October, now have shelves filled with beets, carrots, onions, squash, potatoes. Community Kitchens (D. Bone) thanked Gardengate for being their largest food donor.

Community Kitchens, D. Bone – need new stove.

ACTION: D. Bone and C. Hebden to prepare a grant proposal.

Shuswap Thompson Organic Producers Association, P. Rubinson – urged members to support local farmers and resist GMO.

7) ROUND TABLE

R. Reid – is conducting a comprehensive survey of citizens who use the community gardens. This data will link in with D. Whiting and C. KC mapping program. More results will follow.

D. Bone – stressed the ongoing need to educate people on food preservation and preparation. Stated that insurance coverage is a barrier to more people running community kitchens in our City.

D. Bone – a Food Swap will be held December 5.

NEXT MEETING: Wednesday, December 05, 2012 at 5:00

KFPC scheduled meetings in 2013 are Jan. 23, Feb. 20 and Apr.03.