New Social Enterprise Coordinator & the Many Food Programs of ICS
Board Update
A memorandum of understanding has been signed between the Farm to School program and KFPC. And congratulations are in order for Bonnie Klohn, who will be the new Farm to School Kamloops Animator!
Another Community Food Research Alliance meeting was facilitated with increased attendance and action items.
Bonnie, Sandra and Carole presented a United Way proposal to the Community Impact Council.
Bylaws are being updated and the Board is delighted with the names that have been coming forward in the Board nomination process in preparation for the AGM on August 1. The Board also supported staff in the recruitment and selection of the Social Enterprise Coordinator and summer student positions.
KFPC confirmed our role as a community partner with the 2018 Wild Salmon Caravan (WSC). The WSC, which raises consciousness about the spirit of this keystone species through arts and culture, will have three stops, ending in Chase on September 29. The theme this year is Mermaids and water people. KFPC will support the Chase feast, promote the Chase parade and possibly facilitate transportation to the parade.
Farm to Chef’s Grazing Event, an annual fundraiser, takes place at Stuart Wood on August 26. KFPC will be the recipient of the fundraiser.
Acknowledgements
KFPC was saddened to hear of Elmer King’s passing on May 15. JUMP will be organizing a celebration of life later in June. In Elmer’s honour, Street Scene has been renamed The Big Edition and the inaugural summer edition will be released on July 1.
Staff Update
A big welcome is extended to Greg Unger (pictured at the top of the newsletter!), the new Social Enterprise Coordinator, as well as a thank you to the City of Kamloops for supporting social enterprise through the Social Enterprise Accelerator Program. KFPC will be working with Purrpl (Purposeful People out of Kelowna) to develop a business plan. The plan is to take a portion of gleaned fruit, make it shelf stable, and sell it to the Boys and Girls Club. Down the road, the intention is to also have a retail stream. Another component of the program is to provide food literacy workshops through harvesting, food processing, reducing food waste, and garden tours.
KFPC, the Food Bank, ICS and the City of Kamloops is working on a Food Insecurity Forum, which will focus on actions to help people who are hungry, advocacy and research.
A joint grant application with ICS was successful, which means there will be more food literacy workshops.
GAP would like to send a friendly reminder to send pickable trees and volunteers our way. Interested people can also contact GAP for community presentations: gleaningabundance@gmail.com
KFPC plans to build a float for the Wild Salmon Caravan using a utility trailer. Anyone inspired by merpeople or trout children and being a part of the float? Contact us to be a part of a float crew: kamloopsfoodpolicy@gmail.com.
It was exciting for the Seed Library to fill out its first intake and receive heirloom edamame seeds into the library. Read all about it here.
Community Spotlight Presentation
Interior Community Services (ICS) Program Update
ICS and KFPC have aligned missions, so it’s fantastic to hear about all that they are involved with right now. ICS is the first Community Food Centre in BC (there are only 12 in Canada). Their focus is on whole, unprocessed, healthy food and kids programming to develop knowledge and skills to grow, cook, harvest and glean food.
In 2017/18, ICS has been carrying out a capital campaign and they are expanding the kitchen/garden and renovating the centre over the summer. With 42 programs, this seems very necessary! Here is a summary of the food-related programs that ICS offers:
Community Kitchens – there is both a drop in program with local resources or a culinary series program that runs for 6 – 12 weeks.
Kids – for kids under 13 years old, there are one-stop drop in programs and 6 – 10 week programs. During the summer, YMCA Camp Days run, using the main hall, kitchen and garden. During the school year, School District 73 will also be involved with the Food Centre.
Food Access – programs that fit in with this involve the Food Bank and Food Recovery, as well as food collected at the Farmers’ Market. The Garden is available for kitchen programming.
Better at Home – works with people who are over 65 years old on low income. The Food Bank hamper delivers to 21 clients and the grocery shopping with free delivery has 86 shoppers. The Farmers’ Market coupon program coincides with a Friday tea where participants can pick up the coupons. This program, with a capacity of 35 people, is almost full with only 3 spaces left.
One of the gaps ICS is trying to fill is to fundraise for and develop programming meaningful for youth.
In terms of partnerships, ICS provides tailor made workshops (e.g., team building) and presentations to community groups. Some of the volunteering opportunities with ICS include helping in the garden, food processing, helping with hampers, yard maintenance, and informing the community of where Mount Paul Community Food Centre is and what they do.
For more information about Mount Paul Community Food Centre and their programs, visit their website.
Events
Farmers’ Market 40th Anniversary
June 23
Cake cutting and speeches at 10 AM
Walk for Peace, Environment & Social Justice at NOON
Rock the Walk from 1 – 8 PM
June 23
Riverside Park Bandshell
Food trucks, artisan vendors, children’s activities, community info booths, and live music!
KFPC AGM
August 1, 5:30 – 7:30
Gardengate
Farm to Chefs Grazing Event
August 26, 2 – 5
Wild Salmon Caravan
September 29
Parade in Chase
Announcements
Grow a Row has started through the Kamloops Food Bank.
JUMP also mentioned that they will be starting a Pick a Weed Program at the JUMP plot on Elm and Tranquille. When you’re walking by, take a moment to pull a week or two.
Who’s Who
ahhYay Wellness Café
Artisan Farm Village
Breastfeeding Matters in Kamloops
City of Kamloops
JUMP
Kamloops City Council
Kamloops Food Bank
KFPC
Kamloops Naturalist Club
Kamloops Organic Buying Club
Kamloops Regional Farmers’ Market
Lived Experience Committee
Live Love Laugh Wellness Gardens
Mount Paul Community Church
My Place Drop In
Permaculture Kamloops
The Big Edition
UBCO
Next Meeting: July 4, 2018, 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Chair: Lindsay Harris
Notetaker: Michelle Tsutsumi
Set Up: Gabrielle Bray, Natasha Lyndon
Take Down: Sandra Frangiadakis, Greg Unger, Glenn Hilke, Deanna Hurstfield
