Local food-related events

Food Survey. Watch out for this survey, soon to be launched on the Edendale Farm website (see link on sidebar). The more who take part, the better the picture of local food needs and wants that can be developed. This will help to develop policy, food activities and create further community food projects.

The Hurstbridge Learning Coop is running the mango fundraiser once again. $24 per box, 7 kg. Orders and payment due by October 31, fruit delivered to co-op mid December. Please email lflynn@oracletelecom.net.au.

Other food activities/information

You may be interested to read “Food from somewhere” in the Age which discusses the pros and cons of buying food from the supermarkets versus the other newer activities popping up. (There is a link on the side bar to “The Future of food”)

Community Food Projects Forum, Ceres. Wednesday October 17th, 2012 from 8:45am – 1pm.
A forum to share and inspire local organisations about community food projects. Tour CERES’ Community Food System, talk to some experts in the field and have an opportunity to hear from local organisations about their successes and challenges delivering food based projects in the community. All this followed by a delicious organic lunch and an opportunity to meet other people involved in community food projects. Free event, places are limited and bookings are essential. Book on TryBooking at www.trybooking.com/BTSN More information from Jessica Smart on 9389 0120 or jessica@ceres.org.au

Return of the sacred kingfisher festival is on at Ceres on Saturday October 27, 9am–4pm. Celebrating 30 years of Ceres.

Local food-related events

Next meeting of Local Food Connect is the AGM, September 23, 2pm, at the Diamond Valley library. Come and have your say. After the brief formalities, we hope to hear from people coordinating community gardens in our area and we will take part in activities based on the Library Community Food garden.

There are many ways that you can help or become involved  … Volunteer at school/kinder gardens or at community gardens, at LFC festival stalls sharing the local food messages, on LFC Steering Committee; short or long term offers of help with promotions of events and activities are needed; development of LFC promotional materials; scope out and/or develop new projects; help to develop opportunities for local growers to sell at local Farmers’ and craft and produce markets; formally or informally encourage local food outlets to source at least some of their produce from local growers and producers;  offer some of your home excess to your local cafe or school canteen; submit ideas to our website and/or Facebook page;  assist with funding applications/ fundraising ideas; start a new food swap in your area. (Thanks Linda for this list).  Come along and join in.

Come to the launch of a new daytime film group in St Andrew’s Hall, Thursday 25 October during the 2012 Seniors Festival ,the theme being “Celebrating good eating”. Lunch is at 12 noon, film will start at 1pm.  There will be information on how to become a member of the new daytime film group and an opportunity to suggest future film screenings.  The film,  Julie and Julia with Meryl Streep,  is based on Julia Child’s start in cooking intertwined with Julie Powell’s 2002 challenge to cook all the recipes in Julia’s  first cookbook! Cost for lunch is $7.50. Membership for 2013 is $10 and entitles members to see a film each month starting 7^th February 2013 and the first Thursday of each month thereafter. Transport availability (subject to eligibility) –call Amber on 9433 3156 or email amber.smith@nillumbik.vic.gov.au.  Please book for Julie and Julia and lunch by calling Living & Learning Nillumbik Panton Hill on 9433 3799 or email living.learning@nillumbik.vic.gov.au

Other food activities/information

“Monsanto occupied our food and farms so it’s time to claim them back.” Melbourne Rally – Midday, Tuesday Sept 17, 2012 at Monsanto’s Australian HQ, 600 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne.  More info : Jessica 0407307231