Listen Live

Connect for Food offers workshops to grow locally

Connect for Food is giving the Lakeland the chance to take part in some workshops to learn about growing the local food industry.

The workshops have a goal of finding fresh approaches and new pathways to localizing food production and building communities within and across regions.

“Connect for food is based on the belief that individuals have the vision and solutions to shape the future of their communities and building a more local and sustainable food system is vital to that.” says Perry Phillips one of the co-founders of the initiative.  “We really can not wait for the solutions to come to us from elsewhere because then the benefits tend to go elsewhere”

The two co-founders of the Connect for Food initiative says the message behind Connect for Food is “Grow what we eat, eat what we grow”

The second co-founder of the initiative Keleigh Cormier says Grow what we eat, eat what we grow is exactly what they are striving for

“Currently we import a lot of food that could be produced here and at the same time we are not using the crops we growing here, especially for wintertime.”

Phillips says the typical local food approach has been to focus on unique or novel products,

which has caused local food to be somewhat exclusive. “We hope to talk more about localizing. Our agriculture industry in Alberta has evolved primarily as a producer and exporter of commodities and ingredients. We have the natural resources and much of the technology needed to produce far more food that could ultimately replace imports.”

The workshops are being hosted by Northeast Alberta Food Marketers Association (NAFMA) and Community Futures but the Connect for Food initiative is behind the idea.

A couple of workshops have already taken place with the following workshops planned ahead:

  • Online Workshop on the 25th
  • Ardmore Hall on November 8th
  • Portage Colledge in Lac La Biche on November 16th

Perry Phillips says the workshops have been a success and well attended.

“Our goal for these workshops is to be as representative of all the different sectors of the food system as possible. The conversations at the workshops have yielded very important perspectives around what our current food system looks like and what it could be.”

Keleigh Cormier says Participants can expect to be involved in something that is important to our rural communities and be able to offer their ideas and input in the future of a more localized food system. She encourages everyone to attend and give their voice.

“Anyone from a producer, processor distributor, farmers market, educator to restaurant, chef, retailers and grocery store. We want everyone represented

More information on Connect for Food and details and links to sign up for these workshops are available at www.connectforfood.ca.

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Heat warning issued for the Lakeland region

Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for the Lakeland, with daytime highs expected to reach 29°C and overnight lows near 14°C for the next two days.

Cold Lake is set to go big for Canada Day with a full day of events

Cold Lake is getting ready to celebrate Canada Day with a lineup of family fun, entertainment, and fireworks on July 1.

RCAF CF-18 to flyby Cold Lake on July 1

With the weather pitching in for Canada Day, expect the roar of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) as two CF-18 Hornets will flyby at various times over Cold Lake, Lloydminster, and Spruce Grove on July 1.

Woman airlifted to Edmonton after two-vehicle collision near Elk Point

A 78-year-old woman was airlifted to Edmonton in critical condition following a two-vehicle collision in the county of St. Paul on June 24. 

Town of St. Paul ready to host full day of Canada Day events

The town of St. Paul is getting ready for a packed Canada Day celebration on July 1, featuring activities, live entertainment, and a performance of Canadian fiddle music. 
- Advertisement -