Do you love food? The Centre Wellington Social Justice Group wants to hear from the community and invites all to an upcoming conference called “Food For Thought” on March 29, from 12:30 to 4pm, in Aboyne Hall at the Wellington County Museum.
At the conference, people will be inspired by short talks from local heroes in the food community, share ideas about how to strengthen the access and supply of nutritious and locally grown food, and help decide how to build a stronger community with food.
Locally produced snacks will be available at the breaks.
“Everyone’s ideas and opinions are needed,” said Paul Holyoke, chair of the Group.
“We would like to see a healthy, compassionate, engaged community for all. Our approach embraces the community as the source of opportunities to build together.
“Community gardens, community shared agriculture as well as our own pizza oven in Bissell Park are some examples of how communities can bolster the supply of local nutritious food for all community members.”
The discussion has already started on Facebook and Twitter.
Deb Taylor, a community member involved in planning the open meeting is amazed by the overwhelming interest the event is generating.
“We’ve heard from farmers, cooks, backyard gardeners, chefs, youth, seniors – and of course from people who eat local food,” Taylor said.
She feels the event is an opportunity to bring people together to share what’s going on in Centre Wellington related to food, what people would like to see happening, and how people can work together on various initiatives.
Taylor is quick to add, “Transportation and child care are available to ensure that as many people as possible can participate.”
Doreen Henderson, nutritionist at Public Health, said, “Few in our community eat the recommended amounts of vegetables and fruit daily, regardless of income.
Karen Amstrong, a health promoter at Public Health said, “Maximizing healthy choices, community self-reliance and equal access will help improve the health of our community.”
The Food for Thought event is supported by a Healthy Communities Partnership Grant from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
Anyone interested in signing up for the event, is encouraged to email moveelora@gmail.com or call 519-846-5606.
The event is free, but donations to the Centre Wellington Food Bank are always greatly appreciated.
