It’s no secret that local food is an increasingly important issue to Edmontonians. But perhaps never has that been more apparent than at Green Drinks: Local Food on Wednesday where 140+ people crammed in to learn more about food issues.
A packed lineup of guests took to the stage at Yellowhead Brewery to give a wide variety of perspectives on local food, why it matters and how we can improve access and participation.
Things got a bit seedy when Pam McKinnon-Coco and Wendy Sauve took the stage to talk about Seedy Sunday to promote seed sharing in our city. For serious localvores, Jennifer Rollins introduced Localize and how it can help you make sure your food meets your local standards.
Interested in a food revolution? Carley Jane Stanton of the Alder Food Society gave a talk on how we can advocate for more equitable food systems. Speaking of revolutions, we also welcomed Kathryn Joel from Get Cooking to talk about how she’s been democratizing food skills by teaching everyone to bring international flavours to their own kitchen.
Stephanie Spafford of Sustainable Food Edmonton shared tips on how to get people a little closer to their food for the sake of community building. Similarly, Janelle Herbert talked about growing up on the farm at Riverbend Gardens and how that changed her perspective on what local food means to her.
What does it take to expand local food channels and connect farmers to those who want fresh food? Corbin Bouree of SPUD Edmonton gave a taste of their experience over the past five years. Wondering what is the Edmonton Food Council up to? Kathryn Lennon and Dustin Bajer shared the plan for 2016, plus more information about FRESH: Edmonton’s Food and Agriculture Strategy.
He’s the Mack Daddy of food trucks in Edmonton, so of course we welcomed Mack Male to talk about his work with What the Truck?! Edmonton and how they’ve taken Edmonton’s flavours to the street. Speaking of taking it to the streets, Ryan Mason and Cathryn Sprague with Reclaim: Urban Farm gave a talk on their work to reclaim front yards, empty lots and even warehouses to grow food year-round.
Finally, our featured guest Danny Turner of The Organic Box shared his take on the group’s work to get organic food in the hands of the people of Edmonton. It was an amazing night and one you had to see to believe.
Missed it? Check out the Storify below and don’t miss our next Green Drinks: Local Resilience.