Honouring Our Veterans

On this day (and every day) we should take time to remember all those who fought for our freedom (and for those still fighting for the freedom of others). Without the bravery and dedication of our forces, we would not enjoy the fortunate lives that we have right now.

During World War I and II, the "homefront" was encouraged to do their part to support the war efforts. For many, this meant planning a victory garden, growing their own vegetables and herbs to relieve pressure on food supplies and (in some countries like Britain) rationing.

The current interest in local food and home gardens is reminiscent of the victory gardens of the past. Where Eleanor Roosevelt planted a garden at the White House during the war to do her part, Michelle Obama now plants a garden to encourage citizens to grow/know their own food and help reduce their carbon footprint.

You can easily grow herbs and veggies at home in window boxes, containers or gardens. If you like you can also join a community garden in your area. These are now sprouting up throughout Windsor and Essex County.

I attended a talk on food not too long ago and one of the panelists said that if you want to eat properly, choose foods with ingredients that your grandparents would recognize. Despite the advancement of technology, we are taking a cue from an older generation and getting our hands dirty again.

For more information on what a victory garden entailed, you can watch the video below:



Today is a blog burst for Windsor's blogging community. Participants are dedicating today's post to Remembrance Day so be sure to check out some other local blogs for their take on this special day. You can visit W.E. Speak for a list of recent posts.

Agriwebinar

On November 16, 2009 at 12 noon there will be an "agriwebinar" entitled "Buy Local, Buy Fresh!".

Peter Katona will discuss the growth of the local food movement in Ontario and Foodlink’s experience in connecting concerned consumers directly with farms and value added products in Waterloo Region.

You must register first to participate (registration is free).

On November 8, 2009 there is a fundraiser at Malden Park for the "Save Ojibway" efforts. Check out WindsorEats.com for their full post with more information.

Local Diet, Healthy Planet

Check out the trailer for "Locavore", it's 'a tasty new documentary about returning home to our food supply'.

Locavore is an inspiring new documentary about the inevitable return to the local diet. Less than a generation ago human beings worldwide traveled less than 10 miles to obtain the majority of the food they ate. Today the average conventionally grown vegetable has traveled more than 1500 by the time it has reached your pantry. Our food today is over processed, stale, and lacks nutrition. This new film, featuring some of the neo-pioneers of the Locavore movement will educate, inspire, and revitalize bringing health to our bodies AND our communities.

Whether you believe in food miles or not, eating local still has benefits for you:

• enjoy fresher/tastier produce
• get to know the grower and ask questions
• money you spend stays in your community
  
• a farmer that feeds his product to his family is interested in quality and nutrition (you will notice that many local products are natural or organic, and have little to no additives or preservatives)
  

Source some farmers today or join WECSA and grow your own food. It's important to know where your food comes from!

A Bright, Sunshine-y Day

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Sunshine Farms is a mostly organic farm in Thamesville. They produce 24 types of pickled vegetables, 11 of which are organic.

Regardless of the veggie you choose you will enjoy the crispy treats straight from the jar.

My faves are the Fiery Baby Dills and Zesty Pickled Asparagus (shown below). I also enjoy the organic beets with their earthy taste that reminds me of the beets we would have from my grandma's garden as kids.


I get my Sunshine pickles from Sanson Estate Winery in McGregor ($6.95 for the 500mL) but you can contact the farm directly to find a supplier nearest you.

Sunshine Farms
R. R. #5
30043 Jane Road,
Thamesville, ON, Canada
N0P 2K0

519-692-4416

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It's the Great Pumpkin!

ShopEco's enewsletter mentioned Tredki Acres having all-natural pumpkins available and much more:

Visit Tredki Acres in Harrow for your pumpkins this year. They also have a maze designed for kids from JK to Grade 3 and hay rides. The farm uses absolutely no pesticides, herbicides, fungicides etc., but is not certified as organic. The owners believe in traditional (old school) farming practices. Click HERE for their flyer.

Food News & Events

Here are some great events coming up. Check the calendar for full details.

WindsorEats.com will host their final wine trail ride of the season this Saturday, October 17th.

If you're interested in joining Windsor Essex Community Supported Agriculture (WECSA) then get in touch with Steve: http://wecsa.org/ The group next meets on Thursday, October 22nd.

Food, Talk or What the Bleep Should I Eat? with Nettie Wiebe takes place on Friday, October 23rd. The luncheon includes local, seasonal and organic foods and special guest speakers from the community will be on hand. $10 donation at the door.

Don't forget that there's still some great apple picking to do too!

Market's Last Day

Don't forget that this Saturday is the downtown market's last day for the season. Stop in for pumpkins and more!

Sorry for the hiatus...life just changed a little...