Get a taste of the second annual free Fall Food Forum coming to Duncan's Cowichan library branch on Oct 16, and 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This two day event will give community members new skills through their free food security learning bonanza.
"I am thrilled to be providing more uplifting learning opportunities in the community geared toward all adult learners," said the branch’s customer services librarian, and seed library founder Dalia Levy. "As food insecurity affects more and more of us, it’s imperative that we work together to lift each other up which is the intent of these free informative workshops."
There is no registration required for Oct. 16, which will feature a local food swap all day giving gardeners of all levels the opportunity to share and swap seeds. It will be a full morning starting with a workshop on Backyard Chickens at 10 a.m., attendees will be buzzing for the Beekeeping Basics workshop to follow at 11 a.m., with a live hive and honey tasting. At noon dig into Cooking with Mushrooms with a local Island Health Dietician.
From 2 to 4 p.m., there will be a showing of the documentary Grounded in my Roots with nutrition expert, athlete and local author Nicolette Richer PhD in attendance.
Like falafel?
Get a hands on experience on Oct. 17. with the owners of one of Duncan's favourite food trucks, Falafel Land, from 10 a.m. to noon.
Get your ferment on from 1:30 to 4 p.m. and learn how to make and take home your own jar your own sauerkraut using the traditional lacto-fermentation way.
There is limited space for the workshops on Oct. 17 so registration is required for those who would like to attend. All supplies are provided and attendees must be comfortable with standing and chopping at a counter. To register phone 250-746-7661.
Sponsors of the event include Cowichan Green Community and O.U. R. Cowichan.
Seed donations can also be dropped off at the Cowichan Community Centre at 2687 James St. in labelled envelopes with the plant and variety.
"My hope is for participants to sign up for a free library card and develop a strong connection with their local library," said Levy. "October is library month and what better time to come and meet other local food enthusiasts and build community while learning together? Literacy is so much more than reading and writing — it means knowing who produces what locally and how to grow and prepare delicious food for health and vitality without spending a fortune. We are so reliant on a global food economy that is very precarious and it’s empowering to offer workshops like these as a regenerative alternative. We are so lucky to have very skilled local farmers, food producers and professionals to share with the community. You don’t wanna miss this, come and meet other local food enthusiasts and build community while learning together."