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Explore local foods this August

August 15, 2013   ·   0 Comments

With so many delicious foods in season, August is a great month to explore local food.

As co-chair of the Simcoe County Food and Agriculture Charter Steering Committee for the past two years, I have had the pleasure of learning more about the variety of healthy local food we are producing right here in Simcoe County; as well as the vision our community has for establishing a fair and sustainable local food system.

Many community members from across the county are eager to improve access and opportunities for residents to eat fresh, nutritious, locally-grown foods.

The Simcoe County Food and Agriculture Charter was developed to act as a guide for individuals and organizations making decisions related to local food and agriculture. The principles of the Charter aim to encourage a healthier community, long-term economic growth, local agricultural sustainability, environmental responsibility, increased access to local food, food-skills development, and a close-knit community achieved through celebrations of food and culture.

To celebrate individuals, organizations, and families across the county who are doing great work within our local food system, the Steering Committee introduced the Charter Champion Awards in February 2013. When nominations for the Charter Champion Awards closed in July, the Committee was thrilled to learn that a total of 55 nominations highlighting 46 different individuals or organizations were received.

A ceremony honoring both nominees and award recipients was held in conjunction with the Simcoe County Federation of Agriculture’s annual summer BBQ on July 13, 2013. Open to the public, this event was an exciting opportunity for county residents to celebrate local food and agriculture with many of the individuals and organizations working within our local food system.

Local food retailers, farmers, food processors/producers, caterers, and food and health-related community service providers, as well as the general public, were in attendance.

The afternoon kicked-off with a tour of the host farm, Barrie Hill Farms. Owner Morris Gervais led a guided walk through the farm’s marketplace and pick-your-own fields, and recounted the Gervais family’s rich farming history in Simcoe County. Morris educated the group on some of the growing techniques and innovative technologies employed at Barrie Hill Farms, including the use of wind technology to control crop temperatures and prevent freezing.

Speakers included Shawn MacDonald, President of the Simcoe County Federation of Agriculture; Mark Wales, President of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture; John Hemsted, Chair of the Food Partners Alliance; Ken O’Brien, 2014 International Plowing Match;  Jim Partridge, Simcoe County Federation of Agriculture; Colin Elliot, Simcoe County Federation of Agriculture; Bruce Mosley, Simcoe County Federation of Agriculture; and Brittany Doner, Project Manager for the Simcoe County Food and Agriculture Charter.

Deputy Warden Harry Hughes and I had the pleasure of presenting the Charter Champion Awards to some very deserving recipients.

Award recipients are as follows:

• Best Community Garden  – Camphill Farms and Market Garden

• Community Appreciation Award for Work Improving Equal Access – Gary Machan

• Buy Local Champion – Erin Chapelle

• Best Event Celebrating Culture and Local Food – Carrot Fest

• Best Local Food Retailer – Nicholyn Farms

• Best Local Food Restaurant/Caterer – Valley Farm Market

• Young Farmer Award  – Katherine Giffen

• Community Appreciation Award- Thank your Friendly Local Farmer  – The den Haan Family

• Best Agricultural Club or Association – Simcoe County Farm Fresh Marketing Assoc.

• Best Environmental Champion Individual or Group – Kim Keckes

• Best School Program – St. Theresa’s High School Tomato Program

• Best Community-Based Food-Skills Development Program – Kinark Child and Family Services-Life Skills & Independence for Teens

• Justin Leonard, Tyler Leonard, and John Alexiou—three young men all under the age of 15 were also recognized for their impressive accomplishments in agriculture.

The day ended with a wonderful barbecue prepared by Georgian College Catering, which featured only locally-sourced food.

This celebration provided an opportunity to acknowledge and thank the many individuals and organizations that are working hard to grow, harvest, market, process, package, store, and distribute fresh local foods, as well as those who are working to ensure a strong and sustainable food system for many generations to come.

By Cal Patterson, Simcoe Count Warden

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