Local food education is GROWing in Dufferin and Caledon!
We are thrilled to announce that we have recently received a generous Grow Grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation! This support will allow us to expand our Farm to School Education Workshops and Local Food Club programs to more schools (including more in Caledon), and develop brand new family cooking classes facilitated by teams of farmers, dietitians, and chefs.
Be our guest! Come see, touch and taste what we’re up to
We will be acknowledging our grant and hosting an “open house” to show off the program elements to the public:
WHEN: Friday, February 26, 2016 from 4 to 7pm
WHERE: Caledon Equestrian Park, 200 Pine Ave, Palgrave
RSVP: Because we are serving food, and don’t want to waste any or run short, please register here so we can be sure to have enough for everyone to get a meal.
WHY: The goals of this event are to:
- recognize this generous grant from Ontario Trillium Foundation, raise awareness of our existing programs and expansion plans;
- engage the local community through hands-on activities that promote local food and farming; explore and enjoy local foods together;
- gather input from the community (that’s you) on programs that are important to you.
HOW MUCH: This family-friendly event is FREE to attend (donations welcome, tax receipts available). Bring your appetite, kids and input.
WHAT CAN YOU DO: Get your hands dirty with experiential activities from our programs:
- Visit our K-Grade 3 workshop: make granola, make a seed sprouting necklace and craft bracelet, do a song and dance about plant parts we eat!
- Visit our Grade 4-6 workshop: make plant part power smoothies, make pickled carrots, design a local meal!
- Pack a Local Food Club bag with local seasonal food. Sample some of our past feature recipes.
- Test and grow your kitchen skills with a local chef. Enjoy a tasting dinner featuring some of the favourite club recipes of past months.
- Hear from and talk to farmers, local food producers, chefs, past participants and school champions. See how you and your school can get involved.
WHO SHOULD COME: This event is open to the public. We especially welcome teachers, chefs, farmers, families and foodies, but anyone with interest, opinion or who wishes to get involved in local food programming in Dufferin and Caledon will enjoy this event. 
Our local MPP Sylvia Jones will be in attendance, as well as representatives from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, guest speakers and other program participants.
Got something to say?
If you have an experience with the programs that you’d like to share, we’d love to hear from you! There will be a podium and “speakers corner” type opportunity for teachers and students who have had a workshop and for Local Food Club school champions and members to speak.
We will also be looking for input from attendees on how we can update or improve the programs and to help develop the cooking and food skills classes to meet the needs and interests of those who would attend. Please be sure to cast a vote and add your two cents.
If you cannot attend, please feel free to share your story, feedback and ideas in email for us to share on your behalf – any input is gratefully welcomed.
If you need transportation to this event, contact us for help with arrangements.
Contact one of our Farm to School Program Coordinators:
Nicole Hambleton 416.884.8696
Jennifer Payne 506.653.8787
food@headwaterscommunities.org
Besides all the food talk, you’ll also get to check out the Caledon Equestrian Park, a beautiful new facility that was used for the 2015 Pan Am Games!
