Food Literacy
Food literacy is all about knowing how to find, prepare, and enjoy good food. It means knowing some basic facts about:
  • food and health;
  • how to make smart food choices without spending a lot;
  • how to prepare food so it tastes good.

Download the Powell River Literacy Council's Food Literacy Brochure here.

If you know how to eat well for your health, for your budget, and still enjoy the food you eat, then you're food literate! If you pay more attention to the food you eat, you'll find yourself feeling better, saving money, and eating more delicious meals. No matter how food literate you are, there's always room for improvement. Some ways to improve your food literacy are:
  • research where your food is coming from and how it is produced;
  • read food labels, and know what you should and shouldn't be eating to have a healthy diet;
  • grow a food garden of your own;
  • avoid processed foods;
  • spend more quality time in the kitchen with your family and rediscover the joys of creating a healthy, delicious meal together.

There are lots of food and gardening workshops that happen in the community from time to time, like this recent one (pictured at left) on Winter Gardening, organized by the Food Security Project and the Powell River Literacy Council, and presented by Master Gardener Jo-Ann Canning.

GET INVOLVED IN LOCAL FOOD-RELATED ORGANIZATIONS:

50-Mile Eat-Local Challenge, and the Edible Garden Tour
This year, the 50-mile eat-local challenge turns six, and we'll be celebrating by spending 50 days eating as much local food as we can get our hands on. The 50 days begin on Sunday August 7, 2011, which will be the day of the third annual Edible Garden Tour. For more information, contact David Parkinson at fsp@prepsociety.org or (604) 485-2004.

Community gardens
Seventh Day Adventist Church, Kelly Creek, Sliammon.

Community Resource Centre
4752 Joyce Avenue
604-485-0992
Holds the winter farmer's market on Saturdays from October thru April. Demonstration garden.

Good Food Box
604-485-8213 (Annabelle - Powell River)
604-483-4444 or 604-483-7444 (Dawna - Sliammon)
A community bulk-buying program for fresh produce. Comes out on the second Wednesday of each month.

Hot Summer Night Market
604-483-5283 (Mischa Brooks-Thoma)
prnightmarket@gmail.com
Takes place every Thursday from July 1 - August 26 from 5:30-8:30 pm at Willingdon Beach. Local food, goods and music. New vendors always welcome.

Kale Force
Second Wednesday of each month, 5:00 PM at the Community Resource Centre in Powell River. Potluck and conversation about food and gardening.

Open Air Market
Paradise Valley
604-344-0021
jesseblack@gmail.com
One of the main outlets for small farming or harvesting operations in Powell River. Locally grown farm and garden produce, home baking, preserves, plants, crafts and more.

Powell River Food Security Project
fsp@prepsociety.org
http://prfoodsecurity.org
604- 485-2004
Regular email updates with news of activities, events, workshops, etc.

Routes to Roots
604-483-1143 (Julia Adam & Rob Hughes)
info@rtredibles.ca

Skookum Food Co-op
4486 Marine Avenue
604-485-2004
www.skookumfood.ca
Building a diverse local food economy by helping our members acquire and share the knowledge, skills and resourcces they need in order to grow, gather, catch, raise, preserve, proccess, prepare and share the bounty.

Skookum Gleaners (formerly the Fruit Tree Project)
604-485-4366
gleaners@skookumfood.ca
Helps homeowners pick and save fruit that might otherwise go to waste; helps reduce bear problems and feed people in need.

Transition Town Powell River
604-485-9052
transitionpowellriver@gmail.com
www.transitionpowellriver.ca
Local food is one way to increase our self reliance and improve our community's ability to withstand shocks. Join us to work on community resilience around food, transport, our local economy, energy, and more.

FOOD LITERACY RESOURCES:

Food Literacy