The West Boundary Sustainable Foods and Resources Society (FAR) has received a New Horizons for Seniors Grant for a Community-Based Seed to Table - Passing on the Knowledge’ Program.
According to FAR President Vivien Browne this grant will make it possible for FAR to host workshops and programs over the coming year, April 2014 - March 2015.
This Saturday at 12 noon, FAR will be making a public announcement of the ‘Seed to Table’ grant at the first Rock Creek Farmers’ Market of 2014.
Following the event & lunch, there will be a West Boundary Foods And Resources Society meeting for all members, and the general public.
“You can help us with Seed to Table by sharing your knowledge and suggestions, so please feel free to contact us with your ideas,” said Browne. Contact her at Foodsharing@nethop.net
Erika Tafel is starting the adoption of seed trays for the community garden. Seeds have been donated by Pacific Northwest Seeds out of Vernon and there are other seeds from last year donated by West Coast Seeds. You can help by adopting a tray of seeds and nurturing them until the starters are ready to be planted. All trays, dirt, and seeds will be available.
FAR is planting a Community Garden again this year at the home of Dale & Pat Pownall. They hope there will be some veggies available later for the volunteers, some for sale at the Farmers’ Market and some for the community food program. FAR is looking for volunteers willing to give just a few hours each week. Three new raised beds have been made, and there are three more on the way.
The FAR society has partnered with West Boundary Elementary School (WBES) on their outside garden project. Browne said WBES is very excited about getting the boxes ready and have already recruited a group of student volunteers and parents. FAR has offered to help in the maintenance of the garden throughout the summer, so that the students can look forward to entering their vegetables in the 2014 Rock Creek Fall Fair. “We would love to see some WBES prizewinners,” said Browne.
WBES is interested in seniors who would like to share their knowledge; if you have the time, please come by the school on Mondays at 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. and help the children grow a successful garden. The school is also looking for garden tools, so if you have an extra hoe, rake, or shovel to donate please contact Melanie Zane at the school.
The Kettle River Recreation Society granted FAR the use of space at The Little Red School House on East Kettle Valley Road to build three more community growing boxes. FAR is thrilled to be partnering with the Rec. Society and will be starting work on building the boxes as soon as possible. We’ll be looking for fencing right away so if you have a roll lying around and are willing to donate it, please contact Erika Tafel at far.society.wb@gmail.com or 250-528-1000.