Berries, berries

I love you so.

I love to sit

And watch you grow.

I pick you off

Your leafy stem.

You glisten like

A shiny gem.

I eat you up,

So ripe and sweet.

Your fleshy bits,

My favorite treat!

Sometimes I like

To squish you up.

And eat your sauce

When I do sup.

I like to think

That I'm a bear.

Steal my berries?

Thieves beware!

I'll forage here,

I'll forage there.

I'll find berries

Most anywhere!

Tonight I'll bake

Them in a pie.

A slice or two

I'll have to try.

With my tummy,

Plein de berry.

My dreams I'm sure

Will be most merry. 

I'll dream of fruit

Piled mountain high.

Raining down from 

A juicy sky.

Until my paws

Can pick once more.

I'll walk on two

Instead of four. 

Caught- red handed!

Help Fight Hunger

This morning, I was invited to be a part of a focus group through Healthy Brandon. I wasn't entirely sure what to expect, but I jumped at the chance to be a part of a meeting at City Hall. Two days in a row now I've been admitted through the powerful doors into the Councillor's Meeting Room. Heavy oak desks and tall windows watching over our conversations, just as I'm sure they had with others, countless times before. I left today feeling energized, my mind racing over the issues we had discussed. My thoughts brimming and overlapping as I walked the few blocks home for lunch. Within minutes of sitting down, my notebook was out, my pen scratching ideas down quickly for fear of losing them. My brain consumed by ways to change things, ways to help. 

The focus group today centered around a food assessment project that has taken on the task of working through phase one of their plan: Information Gathering. The main issues outlined by their project are those centered around access, affordability, and barriers to acquiring healthy food. Taking into consideration both income and proximity to food sources, they decided to focus their studies on three main groups of people living in the Westman area. Low income individuals, newcomers to Brandon and Canada, and the Soldiers and their families living out on the Shilo Military Base. It was their hope that this project would have a real community voice behind it and they have worked tirelessly gathering information from participants to help make informed choices and changes for the future. Looking at the food landscape of Brandon, they're working to highlight where there have been successes and where more supports are needed.  

Sitting around the table with the other participants for the day, I was amazed at the sheer amount of shared knowledge in the room. Representatives from all sorts of organizations such as the Brandon Regional Health Authority, 7th Street Access Center, and The Community Garden Network were in attendance. We participated in the survey, answering questions about our own shopping preferences and habits as well as voicing our opinions over frustrations with our current food system. I was amazed to find that almost everyone in the room made the effort to buy local. Almost everyone gardened, canned, and preserved. Everyone who was there was not guided by only a personal desire to see things change, but in hopes that it would provide better opportunities for those in need. 

It felt good to share my thoughts and ideas, what I have seen so far through Fruit Share and my own life growing up in Brandon. We discussed what issues our clients and those who we are dedicated to help might be experiencing. Lack of quality food due to too great a distance from full grocery stores. The increasing number of people who are forced to look to places like Giant Tiger for their weekly groceries. The transition of school-aged children from breakfast programs to the soup kitchen with their families during summer months. The lack of diabetic-friendly foods that are donated for a population where the health challenge is all too common. The need for cooking and gardening education to help increase skills for self-sustainability. 

I left feeling happy to see that there are people with a genuine desire to make the changes necessary to help those who need it. I also left feeling like even with what i'm doing, it's not enough, it's not reaching the full potential of my power. Today I stand steadfast in my belief that our food policies and systems need to change to help provide for those they're leaving behind. In a city the size of Brandon, we can be that voice that asks for change. That demands change. We can be those hands that give to those without, who know generosity and caring. I look at the conditions within which I live and I see how lucky I am. Living with Samaritan House, Helping Hands, and the 7th Street Access Center all within a stone's throw from my apartment, I'm seeing each day the people who need our help. Consider doing what you can for those in Brandon who need it the most during the hot summer months. Donate at your local food banks or consider registering with Fruit Share to make sure your produce is used to it's greatest potential! Visit www.fruitshare.ca and follow us on Twitter @bdnfruitshare.

The Road To Enlightenment

This morning, for the first time, I walked to work from my new apartment.

As luck would have it, we were able to find a place (Ok, a perfect place) within four blocks to my office. One block is uphill (hard to believe on the prairies, I know) and the other three take me down one of the main downtown corridors. My walk took me no more than five minutes, but I was amazed at the mood that I arrived with. I sat down at my desk with a grin on my face and actually said something to myself along the lines of Let's get to it! (Not normal)

Within those four blocks I smiled at numerous people, guessing at where they might be going to. I waved hello to a friend as she rode past me on her bicycle on her way to work. I smiled to myself as I trailed behind a father slowly strolling with his tiny daughter beside him. Obviously enjoying themselves and the cool morning weather.  I breathed deeply as I went past my favorite breakfast place, detecting just a hint of savory meats and toasting bread. I marveled at how fast I could travel, my long legs stretching out happily before me. 

I was worried that I would arrive at the office sweaty and harried. Exhausted and flustered. 

But I wasn't. I was calm and collected. My hair was dried by the wind and for once my brow was free of sweat. My body and mind were both awake and ready for the day that stretched out before me. I always wanted a job that I could walk to. A schedule that would allow for those few minutes of fresh air and peace before the beginning of a busy day. Such a positive first day will be locked firmly into my mind so that at any time I begin to balk about the prospect of walking, I'll turn straight to that channel. To those happy legs and eyes and heart. To the smiles for others and the ones for myself. For the positive attitude and the positive changes it will bring about for both my body and mind. 

Just out for a stroll

Hungry For Change

July has me exhausted, and we're only on day four.

I've been doing a lot of thinking about my plan to eat healthy and be more physically active this month. So far, half of that is under way. Over the weekend, my husband and I moved from our second and third story apartment into our new third story apartment. Both of which are elevator-free. If I had to roughly estimate just how many stairs I've climbed over the past week, I'd put it at somewhere in the neighborhood of 2,500. Of course, not just my legs got a workout. My whole body put in a full effort each day until I literally collapsed each night from absolute exhaustion. Although it was physically grueling, I was proud of my strong muscles for carrying my life from one home to another. 

It has never been so evident, with my body working so hard, just how much it needs to keep going. With an empty fridge in both places, I felt at a loss without a cold drink or regenerating snack to reach for. Day one we were both terribly dehydrated. Guzzling full bottles of water when we could get our hands on them. Our clothes covered in salty lines from our gallons of sweat. Not only my body, but my mood suffered greatly with this lack of hydration and sustenance. More than once I was ready to call it quits until my thirst and hunger were sated, giving me just enough steam to push ahead. Still, our fridge sits almost completely empty, our thoughts and efforts still more concerned with mountains of boxes than bags of groceries. My goal to eat local produce turning into a smorgasbord of take-out options. 

I have decided not to be dismayed by this delay in plans, but instead to use it to fuel my desire for change. Does my tummy love me after a week of french fries and meals served in styrofoam? No, not so much. Would it be really excited to be treated now to a whole array of locally grown fruit and vegetables? Yes, very much so. I can't help but feel like this new home is a fresh start in many ways. It's the perfect opportunity to start some healthy routines that will hopefully stick. Tonight I will be at the Global Market and I'm hoping it might be the first evening with some home-grown vegetables for sale. Taking care of both myself and my community at the same time sounds like a good plan to me.

Today I make a promise to myself to not only be caring to my body, but kind. I'm not looking to incorporate more plant-based fare as a punishment, but as a welcome change. I will be patient while I find the best sources for local produce and be forgiving of the times when I cannot uphold my promise. Even with the best of intentions, I know that I cannot be perfect. Five years of being a vegetarian has strengthened my resolve to eat what I know is best for me. I have a sneaking suspicion that once I start, I won't be able to stop. Reducing my carbon footprint and supporting local growers is just the happy by-product of this ultimately personal decision. You can trust that I will be sharing my ups and downs throughout the month (hopefully mostly ups!) and divulging where the best Manitoba produce can be found. Have tips or ideas? Are you looking to do the same and help protect your body and environment? Please share with me at fruitsharebrandon@gmail.com, find us on Facebook, or follow on Twitter @bdnfruitshare. 

In light of a couple of scary days this week, involving Emergency Room trips and visits from the Fire Department, I've got summer safety on my mind. The dangers in Manitoba during the winter have a lot to do with ice, snow, and blizzards. Things that can easily be avoided from the warmth of a cozy home. In the summer, there are different things that we need to watch out for when we can no longer bear to stay inside. It is a season that can be enjoyed to it's fullest, so long as you keep in mind a few mild warnings about summer safety.

With my position coordinating Fruit Share, I've been spending a fair amount of time outside. It's been wonderful to be out in the sunshine, visiting people's gardens and picking rhubarb. Not to say there haven't been a couple of hints that there are things I should be paying attention to. So far I have only suffered bug bites and sunburn, but recent warnings have me thinking I should arm myself a little more carefully in the future. Planning to spend the weekend outdoors? Consider making sure yourself and family are prepared for whatever Manitoba might be bringing.

Perhaps you're planning on going on a picnic or for a barbecue in the park. First, what are you wearing? With lots of sun you're probably dying for shorts and a tank top to keep cool and get some sun. However, you might find that those may not be your best bet. Make sure when deciding what to wear that you consider putting on clothes in light colors. Not only do they keep you cooler, but should you be anywhere near tall grass, they will help you spot any crawly tics (a serious pest this time of year). Going for a hike? Keep tics out of your shoes and from crawling up your legs by tucking your pants into your socks. Although exposing your skin may feel cooler, it ups your potential for skin damage and overheating. Lightweight cotton and linen are good choices when you want to cover up and keep cool. And don't forget about your head! Protecting yourself with a wide-brimmed hat will keep those harsh rays from hitting your face and eyes directly and keep that nose burn-free. 

Of course, underneath those clothes, you need to make sure you have a solid layer of sunscreen on if you're planning to spend the day outside. Dermatologists recommend using at least a full ounce of sunscreen for your full body, applying it 15-30 minutes before heading outside. Make sure that your sunscreen choice is at least SPF 30 and protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Dressing properly and covering your skin will also help protect you from any heat-related illnesses. So will drinking water. Lots of water! It's recommended that in hot temperatures adults should have something to drink at least every half an hour. Waiting until you feel thirsty could be too late. With too much sun and too little hydration, heat exhaustion can set in. Symptoms of this can include feeling very thirsty, fatigued, or muscle cramping. Should that go unchecked, you could be headed towards heatstroke, a serious condition. Someone suffering from heatstroke may experience dizziness, headache, trouble breathing, nausea, vomiting, and confusion. Watch for flushed, hot skin without sweating, which indicates dehydration. During heatstroke, the body can reach up to 104 degrees, after which there is serious risk of damage to organs such as your liver, kidneys, and brain. Keep yourself cool by dressing appropriately and keeping lots of fresh, cold water on hand.

Once you've sun-screened and suited up, you may also want to consider what kind of pests might be looking to bug you. The aforementioned tics can be a real pain, but no other is quite as annoying as the mosquito. Nothing can turn an outing from fun to frustrating quicker than the whining beasts looking to feast on your blood. Once you have applied your sunscreen you may then choose to layer on a bit of repellent. When choosing a bug spray for your or your family, avoid products with DEET included in the ingredients, as it can be very toxic. This type of spray should never be used on infants and should be used very sparingly if at all on children. Be careful with sugary drinks and foods to avoid attracting wasps who are eager to share your sweets. When you get home from an outing, make sure to do a throughout check for any bugs you might have brought home with you. Make sure to check armpits, backs of knees, and hairlines as bugs like tics enjoy moist, warm areas. If you're headed outdoors for a hike, make sure to keep an eye out for poison ivy. The oil on the leaves is what causes the allergic reaction, resulting in a rash that can be difficult to get rid of. Poison Ivy is not contagious, but it can be spread through indirect contact. Be sure to give your dogs a bath when you get home if they've been running through the woods as oils can linger on their coats. 

The summer provides lots of fun opportunities to get out with the family for group activities. Going for a bike ride? Make sure everyone has helmets- it's now compulsory for bikers under the age of 18 to wear helmets in Manitoba! Caught without? You can be ticketed under the highway traffic act! 300,000 children a year in North America make trips to the Emergency Room with bike related injuries, keep your kids safe by traveling with them and making sure they're protected. Going swimming? Make sure to never leave children unattended near a pool or body of water. Drownings and injuries are all too common and can be easily prevented with safety precautions put in place. Time for a picnic? Be careful bringing food with ingredients like mayonnaise, eggs, milk, meat, fish, and poultry. These types of dishes should only be kept room temperature for a maximum of two hours and in the sun, less than one. Watch carefully over little ones when roasting hot dogs and marshmallows, a flaming treat can be very dangerous. When putting out campfires, make sure to use water first, as fires that are put out with sand alone can remain very hot for up to eight hours after extinguishing. Most children hurt around campfires are burned by hot ashes or embers the morning after a fire. 

The summer is a time to enjoy the freedom of being able to experience the outdoors.  It is also the time of year where the most injuries, for both adults and children, are reported. Plan carefully so that your can rest assured that in case of emergency, you're prepared. Watch the weather, as conditions can change very quickly in Manitoba, and know where a safe place to go to is at all times. With a little bit of preparation, you can have a summer to remember for all the right reasons. Wishing everyone a happy, and safe, summer from Fruit Share! Make sure to visit us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @bdnfruitshare 

Everyone deserves a summer this relaxing.

All I've been wanting is a lemonade stand. I've been working diligently, my mind filled with lemons and sugar and stirring. Dreaming up new fruit combinations to make the most refreshing and delicious of summer drinks. However, much to my dismay, I find myself roadblocked by the rules. It would seem that having a lemonade stand is no longer as simple as it was when I was a little girl. 

Growing up in a quiet, residential neighborhood, my brothers and I had our fair share of lemonade opportunities. One stand that immediately comes to mind was when I was probably six or seven and my younger brother and I set up shop in front of our house. My mom made us a sign with beautiful handwriting, advertising Lemonde 10¢. We did not immediately catch her mistake, trying to sell The World (in French!) for a paltry dime. It was unmistakable, the excitement at the prospect of selling something home-made and finding appreciative customers. (Also making our big dollars of course!) Another time, my best friend and I decided to put a new spin on our stand and decided to sell all things raspberry. Jars of fresh berries and an assortment of raspberry candies were carefully arranged on our small table. It might not have been our most successful sale, but here I am, twenty years later with plans of tables filled with sweets and fruit. 

But no lemonade. Not yet. 

It would seem that where lemons and juices are concerned, things are a little stickier. Understandably there are food safe concerns whenever something is being made and sold, but there seem to be extra stiff lemonade limitations. My home is safe for the making of pies, cakes, jams, and jellies. Lemonade requires the use of a commercial grade kitchen for the juicing and mixing for it to be considered safe. And they don't come easy! In planning for our pie workshop, it took me almost three weeks to track down a kitchen that would allow us to bake for free. However, I have made a firm commitment to making lemonade out of these lemons, and finding a way to have my stand. 

Until then, I will continue to dream of exotic fruit mixtures and the satisfaction of squishing a lemon into smithereens. I will dream of my perfect stand, attracting customers like swarms of bees to the hive. I will have to start small, but maybe, one day, I'll take on Le Monde. 

The Dream

I love strawberries.

A bold statement, yes, but one I can truly stand behind. I don't think I'm alone, either. While teaching this past year, I taught my students about the five senses. When it came time to both taste and smell- strawberries were the clear winners. Many students even told me it was their favorite food, this sweetheart of a fruit. With a classroom full of picky eaters, it was amazing to find that there wasn't a single person with a distaste for the juicy berries. With so many attractive features, it's hard to deny the irresistible strawberry.

There are a number of guesses as to where the name came from, including the strewn-berry theory, which accounts for the somewhat uneven distribution of fruit on the plant. I think it makes the most sense that they were called this after farmers learned that putting straw under ripening fruit would help keep it safe from damage and pests. Being such a low-growing plant you wouldn't want all of your hard work ending up in the mud. Strawberries belong to the Fragraria family and are related to roses, apples, and plums. (I always thought the blossoms looked similar!) Their pleasant scent announces their ripeness, to be noted by shoppers, as strawberries will not continue to ripen once harvested. 

Strawberries are a native fruit to North America, long celebrated by traditional Aboriginal peoples. The strawberries we see and buy today are no longer the wild fruit that was once prevalent, but cultivated as a result of cross-breeding. Just like other fruit, growers are looking for the biggest, juiciest, and reddest fruit to send to their buyers. That doesn't seem to have hurt the nutritional content as far as scientists and our bodies are concerned. By eating just eight, medium strawberries, you are in-taking 120% of your daily recommended dose of Vitamin C. With just a few calories you're also going to get a good dose of folic acid, potassium, and fiber. The flavonoids contained within strawberries, which account for the red color, can also help reduce your cholesterol levels. It has also been found that their ellagic acids not only help whiten your teeth by removing stains, but are also strong anti-cancer compounds. 

Strawberries are the only type of fruit that have their seeds on the outside. Each one has about 200 seeds, which are actually considered their own mini-fruits, due to their location. The number of strawberries that are produced in one year in California, if placed end to end, would wrap around the world 15 times! North Americans aren't the only ones who love these heart-shaped treats. Ancient Romans were true worshipers of the strawberry and believed they had the power to alleviate symptoms of melancholy, fainting, fevers, and blood disease. Today, fresh strawberry juice can still be recommended to reduce fever, and with the addition of honey, can help calm and sooth sunburn.  Medieval stone masons even used to carve the likeness of the fruit on their alters and around the tops of cathedrals and churches as a symbol of perfection and righteousness.  In Bavaria, farmers used to tie little baskets of fresh strawberries to the horns of their cattle and send them into the woods.  It was believed that the elves who resided there loved strawberries above all others and that these offerings would yield healthy calves and abundant milk. 

It only takes strawberries three days to turn from green, to white, to red. An astoundingly quick maturation process that allows for an almost continual harvest during their growing season. With our late start to Spring this year, I have yet to hear that the Manitoba strawberries are ready for my sampling. I've been dreaming of cakes and jams and freshly whipped cream. I'm not sure whether anyone will be willing to share their sweet bounty of strawberries with Fruit Share this Summer, but it is my hope. Should you find yourself with an abundance of the berries, please don't hesitate to register at www.fruitshare.ca or contact me at fruitsharebrandon@gmail.com. (Unless they're going to the elves, I know how much they like them.)