Do you want to help our local institutions purchase more local food?

North Coast Opportunities' Community Action Agency is now hiring a Farm to Fork Coordinator!



Specific duties include:

1. Increase the purchase and utilization of fresh, local produce by institutional buyers by at least 10%.
2. Develop & strengthen community resources that will support an infrastructure that will enable institutions to purchase more local foods.
3. Increase the capacity of schools to incorporate specialty crops into meals by arranging for specialized training and support to food service workers.
4. Increase farmers' understanding of and access to institutional markets so they can develop responsive production plans & demonstrate an increase in sales to local institutions and businesses.
5. Complete special projects as assigned or required.
   
6. Align work behaviors in conformance with NCO's Mission, Vision, and Values.

For information about the position, including an application and more detailed job description click here


To view the position listing on NCO's website, click here

Food Policy Council in Ft. Bragg

Thank you to everyone who attended this meeting!

Here are some updates:

The Food Policy Council is currently working on the Farm to Fork program, which will bring farm fresh produce into Ukiah, Willits, Ft. Bragg, & Anderson Valley School Districts, as well as UVMC.

Our Community Food Project (CFP) is currently enhancing preschool garden programs in the Ukiah area, and will begin in North county next year, and on the coast the year after. In January, CFP will host community and school garden leadership trainings, so that individual gardens can become more independent, organized and sustainable. In April, CFP will host food production trainings, where gardeners and community members can learn skills like how to plan seasonal gardens, preserve food, deal with pests, compost, and other useful topics.

We of the Food Policy Council are also currently putting together a Food Action Plan, which organizations and businesses will sign on to so that we have a starting point to make changes in our food system.

Our USDA Regional Food Hub Project will be based in Petaluma, with several drop points throughout our counties. This will allow small farmers and producers to use existing distributors to reach a larger consumer base, and will keep our food local!

We discussed food sovereignty and the resolution that we will present to the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors, which recognizes the rights of individuals and groups to grow and consume their own food and to enter into private contracts with other individuals to board animals for food.

Our next meeting will be January 9th! Stay tuned.

A Festive, Garden-Fresh Treat for Holiday Parties

It’s time for holiday get-togethers with family and friends! Every year, during the holiday party season, I try to bring something new to potlucks, and if the party is at my house, I try to add some special holiday touches to the food and drinks I offer.

Here’s this year’s new (and EASY!) idea I’ve stumbled upon… Cucumber-Rosemary Infused Water. The BEANS teen peer educators inspired this one!

Here’s the background… One of our most popular BEANS lessons is the “Rethink Your Drink” lesson. During the lesson, the teen peer educators present interactive lessons showing how much sugar is in a sodas and fruity flavored “juice” boxes. The teens also lead a discussion about the impact all these sugary drinks have on our bodies. The kids ask… then, what DO you drink? Of course, we’ve got a smart bunch of kids here in Mendocino County… they know about choosing water and low-fat milk! This is when the BEANS teen peer educators reveal the “recipe” for the day – something that makes water even more appealing – Infused waters! Students then make and try (depending on what fruits are in season) “citrus water,” “cucumber-rosemary water,” “watermelon water,” “strawberry water,” and more.

This season’s favorite was the Cucumber-Rosemary Infused Water. Here’s how to make it… Simply fill a pitcher full of fresh water, add 10-20 slices of cucumber and a sprig of rosemary, and let it infuse in the refrigerator overnight. The next day, for a festive, holiday flair, add a few tablespoons of fresh pomegranate seeds and serve with ice in a glass pitcher or punch bowl. So tasty, refreshing, and healthy! Your family and guests will certainly be impressed.

Out with the cooler full of sodas and bottled water… In with the fancy (but SUPER easy) infused water!

Want to Intern with the Solar Living Instittute?

Solar Living Institute accepting applications for 2012 Intern Program

HOPLAND, CA – The Solar Living Institute (Institute), a leader in promoting sustainable living through inspirational environmental education, is accepting applications for their seven month Intern Program, which will run April 1 to October 31, 2012. Information and application information are available online at www.solarliving.org.

Since 1998, the Institute had over 200 young adults participate in their Work-Trade Intern Program that provides the opportunity to live at the 12 acre Solar Living Center demonstration site in Hopland, CA, while participating in courses on solar photovoltaic systems design and installation, organic gardening, natural building, and sustainable living. In exchange, the interns learn about and participate in the Institute’s Kids’ Education Program Tours, workshop training program, demonstration site operations, marketing and communications, and special events.

Established in 1998, the Solar Living Institute is a 501(c) (3) non-profit solar training organization that promotes sustainable living through inspirational environmental education.

The Institute’s Kids’ Education Program provides educational tours to K-12 schools at the 12 acre Real Goods Solar Living Center demonstration site in Hopland, CA, and cover curriculum related to solar power, natural building, organic gardening and sustainable living. Additional information is online at www.solarliving.org/visit-us/tours/.

They also provide onsite and online classes in solar photovoltaic (PV) systems that are accredited by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), as well as a range of sustainable living classes that includes, natural building, greywater systems, raising goats and chickens, beekeeping, building Cobb ovens and more.

For more information about the Solar Living Institute and their 2012 Intern Program, visit www.solarliving.org, or call 707.472.2460.

We got another grant!

Food for All Mendocino and the Gardens Project received a $10,000 grant from United Way of Wine Country!

This money will be used to coordinate another Food Stamp/CalFresh Match Program at the Farmer's Market. In this match program, food stamp users can double the money they spend at the farmer's market; this simultaneously increases access to fresh produce and supports our local farmers.

This past summer, the program was held only at the Ukiah Farmer's Market. In the Spring of 2012, however, the program will be held at the farmer's markets in Ukiah, Willits, and Laytonville, and one market in Lake County!

Stay tuned to find out the official the start date of the program! To learn more about the project click here.

Winter Greens for Sale!

The MCOE Youth Garden is harvesting it first late Fall/Winter greens! Francisco, Cedrick (pictured) and Anthony have been working diligently through the Fall - starting in the student built greenhouse, transplanting, and now harvesting.

Organic kale, collards, rainbow chard, and bok choy are all for sale at the MCOE main administration office in Talmage. Additionally, you can pick up strawberry plants and cauliflower starts.

To learn more about the MCOE Youth garden, visit their web page and see all the pictures of the garden and the great work these youth have accomplished!