Local Food Upcoming Events

Greetings All,

I hope you and all things connected with food are well in your lives. Going Local Week is almost her for Bloomington, Indiana!

Blessings of Food!



The Food Works Kitchen (Food Works for Middleway House) has been able to open its doors to other Community Food Grant Participants. Visit their website for more information and to join in the local food cooking fun!


~Going Local Week
September 6th - 11th - Eat one Indiana local food at each meal. Support Local Food Bloomington, make a tax-deductible donation to support the Local Food Directory. Send your donation to Local Food Bloomington, P.O. Box 8172, Bloomington, IN.

Events list from Local First and Local Growers Guild found at http://www.localgrowers.org/goinglocalweek.html

When you are out and about, stop by ROOTS on the Square and try a cup the local blend, Quilter's Comfort original.

Seed Saving
Thursday, September 16th 5:30pm-7:00pm
Location: Wylie House Museum
Join Sherry Wise of Wylie House to learn about our very own Bloomington heirloom garden and the historic Wylie House. Learn how to use open-pollinated heirloom varieties in your garden, and save your own seeds from year to year! This class is open to the public, with priority given to MHC patrons and volunteers. If there are additional spots 2 weeks before the class community members may sign up on a first come first serve basis. Donations suggested if possible. To register for this class contact Stephanie at stephanie@mhcfoodpantry.org or 355-6843.


Pantry Primer
Monday, October 11th 6:30pm-8pm
Location: MHC Conference Room
Ever wonder how some cooks seem to throw together the most tasty and nutritious meals and make it seem so simple? It all begins in the pantry and it can be done on a very tight budget! Come learn about healthy perishable and dry goods staples to keep on hand in the kitchen so that there is always something wholesome to eat. Includes a brief overview of natural cleaning supplies, and discussion on reading nutrition labels and ingredients lists. Feel free to bring in pantry items you would like to discuss. This class is open to the public, with priority given to MHC patrons and volunteers. If there are additional spots 2 weeks before the class community members may sign up on a first come first serve basis. Donations suggested if possible. To register for this class contact Stephanie at stephanie@mhcfoodpantry.org or 355-6843.

Vote Bloomington to win Tom's of Maine Grant!

The Bloomington Community Orchard won the Edy's grant, and we're at it again!

We now have a chance at a $20,000 grant from Tom’s of Maine to hire an intern, build an eco-friendly shed, create wheelchair-accessible pathways, buy tools, and plant lots more fruit trees.

Please vote for the Orchard once per day from Aug. 3 to Sept. 10 at http://www.tomsofmaine.com/community-involvement/living-well/finalists-overview/poll?id *Please note that if multiple people are voting from a single computer, you will need to vote from different browsers.*

Also, people can vote for us from anywhere in the world, so please spread this message far and wide!

Here's to fruit for all!

For other information about the Bloomington Community Orchard, contact Amy Countryman, 812-679-8261; or visit the website at www.bloomingtoncommunityorchard.org

Link Problems

Hello

I am not sure what is going on with my links (right column). Until I figure out why all of my links were going to a web host, I hope you will take the time to copy and paste the links into your browser. If you find a problem, please notify me.

Sincerely,


Patricia

October 1st deadline for Approved Good Husbandry Grants

May this find you well and be of some use to those working with animals for food. May all animals be cared for.

ANIMAL WELFARE APPROVED GOOD HUSBANDRY GRANTS 2010

The deadline is October 1, 2010 to get in your application for a Good Husbandry grant for 2010-2011 grant season. This grant cycle will focus on improving farm animal welfare through expanding genetics adapted for outdoor production, increasing outdoor access, and maximizing welfare at slaughter. Projects that fall outside these area, but increase animal welfare will also be considered. Examples of projects that were funded in 2009 include: portable shelter for calves on pasture, mobile feeding equipment and breeding stock adapted for pasture-and range-based management. Detailed guidelines and a grant application are available on their website at www.AnimalWelfareApproved.org, or calling (202)546-5292.

Indiana’s Milton Frey Farm in Paoli was recently accepted into the Animal Welfare Approved program. Animal Welfare Approved is the only free and independent certification that means healthy, safe, environmentally responsible and humanely raised outdoors on a family farm.

Violet Wine Fermentation Picture

I finally went through some of my images and found the picture I took of the beginning stages of fermentation for the Violet Wine I made this spring! I love the colors and all of the bubbles!



It took me so long to get the image here, the fermentation process has stopped and the wine is now waiting to be bottled!

NAP Credits Now Available!

NAP Credits Now Available!

Mother Hubbard's Cupboard (Bloomington, Indiana) is pleased to announce that we have been awarded $9,765 in Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) tax credits from the State of Indiana to give away to donors like you. This means that MHC has the opportunity to solicit $19,530 in contributions to support our food assistance program. Last year we sold out of NAP Tax Credits very early and we anticipate the same this year. Act now to take advantage of this great opportunity, and choose what your tax dollars support.

When you donate to MHC under the NAP Program, you can receive a credit against your state tax liability equal to 50% of your gift. This means that if you donate $1,000 you can take a $500 credit on your 2010 Indiana State Tax form.

Eligible donations must be $100 or more and dated July 1, 2010 or later. Forms are available on our website www.mhcfoodpantry.org.

Take advantage of the NAP Credit program and make a generous donation to help MHC provide 1,877 healthy bags of groceries to individuals in need every week. We thank you in advance for your commitment to help relieve hunger and improve nutrition for all people in our community.

4H Small Animal Auction

It may be hot, but the Fair Goes On! If you are seeking small animals, visit with the 4H Youth!

4H Small Animal Auction
Chickens, Ducks, Turkeys, Rabbits
July, 31 2010 10AM to 1 PM
Monroe County Fair Grounds Poultry Barn
All birds come from NPIP tested flocks

Local Food News Updated!

Greetings,

May this find you well and may all of us who have enough to eat and drink, be thankful!

Last week Local Food News - http://www.greendove.net/foodnews.htm was updated. Idon't know why there are gaps, but you may find somethings of interest there.

As always, please send us your local stories (going local to us extends to all of Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, as well as topics that are of concern to all of us.

Also, our sister, Indiana Holistic Health Network recently published a new Healing CRANE Newsletter at http://www.indianaholistichealth.net/newsletter.htm

A new recipe has also been added, Stovetop Quiche and will be posted here later. I will also be adding a picture to the Violet Wine article.

Thanks for your time.

Good Food and Good Water

Officials Dedicate Middle Way House and Food Works Business

-This is a great boon to the citizens of Monroe County! I wasn't able to be there in body, but was present in spirit! I am looking forward to seeing how things settle down and what businesses come through the Incubator Kitchen (see previous note about Incubator Projects). I also send a congratulations to everyone who worked on this project, and a special thanks to Donna Storm for the amazing balancing act she has been performing for years to facilitate the workings of Food Works and this move to the Coke Building!




Officials Dedicate Middle Way House and Food Works Business

By Thomas Conti
Published: Jun 24, 2010
http://indianapublicmedia.org/news/middle-house-dedication/

Early Wednesday night, the old Coca-Cola building in downtown Bloomington officially opened its doors for the dedication of the new Middle Way House and Food Works business.

For five years, the New Wings Community Partnership collected over 6 million dollars – 3 million from private donors alone – to complete the project. In 2005, the Middle Way House purchased the old Coca-Cola building with the hopes of increasing accessibility as well as expanding the opportunities for the women of Middle Way.

In response to holding the dedication of the New Wings Project, Chair of the New Wings Community Partnership Laurie McRobbie said, “It means we did it. I mean we found the support in a lot of different ways. Like every non-profit we look for sources of support everywhere we can find them.”

Donations from local government, businesses, organizations, and community members made it possible for the new Middle Way House to be finished.

“I think the power of the vision for this building, the power of what Middle Way is and what it can continue to be and become really drew supporters to this so it means of all that. It means we’re doing something important for the women who get the services from Middle Way, it also means we’re doing something important for Bloomington,” said McRobbie.

The new Middle Way House also means a new location for Food Works, a full service catering business owned and operated by Middle Way. Donna Storm is the Business and Operations Manager for Food Works for Middle Way House.

“We’re getting together with a lot of people in the community that have a lot of the same interests and we have a lot of the same goals and at the same time we can provide additional jobs to women to help them transition away from situations that have been hurtful to them in the past,” Storm said.

Food Works has benefited from the donations and volunteers in the community as it is a branch of the Middle Way House.

“It’s been pretty exciting, meeting all the people in the community that have a real interest in local food, local businesses, helping the Middle Way House.”

Over the next few weeks Food Works, the New Wings Community Partnership, and the Middle Way House will work together to move slowly into the new building.

IN FOOD News

Hello,

I hope you are embracing the beauty of this season and the increased opportunities to go-local! Take a walk through the Farmers Market, and not only will you be subjected to a visual feast, you will also have the opportunity to enjoy seeing so many people enjoying one another, as much as they are enjoying the produce surrounding them.

At the Great Unleashing back in April, interest groups were formed by people interested in pursuing the transition of our local food system. Click here for connections to Transition Bloomington and other Community Building resources

Local Food News, (#3 in a recent Google Search) of Local Food Bloomington (#1 search for a few years) has recently been updated on the web. Local Food Fairy looks forward to your comments, and appreciates your tax deductible donations in support of the oldest local food resource in Bloomington, Indiana.

In the current update, you will find something about Farmers and their fight against Monsanto, Dairy Labels, the Food Supply Chain, water, organic wines and much more.


As always, there is a lot happening in the area of local food. The Bloomington, Indiana Farmers markets are bustling with diverse beauty and delectable abundance.

For information about
Bloomington, IN Farmers Markets, CSA's (Community Supported Agriculture
Indiana Farmers Markets
Gardening Resources
Community Food Resources

Are you a market gardener, local food shopper, observer of local foods growth in the area? We want to hear from you. Send us pictures, reviews, stories, and other information about going local with food and all things connected to share.

Also, our sister, Indiana Holistic Health Network - http://www.indianaholistichealth.net, recently published a new Healing CRANE Newsletter which you may find of interest. http://www.indianaholistichealth.net/newsletter3-3.htm.

Bloomington, Indiana is a city going-local in many areas! Let us know what you are interested in and share what you know because it may be an inspiration to others.

Save Bradford Woods for MCCSC - Food for the Children

(I think of this place as food to nuture awareness of being and place.


Save Bradford Woods for MCCSC

For more than fifty years, Monroe County fifth graders have been spending time in the woods, enjoying nature and learning about ecosystems and the need to conserve resources. This year, the school corporation has eliminated all funding for future trips to Bradford Woods. A grassroots action organization,"Save Bradford Woods for MCCSC," has formed to raise funds to reinstate Bradford Woods outdoor education program in the Monroe County schools budget for the coming year. The need is urgent and immediate: $40,000 must be raised by May 15th to enable Monroe County fifth-graders to attend Bradford Woods in 2010--2011.

Concerned citizens can donate online directly to the MCCS Foundation via their website (https://app.etapestry.com/hosted/FoundationofMonoreCountyCommun/OnlineGiving.html). To ensure that online donations are targeted to support the Bradford Woods campaign, donors must a) select "Designated Gift" in the "Purpose of Gift" pull down menu, AND b) type "Bradford Woods" in the "Related Gift Information" field.

Additionally, starting Monday, April 19, all Bloomingfoods cash registers will be equipped with the means to enable customers to donate funds to the MCCSC Foundation earmarked specifically for Bradford Woods.

“Save Bradford Woods for MCCSC” encourages all concerned citizens to join this effort to ensure that local schoolchildren continue to benefit from the experience of outdoor education. In this time of crises in the environment and in children’s health, outdoor education has never been more important. The time to act is now! Join with us to save Bradford Woods for MCCSC!

For more information or to get involved check us out on Facebook (Save Bradford Woods for MCCSC) or visit the Support Public Education in Monroe County booth at the Farmer’s Market.

Bedford Farmer's Market Vendor Sign-up Open House

On April 20, 2010 - Bedford Farmers' Market Vendor Sign-up Open House - The Bedford Farmers’ Market will be holding a vendor open house at the Purdue Extension office, 924 16th Street, Bedford on Tuesday, April 20th from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. to register new and returning vendors for the 2010 market season. Vendor contracts will be distributed, a brief orientation will be conducted, WIC sign-up information will be available, and market representatives will be on-hand to answer questions. For more information, contact Jack Clark at (812)834-5345. Presenter: Farmers' Market Board. Contact: Jack Clark-(812)834-5345. Age Range: All Ages. Tuesday, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM. Purdue Extension office, 924 16th Street, Bedford.

victory Gardens: Our once and Future Food Security - Talk

Victory Gardens: Our once and Future Food Security - April 21st This talk will give a brief overview of the history of victory gardens and their contribution to American food security, followed by a proposal to reintroduce them to enhance contemporary food security. Resources for successful victory gardening will be provided. Part of a week long series of events for Earth Day sponsored by the City Commissions on Sustainability, Historic Preservation and the Environment. Presenter: Dr. Michael SImmons, Bloomington Parks and Recreation. Contact: simmonsm@bloomington.in.gov. Age Range: Adults. Wednesday, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM. McCloskey Room City Hall 401 N. Morton Bloomington.

The Art of CHOCOLATE, Signature Truffles at The Venue

The Art of Chocolate, Signature Truffles at the Venue On Tuesday, April 20th, beginning at 6:00pm. The Venue Fine Art & Gifts will host a demonstration of the creation of one’s own Signature Chocolate Truffle. You will be instructed in how to take a fine quality Chocolate Truffle, coat it with tastes and spices of your own choosing, to create a wonderful chocolate taste that is uniquely your own. Your Signature Truffle. All you have to do is show up. Everything else, including chocolate, spices, tastes, gloves and wine, will be provided. The only limit is your imagination. This demonstration is presented by The Venue and students from the Human Computer Interaction Division, Department of Informatics, Indiana University. Presenter: The Venue, Fine Art & Gifts. Contact: David or Gabriel Colman. Cost: Free. Ticket Phone: 812-339-4200. Tuesday, , 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. The Venue, Fine Art & Gifts 114 S. Grant St Bloomington IN 47408.

Spring and Lovely Violets!

A few days ago, while in conversation with a friend over the telephone, I looked out at a yard literally covered with violets. In that moment, I decided to once again make a batch of violet wine. Looking toward the sky, I knew that I must pick my blossoms before leaving the house that next day. After gathering my herbal notebook to review my previous violet wine making notes, I saw that it had been eleven years since the last batch was made. The next day after morning coffee and chores, I went out to the least walked areas and began picking violets. I picked the violet blossoms into a glass measuring cup. Gathering it full one after another glass measuring cup full, until I six cups of slightly pressed down flowers (more like seven cups or so)had been gathered; enough to make three gallons of wine, now into its third day of covered fermentation.

I love the citrus yeasty smell and the sound of the bubbling, popping sound of yeast feeding. I am reacquainting myself with the fact of violet flowers and leaves as a really great source of Vitamin C, and easily make a nice addition to salads or steamed vegies, or soup dishes.

I'll gather a few cups of violet flowers and leaves for drying, for use in soups and seasoning this winter.

COMMUNITY ORCHARD IN BLOOMINGTON!

Edy's Ice Cream is giving away a free orchard, and in Bloomington the
necessary space has already been donated, and the fresh fruit from the orchard
would go to a local food bank!

You can help make this happen.

All you need to do is vote electronically: Go to Edy's website at

http://www.communitiestakeroot.com/Plant/Index - click 'list by state',
find Indiana in the list, click on Bloomington, enter your name and
email address and click on "Plant my Vote".

The city that gets the most votes, gets the orchard. Btown is in a
neck-and-neck race with one other place! Please vote for Bloomington
today and every day through the end of August, using the e-mail addresses in your household.


Thanks! and Pass it on...

Animal Welfare Approved

Received their publication this week. May this be of use to many! Please share! Animal Welfare Approved – http://www.AnimalWelfareApproved.org
This organization offers Good Husbandry Grants. It is the only free and independent certification that means healthy, safe, environmentally responsible and humanely raised outdoors on a family farm. AWA provides a practical certification that has real value for speciality marketing. To apply visit their website or call 202-546-6292

The Great Unleashing - Bloomington Workshop

The Great Unleashing - Transition Town Bloomington, Indiana -Workshop, April 24th -- 9:30am to 5:30pm Saturday - Building Community Resilience and Self-Reliance for Transition at Bloomington City Hall - Showers Building, a day of celebration, education, and action. This day will be followed by working groups addressing the details of our future. Transition Bloomington is working to unite the people of Bloomington to create a more resilient community, able to deal with the challenges of peak oil, climate change, and economic collapse. We expect that this process will also create a more connected and joyful community. http://transitionbloomingtonind.ning.com/

Grants for Indiana Organic Farms - April 1 due date!

Feds offer Indiana $767K for state's organic farms - Indianapolis, IN - The Natural Resources Conservation Service will accept applications from organic producers or producers in transition to organic farming until April 1. The Associated Press - Email michelle.anthony@wndu.com
Indiana's organic farmers can compete for nearly $767,000 in federal funds under a new push to encourage conservation on the state's organic farms.
The funding announced Monday is part of the USDA's Environmental
Quality Incentives Program. State Conservationist Jane Hardisty says helping the nation's organic farmers is one of the priorities of the 2008 Farm Bill.
Eligible organic producers can compete for the funding, which can go toward conservation crop rotation, planting filter strips along waterways to filter out sediments and other uses.
The Natural Resources Conservation Service will accept applications from organic producers or producers in transition to organic farming until April 1, 2010.

Local Food Dinner - Simply Healthy Fair/Expo Update!

Our second annual Local Food Dinner is another delicious affair. Those who have enjoyed food prepared by Food Works, know what I mean. I am looking forward to this dinner and the presentations!

LOCAL FOOD DINNER fundraiser co-sponsored by Food Works for Middle Way House. Enjoy a four course dinner, dessert and beverages and hear local practitioner Kellie Osmon speaking on Healing Properties of Foods, and others on their produce and products.

Unitarian Universalist Church, 2120 N. Fee Lane, Reservations,
$35 - Friday, November 13th, 2009 at 6:00pm.

Tickets available for purchase at Wandering Turtle Art Gallery, Bloomingfoods stores, Simply Healthy: Creating Sustainable Communities website at http://www.simplyhealthyfair.net/tickets.htm and Food Works for Middle Way House - http://foodworksforlocalfood-efbevent.eventbrite.com