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Wellness Project Updates
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Food and Faith E-Newsletter
Dear Food and Faith Subscriber, After attending  national and local conferences in the past few weeks about food policies and initiatives that integrate justice, health and sustainability, we are very encouraged by the ever broadening base of people and organizations will to work for change in our food system. One good idea that came up in one of these gatherings is that Oregonians use what we are learning and developing in Oregon to influence the 2012 Farm Bill which has such a strong influence on the shape of our food system.  In other words, work from the bottom up. People of faith and good will can play important roles to both "be the change" and to advocate for the change we wish to see in our food systems. May we have the ethical clarity and the spiritual strength to make a powerful difference in important conversations ahead.-- The IFFP Team.
Portland Area Updates
Alex Farmer Table

Holy Redeemer Farmer Table

 

  

Farmer Tables 

All of our farmer tables will be starting up in June. Below is a list of the tables. Stop by, support a local farmer and get some great tasting produce. Holy Redeemer, Muslim Community Center and Highland Christian Center will be able to accept Oregon Trail Cards soon! 


2011 Farmer Table Schedule
First United Methodist Church
1838 SW Jefferson St., Portland
Start Date: June 12, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Sunday, weekly

Kairos-Milwaukie
4790 SE Logus Rd., Milwaukie
Start Date: June 12, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Sunday, weekly

Holy Redeemer
25 N. Rosa Parks Way, Portland
Start Date: June 12, 10:45 a.m.-12 p.m., Sunday, weekly

Waverly Heights UCC
3300 SE Woodward St., Portland
Start Date: June 12, 11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m., 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month

St. Philip Neri
2408 SE 16th Ave., Portland
Start Date: TBD, First Sunday of each month

Highland Christian Center
7600 NE Glisan St., Portland
Start Date: June 20, every other week

Muslim Community Center
3801 NE MLK Blvd.
Start Date: TBD, weekly

 

Farm Fresh Buying Club

The Farm Fresh Buying Club started on May 25 with luscious strawberries and greens. It's not too late to join! All SNAP (food stamp) users can have their benefit matched by $8 if they purchase at least $8 in produce with SNAP, while funds last, thanks to a grant from Kaiser Permanente. WIC and Senior Farmers' Market Coupons also accepted. Running until October, the buying club pick up will be each Wednesday at Holy Redeemer Church, 25 N. Rosa Parks Way, from 4-6 p.m. The cost to join is $5 to 15, sliding scale. Members get access to discounted canning and cooking classes throughout the growing season and possibly a farm field trip. You can sign up for your congregation to provide fresh produce to a summer or fall event or feeding program. If you are interested in joining or finding out more please email Michi Caldwell at foodandfaith@emoregon.org or call 503-221-1054 ext. 215. The Farm Fresh Buying Club purchases directly from Deep Roots Farm, located in Albany, and offers members wholesale prices on produce. If there is significant interest this year we will also be ordering grains or dairy on a monthly basis.

 

A satisfied customer: I bought chard from Farm Fresh this week at it was only $1.35 vs. $2.99 (organic from California) at Fred Meyer. It was also bigger and fresher!

Corvallis Updates

 

La Fresa Feliz Buying Club - Sign up nBuying Clubow!

It is not too late to sign up for the buying club. The buying club accepts SNAP (food stamps), WIC and Senior Farmers' Market Coupons and will run until October. Buying club pick up will be each Tuesday at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 501 NW 25th St., Corvallis from 4-6 p.m. The cost to join is $5 to 15, sliding scale. Members get access to discounted canning and cooking classes throughout the growing season and possibly a farm field trip. If you are interested in joining or finding out more please email Ariana Carlson at lafresafeliz@gmail.com or call 541-236-FARM. La Fresa Feliz Buying Club purchases directly from Deep Roots Farm, located in Albany, and offers members wholesale prices on produce. If there is significant interest this year we will also be ordering grains or dairy on a monthly basis.

 

Wellness Project Updates

 

Mid-Willamette Valley Wellness Coalition Meeting (Corvallis and surrounding areas), June 6th, 6:00-8 p.m. Westside Community Church. 4000 Southwest Western Boulevard, Corvallis. We will be touring the community garden with a short presentation from each of the congregations involved in the garden, Westside will be showing us the work that they've done with their kitchen through the grant money that they received from us, the congregations will be sharing about the work that they've been doing, and we'll be presenting about Let's Move Faith and Communities, Summer Food Service Programs and La Fresa Feliz Buying Club.

 

Portland Interfaith Wellness Coalition Meeting - June 20, 6:30-8 p.m., Northminster Presbyterian Church, 2823 North Rosa Parks Way, Portland. Congregations will be sharing about the work that they've done and we'll be viewing the DVD Nourish.  There will also be an update on the Farm Fresh Buying Club, Williams Street Project, Summer Food Service Programs, and a short presentation on Let's Move Faith and Communities.

 

Staff Award Nomination

The Rev. Luis Acosta, our Congregational Wellness Coordinator in Corvallis, was nominated for a Champions for Change leadership award by the USDA for his work with rural Latino congregations around health and food. Good work Luis!

 

News

 

Farmers' Market Bill Passes, Clarifies Rules for Small Producers On June 3, a bill to clarify rules for growers who sell at farmers' markets was passed by the Oregon Senate. Below is a story from Oregon Live and a link to information on the bill. The bill is a big help for small producers and processors.

 

SALEM -By Michelle Cole, A bill clarifying rules for growers who sell at farmers markets cleared its final legislative hurdle Tuesday. House Bill 2336 addresses direct farm sales to the public, either through buying clubs, community supported agriculture programs or farmers markets. The proposal creates an exemption from food inspection laws, allowing limited sales of certain processed food made in home kitchens.


It would affect Oregon's 120 farmers markets and hundreds of small producers, allowing them to sell unlimited quantities of their own fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs along with cured or dried fruit, vegetables and herbs. It also would allow sales of shelled and unshelled nuts; shell eggs; honey; and whole, hulled crushed or ground grains, legumes and seeds that are cooked before consumption.

Farmers would be required to follow Oregon labeling laws, with labels stating that the products are made in an uninspected and unlicensed home kitchen.  The bill passed on a 27-3 vote without debate. It now heads to the governor.

addresses direct farm sales to the public, either through buying clubs, community supported agriculture programs or farmers markets. The proposal creates an exemption from food inspection laws, allowing limited sales of certain processed food made in home kitchens.


It would affect Oregon's 120 farmers markets and hundreds of small producers, allowing them to sell unlimited quantities of their own fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs along with cured or dried fruit, vegetables and herbs. It also would allow sales of shelled and unshelled nuts; shell eggs; honey; and whole, hulled crushed or ground grains, legumes and seeds that are cooked before consumption.

Farmers would be required to follow Oregon labeling laws, with labels stating that the products are made in an uninspected and unlicensed home kitchen.  The bill passed on a 27-3 vote without debate. It now heads to the governor.

 

http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2011/05/bill_clarifying_rules_for_home.html

For more information about the bill, go to http://gov.oregonlive.com/bill/2011/HB2336/

 

Food garden grows at the site of the future Muslim Community Center in North Portland

Article from The Oregonian    Published: Friday, June 03, 2011, 7:48 AM, Updated: Friday, June 03, 2011, 10:39 AM

By Rebecca Koffman, Special to The Oregonian MCCP Garden 

On a recent Saturday, a vacant lot on North Vancouver Avenue between Killingsworth and Emerson streets is crowded with people. There's a grill going and people load up their plates with food while others dig, carry topsoil and push heavy wheelbarrows. Meera Norris, a young woman wearing jeans and a head scarf, explains. The land is the future site of the Muslim Community Center of Portland. The center is currently housed a short distance away in rented premises. The plan is eventually to build an expanded center here. Until then, the land will be used to grow food.  

 

Norris is the coordinator for the garden. It's a Capstone Project for her women's studies program at Portland State University. "This garden is open to the whole community," she says. "The idea is that it will be self-sustaining and promote health and wellness. It's also about empowering women and families, promoting social justice and community engagement," she adds. Many of the women at work in the garden, she says, are Somali refugees. Plots will be about 12 by 10 feet, large enough for families to grow meaningful amounts of food.  Hankins True Value Hardware donated tools, Portland Nursery donated tomato plants, soil came from Recology. "The community has been excited to support this," Norris says.

 

She wants the garden to bring people together. "I hope it will help further integrate Muslims into the local community and break down myths," she says.  Its name? The Seeds of Understanding Garden.

 

http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2011/06/a_community_garden_in_north_po.html


Note:
As part of our Congregational Wellness Project, IFFP supported MCC last year with a $500 mini grant for raised bed gardens on its current site, and donated $400 in seeds and seedlings for the May 28 work day. A recent grant application submitted in partnership with MCC was not successful and would have provided funds for a small stipend to a garden coordinator and resources for garden improvements. If you or your congregation would like to make a donation to MCC for this important project to empower women, build bridges of understanding, and provide healthy food, physical activity and community building, contact Meera Norris at meera@pdx.edu.
Take Action

Tell the EPA to keep toxic strawberries off America's plates Once again the pesticide industry is pushing an unsafe chemical to be used on foods that you and your children love to eat. Last year the state of California, the nation's largest producer of fresh fruits and vegetables approved methyl iodide, a potent carcinogen and neurotoxin for agricultural use on strawberries. Already banned in New York and Washington, significant outcry from scientists and citizens around the country has led the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to reconsider the ill-conceived approval of this toxic chemical from being sprayed on our food. We need to demand that they follow through and ban this chemical once and for all.

Please add your voice to the public comment period to ban the agricultural use of methyl iodide and tell the EPA it's time to protect American's health and safety over toxic agribusiness profits. Go to http://bit.ly/jgVnNI to take action now.

 

Have FUN with an AWAZ Fair Trade Home Party!

This summer AWAZ is bringing Fair Trade to your living room so you and your friends can experience this powerful movement in the comfort of your home!  Get an up close and personal look at our beautiful new collection and hear the powerful stories of the artisans your purchases support. Our Home Parties are a fun, simply way you can help more people bring Fair Trade into their everyday lives.

 

How it works:

1) Invite AWAZ to host a party for you and help plan.

2) Have at least five friends RSVP for the event.

3) Host receives 15-20% of total sales for discounted purchases.

4) We bring the party!

 

Email sarah@voiceforempowerment.com to learn more! Home Parties with AWAZ Representative possible only in Portland-metro area.

 

Sign Up Now for Seniors Farm Direct Nutrition Program: Support Farms, Improve Nutrition

The SFDNP, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), provides low-income, eligible seniors with checks that can be used to purchase fresh Oregon grown fruit, vegetables and herbs. The checks can only be used at approved farm stands and Farmer's markets. The program is intended to improve nutrition for Oregon seniors and support local Oregon farmers. Each spring, seniors are notified by mail if they are eligible to participate in the program. The USDA grant does not provide enough funding to provide benefits to every senior that is eligible. Seniors who choose to participate in the program will have their applications processed in the order received by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA). Applications received after funding for the program has expired, will be put on a waiting list in the order received. If additional funds are received for the program, seniors on the waiting list will be notified.

 

Seniors who are eligible to participate in the program will receive $32 in farm direct checks. These checks can be used to purchase locally grown produce at participating farm stands and Farmers Markets. The checks may be used between June 1 and October 31 in the year the check is received.

 

Congregations Can Encourage Seniors to Sign Up forSNAP SNAP Does your congregation encourage seniors in your congregation to sign up the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP)?  Many eligible seniors who could qualify for these programs do not sign up because they think the take the funds away from others in more need, compromising their nutritional status and taking away an opportunity to support local farms. For educational resources for your congregation, go to http://oregonhunger.org/reaching-hungry-seniors.

 

Resources

Cool Harvest Connects Food, Faith and Climate

Historically, faith communities have fed the less fortunate by organizing food pantries, soup kitchens, and other programs to combat hunger. Recently, some have broadened that work to include planting community gardens and hosting organic farm stands. Now, with the Cool Harvest program, Interfaith Power & Light builds on those successful programs to include an explicit connection for congregations that are also committed to addressing climate change. The Cool Harvest Kit includes the DVD, Nourish, which traces our relationship to food from a global perspective to personal actions steps using inspiring stories, the prayer guide, Thanking God with Integrity, and study guides and tip sheets. The DVD is outstanding and features folks like Michael Pollan as well as many inspiring young people. In addition to the 30 min. main feature, you can also explore food issues in depth with featured food leaders. To borrow from us, call 503-221-1054 ext. 214. Order at http://action.interfaithpowerandlight.org/site/c.dmJUKgOZJiI8G/b.6605225/k.97F1/Cool_Harvest.htm

 

Let's Move Faith and Communities Excerpt from the Let's Move Faith and Communities website.
As trusted community leaders, faith-based and neighborhood organizations are key partners in solving the problems that lead to obesity and addressing related issues of hunger. In November 2010, First Lady Michelle Obama launched Let's Move Faith and Communities with a conference call that included over 4,500 people from around the country. Faith-based and community leaders joined the call and represented more than 100 organizations that have committed to involving their communities in the challenge to end childhood obesity within a generation.

Over the next year, we hope you will consider joining Let's Move Faith and Communities as organizations around the country get active to meet one or more of these challenges:

  • Walk a total of three million miles
  • Complete 500,000 Presidential Active Lifestyle Awards (PALAs) or establish new exercise programs at congregations or organizations
  • Host 10,000 community gardens, farmers markets, or Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) clubs at congregations or community organizations
  • Host 1,000 new Summer Food Service Program sites at congregations or neighborhood organizations.

To learn more and to download a toolkit go to http://www.hhs.gov/partnerships/letsmove/index.html  


 

EMO Events

When East Meets West: People, Land and Community Connection--A Work and Learn Stewardship Experience. June 9 to 11. Join EMO's Interfaith Network for Earth Concerns for a service learning opportunity to learn more about the relationship of people, community and land in eastern Oregon through listening sessions with people of faith from eastern Oregon and local ranchers, farmers, community and business leaders and land managers. Participants will make a direct contribution through hands-on land restoration work on the middle fork of the John Day that is part of a collaborative effort of landowners, public agencies and private groups. Rustic work group lodging provided at Dunstan Preserve of the Nature Conservancy and a sleeping bag is required.  This unique experience is limited to 12 people and the cost, all inclusive is only $40 (scholarships available upon request). Leave Portland at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday and return no later than 5:00 p.m. Saturday.  Space is still available! Call today! For more information, call Jenny at (503) 221-1054, ext. 214.

 

Preserving Tomatoes and Tomato products,September 14, 6-9 p.m., Holy Redeemer Church, 25 N. Rosa Canning TomatosParks Way, Portland.OSU Extension Service will offer up-to-date food preservation instruction including current and reliable resources, equipment and techniques for safe and healthy food products for your family. This session will focus on preserving your crop of tomatoes for year-round enjoyment including "The Laws of Salsa," and green tomato options. $10 for Farm Fresh Buying Club members and $30 for non buying club members. Scholarships available. Space is limited. Sign up now to reserve your spot by emailing foodandfaith@emoregon.org.

Community Events

OSU Food Preservation Classes, 18640 NW Walker Road. Entrance D-1, Beaverton, OR, 97006         (CAPITAL Center, at the corner of 185th and Walker Roads), all classes 6-9 p.m.Cost is $20 per or $70 for all four classes. To register contact OSU Extension Service at 503-821-1150.

June 15th, Introduction to Food Preservation, Basic techniques used for all methods of preservation.  Make jams/jellies in class. Low sugar and freezer jam options included.

July 6th, Preservation of fruit products; canning, freezing and drying reviewed. Learn to control the amount of sugar, to can fruit in juice and make pie fillings.

July 20th, Vegetables and Meats,Canning vegetables and meats requires use of a pressure canner. Review the use and care of a pressure canner as well as pickling and freezing tips.

August 3rd, Tomatoes, tomato products.  Preserve your crop of tomatoes for year-round enjoyment. Review current, safe methods for tomato preservation including "The Laws of Salsa," and green tomato options. 

 

Chicken Coop Tour, June 19, 10 a.m., Salem, See a variety of garden and coop styles, including "chicken tractors" or mobile coops, as well as greenhouses, composters, and a beekeeping operation. It's a great way to learn about chicken-raising, see a variety of breeds, and meet other urban farmers. Attendees can spend as little or as much time at any of the 15 stops along this self-guided tour, chat with coop owners, and take pictures. Kick-off activities begin at 10:00 with a book-signing event featuring award-winning writer, Gretchen Anderson. She chronicles the battles around the country between municipalities and the people who want to keep chickens but can't. Anderson's book, "The Backyard Chicken Fight" will be available at the tour. Chicken items and refreshments will also be available for sale. See www.salemchickens.com for more information.

 

 

Summer Food Growing, June 11-August 31, 2011, Oregon City, Clackamas Community College. 1:00 p.m. This 11 week class utilizes a hands-on approach to organic methods of growing warm season food plants using hoop-house, through the study of soil ecosystem, variety selection, pest management, data collection, harvest and storage. Call Loretta at 503-594-3292 with questions. Fee is $50. For more information and to register, go to: http://www.clackamas.edu/documents/CESchedule.pdf

 


 

Summer Food Growing, June 11-August 31, 2011, Oregon City, Clackamas Community College. 1:00 p.m. This 11 week class utilizes a hands-on approach to organic methods of growing warm season food plants using hoop-house, through the study of soil ecosystem, variety selection, pest management, data collection, harvest and storage. Call Loretta at 503-594-3292 with questions. Fee is $50. For more information and to register, go to: http://www.clackamas.edu/documents/CESchedule.pdf

 

Suburban Permaculture Design & Leadership Certificate, July 9-24th, Eugene, OR. Gain cutting-edge skills in nature-inspired sustainable design that's applicable virtually anywhere design is used -- from green businesses to your own back yard.  Visit ecovillages, organic farms, the nation's first biofuel station (ever seen a gas station with solar panels and a green roof selling kombucha? ;), while spending two weeks with some of the most inspiring people around!Organic meals and lodging included!Join an unforgettable program in leadership, permaculture and sustainable design in Oregon with the world's most renowned instructors and change your life, your community and your planet.  Not only do Common Circle Education courses offer the most complete curriculum of any similar program, but the people who come to the programs make this the most powerful training offered anywhere.Sign up before June 8th and bring a friend FREE! Payment plans as low as $200/month available! More info @ http://www.commoncircle.com/pdc.

 

Farm and Composting Tour, July 27, 3:00pm-4:30pm, Tualatin Valley Water District Headquarters, 1850 Southwest 170th Avenue, Beaverton.  Sustainability Network of Washington County member Scott Olsen will lead a tour of his Washington County farm with a discussion about community supported agriculture (CSA), local farming, and composting techniques.  Listening to Scott just talk about the Bokashi fermentation method of composting will be worth the visit.  Come enjoy good company, valuable insights, and sunny weather! RSVP to the PSWCC coordinator at http://pswcc.squarespace.com/contact-us/ 

 

Sustainability in Motion Cycling Tour, July 30th - Aug. Bike 6th How would you like to spend a week riding your bike to organic farms, learning about permaculture, community, and sustainable food production and participating in incredible service projects? We invite you to join our annual Sustainability in Motion Cycling Tour in Oregon. Whether because of the intensive sustainability education or because they discovered their passion and ability for biking, numerous previous participants call their Sustainability in Motion experience one of the most profound, life-altering experiences of their entire lives. Intentionally designed for beginner and intermediate cyclists, this experiential sustainability program is often the first cycle tour for many of our participants. The stunning places you will see on this program and the extraordinary people you will meet will challenge and inspire you.

 

Throughout this week-long program you will take part in a wide range of educational hands-on activities. You'll see family organic farms, learning how your food is grown, what it means for something to be organic, and why it's absolutely critical to support local organic farmers. You will also cycle to model eco- villages and intentional communities where you will learn all about the challenges and gifts of choosing to live in community. Along the way, we will make stops at green businesses and cooperatives, demonstrating the power of community economics. Read more information: http://commoncircle.com/sim Sign up before June 8th and bring a friend FREE!

 

God's Earth: Too Big to Fail?  An Eco-Justice Conversation Among Faith, Science and Culture, August 31 - September 3, 2011, Highlands Camp and Conference Center, near Estes Park, Colorado. Open to all! Participate in a much needed conversation for our time among faith, science, culture and ecology in a beautiful setting with cutting edge thinkers and inspiring workshop and fellowship. Food systems will be a key topic for this conversation. Food-related plenary speakers include Dr. Marcia Ishii-Eiteman, Senior Scientist of PANNA, (check out her blog and learn more about PAN's research). Dr. John E. Ikerd, Professor Emeritus of Agricultural Economics University of Missouri Columbia and author of Sustainable Capitalism.   Carolyn Raffensperger, M.A., J.D. Executive Director of Science & Environmental Health Network Dr. William P. Brown, Professor at Columbia Seminary and author of The Seven Pillars of Creation: The Bible, Science, and the Ecology of Wonder. Dr. Tyrone B. Hayes, Professor at UC Berkeley who fought the ag giant Sygenta. Sponsored by Presbyterians for Earth Care and others. For more information, go to http://toobigtoofail.wordpress.com/about/.

 

National Food Day, October 24th, various locations. The first national Food Day will be observed Monday, Oct. 24, and is supported by many prominent voices for change in the food movement, including health, hunger and sustainable agriculture groups. Food Day is a nationwide campaign to change the way Americans eat and think about food. Join others around the country in sponsoring and participating in activities to help Americans improve nutrition and health, reduce hunger, and support healthy, affordable and sustainable food. More information available at www.foodday.org.


 

Powell's Books Partner Program

EMO's Interfaith Network for Earth Concerns is a participant in the Powell's Books Partner Program. When you purchase a book at Powell's Books online store, our programs will earn 7.5 percent commission on every sale. Be sure to enter the Powell's Books site through our website, go to our "Book Shelf" or http://www.powells.com/ppbs/32752.html.