News Update from Sprout Kitchen - Quesnel

Announcing our NEW Delivery Van!

Sprout Kitchen is ramping up operations with the addition of our state-of-the-art refrigeration truck.

Coming this spring, our delivery service will connect local food producers to markets from Williams Lake to Prince George with service eventually extending all the way from 100 Mile House to Vanderhoof. Our Ford Transit Reefer Unit is designed to maintain the temperature of food products during transit, ensuring that they are maintained and shipped at their optimum temperatures.

With this new service, local food businesses and farmers will be able to transport their products between towns with ease. Our team is committed to providing a safe, secure, and reliable delivery service. Now local food producers looking to expand their reach or outsource these important trips, can now schedule them within our new routes. The delivery service will operate on a weekly schedule, making it easier than ever for food businesses to transport their products from one location to another within the Cariboo. 

For more information click the link below. 

New and enhanced programs to strengthen B.C.’s food supply chain and expand local food production.

Historic investment in food security supports British Columbians

A March 7, 2023 news release from the British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture and Food announced that “the Province is investing more than $200 million in food security to ensure people have better access to an increased supply of affordable, local food.” The news release noted that “the Ministry of Agriculture and Food will invest in new and enhanced programs to strengthen B.C.’s food supply chain and expand local food production from producers to processors and from packers to retailers.”

In addition, the news release stated that “grants from the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction will strengthen food banks, food distribution and food access. This includes providing food to under-served communities through trusted partners, such as FoodBanks BC and the United Way, as well as increasing the availability of fresh food in rural, Northern and Indigenous communities.”

To read the full article go to the link below.

Mark it on your calendar!

UPCOMING EVENTS

FARMED Member Meeting:

Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at 7pm via Zoom.  All members of the public are welcome to attend. Please RSVP to [email protected]

FARMED Opportunities 2022 & Beyond Committee Meetings: April 11 & 25, 2023 at 7pm via Zoom.  All members of the public are welcome to attend. Please RSVP to [email protected]

Growing North Cariboo Society Annual General Meeting: Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at 7pm via Zoom. All members of the public are welcome to attend. Please RSVP to [email protected]

FARMED Annual General Meeting and Networking Social: Saturday, May 27, 2023 from 3 - 6 pm. Location to be announced.

Sprout Kitchen Workshops: 

Ukrainian Easter Egg Decorating with Chelsea Ambrose

• Wednesday, April 5, 2023
• 6:00 PM 9:00 PM

Dips, dressing, spreads and infused oils....from scratch! With Chelsea Ambrose

• Wednesday, April 12, 2023
• 6:00 PM 9:00 PM

Fire Smart Program for Agriculture Producers: Ted Traer, RPF (Ret), LFR / Local FireSmart Representative will introduce producers to the FireSmart program and funding opportunities on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, from 7-8:30 pm. via Zoom. Contact FireSmart Program to sign up for the session. 

Sugaring  Off ON THE FARM Festival

April 22nd: Share Earth Day with US!
Vendors Welcome!
Join us at Moose Meadows Farm to experience sugaring off Boreal Forest Style! The evaporator will be bubbling away so you can enjoy the scent of birch syrup in the air! Other activities will include an On Farm Market, Nature Walks, Birch Syrup Taste Testing, and a chance to visit with the donkeys, alpacas, horses, ponies, sheep & 1 goat of Moose Meadows Farm.  To sign up to participate as a vendor at the Sugaring Off ON FARM Festival, click the link below.

Attention

CALL OUT!

Member Savings Program

A reminder to check out the Member Savings Program for FARMED members, which provides discounts from various regional businesses. FARMED director and volunteer, Joleen Morrison is requesting ideas and a call out for help to enroll new businesses in the program. Joleen would also like to invite FARMED members to participate and share ideas for other businesses who may be interested in participating.

The following are benefit programs offered by the North Cariboo Agricultural Marketing Association (dba FARMED) to its members:

Bouchie Lake Country Store

FARMED members receive 5% off on Farm Feed, Horse Feed, and Salt and 5% off on Gardening, Farming and Equine Supplies.

GetCrafted Artisan Showcase

FARMED members receive a 10% discount off Table Fees at our events. Please refer to event application forms for complete details. This offer cannot be combined with any other offer or discount.

Moose Meadows Farm

FARMED members receive 5% off on Evergreen Products (Wreaths, Sprays, Winter Baskets, Garland, and 5% off on Wreath Decorating Workshops

Red Bluff Pickles & Bakery Goods

FARMED members receive a 10% discount on available products purchased from our webstore, Quesnel Farmers’ Market, or local craft fairs that we attend. Discount cannot be combined with any other offer or discount, and does not apply to wholesale goods, case lots or special orders.

Vista Radio Cariboo Radio and The Goat

FARMED members receive 30% off the regular rate for advertising on Cariboo Radio and The Goat.

Correction in FARMED March 2023 newsletter:

Please note the incorrect spelling of the name of new member Hunny-Do Ranch, who state on their website “We got our name from the never-ending Hunny-Do list on the fridge.”