Halton Region Food Summit

Posted by Feb 19, 2016 Uncategorized Leave a Comment

Next Thursday will bring the third annual Halton Food Tourism Summit. A terrific initiative aimed at increasing dialogue and awareness of agriculture and local food issues in the Halton Region. Halton residents have an opportunity to learn more about local food growers and producers and get an insight into what it takes to grow in Halton Region. You can sign up for free at halton.ca/foodtourism.

From the Halton Region Website:

Halton Region is committed to supporting and preserving our vibrant agricultural community. The Third Annual Halton Region Food Tourism Summit will once again bring together the local farming and culinary communities to encourage growth in the culinary tourism industry and to help support a sustainable local economy.

This year’s event will showcase entrepreneurial initiatives in the industry and provide insight on how to grow your agri-business while further contributing to the economic vitality of the community.

Event details

This event is free of charge!

Featured topics and speakers

  • Making a living on a small farm – from start up to profitability
    • Brent Preston, Owner, The New Farm – Creemore, Ontario
      2015 Recipient, Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence
  • What I learned about tourism from the Butter Tart Trail
    • Linda Reader, Economic Development Consultant, Farmgate, Ontario

Speakers panel

  • Farm Women of Halton – Working together to cross-promote farm businesses while engaging and educating the public on local food
    • Liz Lambrick – Busy Liz’s Farm Shop
    • Meaghan Richardson – Mabel May Farms
    • Heather Fraser – Wheelbarrow Orchards/ Harvest Goodies
    • Tracy Breckon – ECHO LANE Lavender and Fiber Arts

Who should attend?

  • Farmers
  • Chefs
  • Food producers 
  • Restaurateurs
  • Interested residents
  • Food educators
  • Tourism officials
  • Economic development officials

Your Halton Hills Box for February 23rd:

 

In your $10 bag we have included: Ontario Apples, Clementines, Ontario Potatoes, Ontario Mushrooms, Zucchini, Roma Tomatoes, Ontario Yellow Onions, Ontario Sweet Potato, Kiwi, Ontario English Cucumber, Bananas, Ontario Carrots and Broccoli

In your $15 Box we have many of the same items in greater quantity  with additional items: Ontario Apples, Clementines, Ontario Potatoes, Zucchini, Roma Tomatoes, Ontario Yellow Onions, Ontario Sweet Potato, Kiwi, Ontario English Cucumber, Bananas, Ontario Carrots, Broccoli as well as Green Kale

In your $20 Box we have many of the same items in greater quantity with additional items: Ontario Apples, Clementines, Ontario Potatoes, Zucchini, Roma Tomatoes, Ontario Yellow Onions, Ontario Sweet Potato, Kiwi, Ontario English Cucumber, Bananas, Ontario Carrots, Broccoli, Green Kale as well as Green Leaf Lettuce and Celery

 

Zucchini Pizzas

  • 2 medium zucchini (1 LB)
  • 1/3 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 clove garlic, finely minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/3 cup marinara sauce
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/8 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese
  • Any toppings you desire

Directions

    • Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper
    • Cut each zucchini into halves through the length, you can slice off a thing layer at the bottom to prevent rolling. Pat insides dry with paper towels (cut portion). Align on prepared baking sheet.
    • In a bowl, stir together olive oil and garlic then brush lightly over tops of zucchini.
    • Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste then brush a slightly heaping 1 Tbsp marinara sauce over each zucchini, leaving a small rim near edges uncoated.
    • Sprinkle tops evenly with mozzarella cheese then with parmesan cheese.
    • Top with desired toppings.
    • Bake in preheated oven 12 – 18 minutes depending on how thick your zucchini is and desired crispiness.

Photo credit: moonlightbulb via Foter.com / CC BY

 

High Produce Prices Sending Fresh Food Box Orders to Record Numbers.

Posted by Feb 12, 2016 Uncategorized Leave a Comment

We are seeing some of our largest orders in quite some time this month and we only have to look towards grocery store prices to find out why this is. Wholesale produce prices fluctuate week to week and being able to pick the specific items at the best deal we are able to deliver prices that can’t be touched even by the most discount of grocery stores. I recently did a price check at local grocery stores and to put together an equivalent to our $20 box this past week you would be spending a minimum of approximately $30 on less than fresh produce at a discount grocer right up to $45-$50 at some of the more well known chains. We are also able to source the freshest possible ingredients by skipping the need to overstock shelves and keep fresh items in a backroom for sometimes up to a week like many grocers. Not to mention the fact that our produce avoids all the wear and tear of your grocers, try finding an avocado at your grocer that hasn’t been squeezed by at least 20 hands!

Your Unbeatable Burlington Box for February 16th:

In your $10 bag we have included: Ontario Apples, Clementines, Ontario Potatoes, Ontario Mushrooms, Zucchini, Roma Tomatoes, Ontario Yellow Onions, Ontario Sweet Potato, Kiwi, Ontario English Cucumber, Bananas, Ontario Carrots and Broccoli

In your $15 Box we have many of the same items in greater quantity  with additional items: Ontario Apples, Clementines, Ontario Potatoes, Zucchini, Roma Tomatoes, Ontario Yellow Onions, Ontario Sweet Potato, Kiwi, Ontario English Cucumber, Bananas, Ontario Carrots, Broccoli as well as Green Kale

In your $20 Box we have many of the same items in greater quantity with additional items: Ontario Apples, Clementines, Ontario Potatoes, Zucchini, Roma Tomatoes, Ontario Yellow Onions, Ontario Sweet Potato, Kiwi, Ontario English Cucumber, Bananas, Ontario Carrots, Broccoli, Green Kale as well as Green Leaf Lettuce and Celery

Kale and Veggie bean soup

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped carrot
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 Bunch Chopped Kale
2  cannellini beans, rinsed, drained, and divided
1 can  black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

1. Heat a large pan over medium-high heat. Add olive oil to pan. Add onion, carrot, and celery, and sauté 6 minutes or until tender. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon salt and garlic; cook 1 minute. Stir in 3 cups vegetable broth and kale. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 3 minutes or until kale is crisp-tender.

2.  Add remaining vegetable broth, cannellini beans, black beans, and pepper to soup. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes. Stir in remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, vinegar.

 


Photo credit: Mangilao30 via Foter.com / CC BY-NC-ND

Groundhog Day Box Pickup for Milton (Lets hope there isn’t a shadow)

Posted by Jan 29, 2016 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
Groundhog Day Box Pickup for Milton (Lets hope there isn’t a shadow)


A special thank you to anyone who has volunteered to join our Milton box packing team this upcoming week. We are in still in need of a few more hands and would love to see some new faces at Bob Rumball on Tuesday morning.

Volunteer Info:

Milton–

We are in need of helpers over the age of 18 to assist in weighing, packing and loading our food boxes. We are also in need of a driver helper to assist in dropping off at various pickup locations with our driver.

First Tuesday of every month

7801 5 Side Rd,

Milton, ON

L9T 2X7

Produce help- 830 AM-12:00 PM

Driver assistant- 12:00 PM- 3:00 PM

Email manager@haltonfreshfoodbox.com for more information and inquiries.

In Your Milton Box for February 2nd

In your $10 bag we have included: Ontario Apples, Oranges, Ontario Potatoes, Green Beans, Avocado, Ontario Red Beets, Ontario Yellow Onions, Ontario Sweet Potato, Kiwi, Ontario English Cucumber, Bananas, Ontario Carrots and Broccoli

In your $15 Box we have many of the same items in greater quantity  with additional items: Ontario Apples, Oranges, Ontario Potatoes, Avocado, Ontario Red Beets, Ontario Yellow Onions, Ontario Sweet Potato, Ontario English Cucumber, Ontario Carrots, Kiwi, Broccoli, Bananas as well as Ontario Green Cabbage

In your $20 Box we have many of the same items in greater quantity with additional items: Ontario Apples, Oranges, Ontario Potatoes, Avocado, Ontario Red Beets, Ontario Yellow Onions, Ontario Sweet Potato, Ontario English Cucumber, Ontario Carrots, Kiwi, Broccoli, Ontario Green Cabbage, Bananas as well as Green Leaf Lettuce and Cauliflower

 

Cabbage and Sweet Potato Hash

4 Servings

  1. 2 tsp Olive oil
  2. 2 onion
  3. 2 baked sweet potatoes
  4. 10-12 cabbage leaves
  5. Dash of tamari or soy sauce
  6. 4 eggs
  1. Chop the onion into thick wedges.
  2. Warm the olive oil in a large size frying pan over a medium high heat, then add the onions and fry until golden and softened.
  3. Roughly shred the cabbage and add to the pan, continuing to cook until wilted and crispy.
  4. Chop the sweet potato with skins into pieces and add to the pan.
  5. Once everything in the pan is crispy, add a dash of tamari or soy sauce and then transfer to a plate.
  6. Replace the pan on the heat and add more olive oil if needed. Crack the eggs into the pan, cook until the underside is solid then flip and cook for just another minute. Flip out on top of the hash and split the yolk with a knife.

 

Join Our Board of Directors

Posted by Jan 22, 2016 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
Join Our Board of Directors

Halton Fresh Food Box is seeking individuals living/working in Halton to serve on our Board of Directors!

Over 27,000 people in Halton region are living below the low income cut off point and as a result struggle to put good healthy food on their tables. We do not limit who participates but rather we strategically work to position the program in neighbourhoods where our priority groups more often live, work and play.

Each month the Halton Fresh Food Box program provides a way for over 1000 families and individuals to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables, many of which are locally grown in season. We do this in a way that is respectful of all people, while fostering community development and promoting healthy eating.

The current Board of Directors has set the following goals for the program. They are:

  • To achieve sustainable funding within 1 year.
  • To provide a minimum of 50% locally grown produce annually
  • To maintain and/or grow partnerships with the community to help support the goals of the Halton Fresh Food Box, including fund-raising
  • To increase awareness of hunger and poverty throughout Halton region
  • To partner with charitable groups to increase the number of boxes available for low income residents of Halton region.

The Board has identified the following skills as being of particular importance: financial management; fundraising; communications/marketing, legal expertise and Board development.

As a member of the Board of Directors of the Halton Fresh Food Box one can expect to take an active part in the ongoing development of this worthy and vital healthy eating program through participation at monthly meetings, strategic planning initiatives and committees associated with the work of the Board. Directors are expected to use their personal skills and networks to support and advance the program.

For more information on applying to be a member of our board of directors please contact the Program Manager Evan Hall at manager@haltonfreshfoodbox.com or 647-887-4435.

 

Your Halton Hills Box for January 26th:

In your $10 bag we have included: Apples, Oranges, Potatoes, Green Beans, Avocado, Red Beets, Yellow Onions, Sweet Potato, Kiwi, English Cucumber, Mushrooms, Carrots and Broccoli

In your $15 Box we have many of the same items in greater quantity  with additional items: Apples, Oranges, Potatoes, Avocado, Red Beets, Yellow Onions, Sweet Potato, English Cucumber, Carrots, Kiwi, Broccoli as well as Green Cabbage and Spinach

In your $20 Box we have many of the same items in greater quantity with additional items: Apples, Oranges, Potatoes, Avocado, Red Beets, Yellow Onions, Sweet Potato, English Cucumber, Carrots, Kiwi, Broccoli, Green Cabbage, Spinach as well as Pepper Squash and Cauliflower

Black Rice Bowl with Pepper Squash

  • For the rice:
  • 2 Cups water
  • 1 Cup Uncooked, Black rice
  • Pinch of salt.
  • For the squash:
  • 1 Small Pepper Squash, chopped into 3/4 inch cubes
  • 2 tsp Olive oil
  • 1/2 Tsp Garlic, minced
  • Salt
  • 1 Diced Avocado
  • Additional:
  • 1 Tbsp Cumin seeds
  • 1/2 Cup Cilantro, roughly chopped (optional)
  • 2 Oz Goat cheese, crumbled
  • Salt, to taste
    1. Begin by combining the water are the black rice in a sauce pan with a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and then turn down to low, cover, and simmer until all the water is absorbed, about 1 hour. Let stand for 15 minutes, without stirring, and then gently fluffy with a fork.
    2. While the rice cooks, preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
    3. In a large bowl, toss together the pepper squash cubes, 2 tbsp olive oil, and 1 Tbsp of garlic. Mix until the squash is evenly coated and then place the cubes onto a baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and roast until fork tender, about 10-15 mins.
    4. Place the cumin seeds in a small, dry pan set on high heat and toast, stirring constantly for one minute. Toss the crushed cumin seeds into the cooked rice and stir so that it gets evenly distributed throughout the rice.
    5. Plate the rice and add the squash, cumin seeds, cheese, cilantro and avocado. Add other diced vegetables as desired (Tomato and Cucumber are a great addition).

Photo credit: storebukkebruse via Foter.com / CC BY

 

 

Broccoli Returns to Burlington and Volunteer Opportunities Abound!

Posted by Jan 15, 2016 Uncategorized 2 Comments
Broccoli Returns to Burlington and Volunteer Opportunities Abound!

With the way produce prices have been going I didn’t expect to see broccoli or cauliflower back in our boxes until they returned to Ontario, oh what a difference a week can make. While many items are still sky high, (I’m looking at you $4.00 celery) broccoli and cauliflower prices have come down to earth and will both be making an appearance in Burlington’s Fresh Food Box.

Volunteer Opportunities!

The new year has brought some new opportunities at the Fresh Food Box. While we always need and welcome extra volunteers at all of our locations we are especially looking for some extra hands at our Milton (First Tuesday of the month) and Oakville (Second Tuesday of the month packing days.

Milton–

We are in need of helpers over the age of 18 to assist in weighing, packing and loading our food boxes. We are also in need of a driver helper to assist in dropping off at various pickup locations with our driver.

First Tuesday of every month

7801 5 Side Rd,

Milton, ON

L9T 2X7

Produce help- 830 AM-12:00 PM

Driver assistant- 12:00 PM- 3:00 PM

Oakville-

We are in need of adults or students to assist in weighing, packing and loading our food boxes. We are also looking for a consistent driver helper for both our morning and afternoon produce deliveries.

Kerr Street Ministries-

485 Kerr St,

Oakville, ON

L6K 3C5

Produce help- 8:30 AM- 12:30 PM

First Truck assistant- 11:00 AM- 1:00 PM

Second Truck assistant- 12:30 PM-3:30 PM

Email manager@haltonfreshfoodbox.com or call us at 905-634-8645 for further information and inquiries.

 

In Your Burlington Box This Week:

In your $10 bag we have included: Apples, Oranges, Potatoes, Green Beans, Avocado, Red Beets, Yellow Onions, Sweet Potato, English Cucumber, Mushrooms, Carrots and Broccoli

In your $15 Box we have many of the same items in greater quantity  with additional items: Apples, Oranges, Potatoes, Avocado, Red Beets, Yellow Onions, Sweet Potato, English Cucumber, Carrots, Broccoli as well as Green Cabbage and Spinach

In your $20 Box we have many of the same items in greater quantity with additional items: Apples, Oranges, Potatoes, Avocado, Red Beets, Yellow Onions, Sweet Potato, English Cucumber, Carrots, Broccoli, Green Cabbage, Spinach as well as Spaghetti Squash and Cauliflower

Due to weather issues in the USA 1 or 2 items may need to be substituted.