Hi Everyone! I am very excited to announce – WE finally get to embark on a Cross-Canada Food Road Trip! The launch date will be late June/early July. There are still a few details to be sorted (and not much time) so this is where I am asking for YOUR help.
For many who know me, this is a big dream come true. I can’t even begin to express my gratitude to the amazing people in my life: my love, friends, family, colleagues and contacts who never gave up and believed I would get through the years of challenges so I can begin. I wouldn’t be me without you – thank you for sharing a piece of your heart with me so we can grow together. As the biggest understatement – Thank you for all of your support.
What does this look like?
A tasty food adventure to explore, celebrate, love, laugh, and learn about Canadians, food, food security, the food system and (maybe) life through the eyes of an open-minded foodie, food advocate, & dietitian.
Everyone has input on food – people experiencing hunger, chefs, dietitians, policy makers, food producers, and foodies. I’d love to learn what people love about food, their hardships, and what food means to Canadians. I am lucky to have a background in food as a Registered Dietitian, a reliance on research but I also have a hunger (pun intended) for new perspectives. I definitely have more questions, than answers. My hope is to listen, facilitate and share the information gathered to open the food conversation.
This includes the question: What is Canada’s Relationship with Food?
Please make sure you read how you can help and get involved at the end!
Quotes of Support:
“Irena’s journey is the adventure of a lifetime not just for her but for all of us who will follow her vicariously. She is building vital connections within the Canadian food community with her amazing project.” – Chef Michael Smith
“Irena has earned respect and support among professionals as well as community members. Her quirky energy and enthusiasm is infectious and she is inspiring to others,”
– Christine Johnson, Registered Dietitian,
Health Equity Lead Public Health
“Irena has committed herself to learning and understanding the context and culture of Canadian food”. -Colleen Cameron, Blueberry Farmer and Food Security Activist
But first – Let us all keep an open mind!
Food is emotional – and I totally get that – so I want to acknowledge that ALL points of view are welcome here in a judgement and shame free space. This blog will hold space for open and honest (even controversial) conversations– as long as they are respectful. There will be some serious topics amongst all the fun! So, I ask that we EXPECT to not all agree, and that we ALL agree to keep an open mind – including me – so that our discussions are a positive space for learning. Perhaps there will be more opinions by the end of the trip, but those are earned with first, understanding and listening.
When is this exciting food adventure happening?
I will start around Canada Day, blogging from the Canadian East Coast while travelling to the West Coast. The first six weeks will be all travel, but I won’t be able to see it all so I will continue to travel after into the fall to the rest of the country – including the territories. I’m hoping that by sharing the experience with you, we can open the dialogue about Canadian food and the food system. Since I am expecting to have a LOT of content, I may share some more thoroughly early 2018.
What’s the route?
We will begin in Nova Scotia, followed by: New Brunswick, PEI – including the Village Feast with Chef Michael Smith who has been supportive since this was a mere idea, Quebec, Ontario and finishing with Manitoba in August. In the fall, I will finish up with Saskatchewan, Alberta, and my home base BC, before going to all of the territories, Yukon, NorthWest Territories and Nunavut.
What’s the plan? What are you actually going to DO?
We will visit one large city and one smaller town in every province and territory. In each place, I am hoping to interview people with different aspects and knowledge about food. TODAY! I am actually doing my first “mini pilot” in Newfoundland, until June 12. I am open to suggestions!
In every province and territory I am hoping to connect with one chef, dietitian, and food producer (foragers, farmers, fishermen etc.). Others that I hope to highlight throughout the journey include: indigenous food experts, policy makers, policy advocates, sociologists, community food and food security organizations, food processors, suppliers, retailers, food events, food businesses, food waste ideas, new concepts, amazing people and normal Canadians. Am I missing something? Let me know.
How can I get involved?
This is a grass roots food adventure. Your opinion, interests, ideas, expertise, curiosity, suggestions and support will make this a success and drive the content. That is why this is OUR food adventure.
Here are some ideas to contact me or comment below:
- Is there a topic you want me to explore?
- Are you a food expert who I can recommend to readers or can support me on a topic?
- Do you know an amazing humble food advocate or farmer I should highlight?
- Do you have a favourite restaurant? Know a place with a special food culture?
- Do you know what it is like to be without food or not have a choice in what food to eat?
- Do you just want to talk about food?
- Is there an amazing business that supports food security or local dishes? Or maybe as a business cannot because of certain barriers? Both are important to discuss.
- Do you know someone I should meet? See this list for ideas.
- Is there a community food organization that needs some support and/or wants to be highlighted?
- Is there something missing?
I am interested on using a barter system to support the trip – as time allows. For example, I can offer nutrition expertise, and advertising for a meal, an overnight stay/shelter, financial support, information/expertise, and networking support. Please let me know.
You can also get involved by commenting, exchanging ideas on the blog and point me in the right direction! It is equally important to let me know what you like, what you don’t, if I make sense (or not), or you have a research article that proves me wrong. Remember, just by reading, sharing and commenting you have now joined the food adventure!
I am so excited and humbled to begin! So Let’s Taste Canada!
My commitment to you:
I am nothing without my values. I commit to being transparent about biases, exchanges, personal and professional opinions. I will do my best to be clear, and curb my desire to muddle my point in the anxiousness of overexplaining. I will commit to being the best that I can be, ethical and just stubborn enough to not give up. I will be honest, open and loving using food as a mechanism to learn about Canada – and maybe a little bit about life – I do have a philosopher’s heart.
Happy Tasting – Let’s begin!
Much Love,
Irena
So, here’s two suggestions, which might well be of the “coals to Newcastle” variety. (1) You could do worse than to look up Linda Best, the driving force behind Farm Works here in Nova Scotia. It is a “CEDIF” (Community Economic Development Investment Fund) which invests in local food initiatives in Nova Scotia. (2) The Townhouse Brewpub and Eatery in Antigonish, as an example of a local food startup that demonstrates the economic, social and gastronomic feasibility of favouring and supporting the re-birth of local food producers.
Thanks Bill! So lovely to hear from you!!! I will for sure look them up!
You inspire me! I can’t wait to read all about your journeys! Much love ❤
Thank you so much but I must say – It is only ever the people that I have met who inspire me. So many unsung hero stories deserve to be heard who work with food – and have the biggest most humble hearts. – Including you 😍
I am so proud of you Irena! I know this has literally been years in the making and it is so nice to see you following your heart and dreams. Looking forward to following with you along the way as you embark on an adventure of a lifetime! I know it will be truly amazing! Sending you lots of love from home! xo
Love you too!!! Thank you so much Lauren – it means a lot to me to have your support.
I remember talking about this on the back of the bus headed to a BC dairy farm! So glad to see you got this off the ground! My advice, just write and eat and ask questions . Don’t edit. See how your writing and experience changes over the course of your adventure. Be the Jack Kerouac of food.,
Thanks Joel! Thanks for the advice! I agree that over editing can cloud the point. Podcast options are also being considered 😉 Not going to lie I had to look up Jack Kerouac. I have more questions for you about that!
There is a great duo in Olds AB, Drew Taddia and Dorothy Keith , they run True Form a fitness group (training, nutrition, etc), Drew is also an author and radio host of his show . They are all about living clean and natural and Drew also has his own whole foods protein powder, called Complete Truth Protein! They would be well worth checking out…..we also have amazing food culture in Olds ! Tracks is a great pub with an amazing atmosphere as well as Flames Restaurant and Lounge! Drew and Dorothy could also hook you up with some local food producers as well! We have a great market that is all about supporting local and has green house foods a local bakery and all locally produced foods……Olds Uptowne Market! Let me know if you want more info!!
I am very proud of you Irena! I am looking forward to reading about your adventures.
Comments:
You probably have this on your agenda already, but I am curious about the food culture in Quebec – the history, the uniqueness, the origin of recipes.
I was a professional cook (not a chef) for 24 years – so I could potentially support you on a topic.
Favorite restaurant – The Shandar Hut in Chilliwack – extensive menu, extremely consistant, cozy atmosphere. A definite must if you are ever in the Chilliwack area.
Have the time of your life!
Thank you so much Stephen! I definitely appreciate any information you have. I am also looking forward to exploring Quebec. I’ll look into the restaurant!
You’re very welcome!
Hey Irena. Have a wonderful journey. Let me know if you are interested in any contacts for Thunder Bay or Winnipeg. Safe and happy travels! Barb
Hi Barb! I will be reaching out! I have some contacts but not everything is sorted yet! Thank you! And is this Barb S. Or Barb C?
Hi Irene! It was nice to have met you in St. John’s at the DofC conference. Kugluktuk Nunavut (pop’n 1500) is just above Yellowknife and I have a “chef” and “hunter” in mind if you come here. All of Nunavut is fly-in only. Best visiting time is April to October. Seal? Muktuk? Muskox? Tuktu? Char? Traditional fare for your enjoyment. Enjoy your Canada adventure!
How exciting! I can’t wait. I have also been in touch with those who have completed the https://wemattercampaign.org which I believe started out of Yellowknife. I will reach out once I get closer to making it to Yellowknife!
Guelph and Elora (Anita Stewart) are FULL of foodies, great cooks etc. And a very hospitable dietitian… more than one actually 😉 And did you know: U of Guelph has one of those most fantastic archived collections of Canadian cookbooks! http://www.lib.uoguelph.ca/find/find-type-resource/archival-special-collections/culinary
That sounds fantastic! Thank you so much! I love the idea of these Canadian cookbooks! I read Jean Pare’s story which was quite amazing so super exciting to see her collection listed there too!
Enjoy the journey Irena and see you in Quebec!
Always happy to see you Nancy! I am looking forward to Quebec!
Hi Irena,
I am a Certified Holistic Nutritional Consultant in Newfoundland. I am sorry to have missed you while you were here. I love your idea and wish you the best.
Kelly
Thanks Kelly! Sorry to have missed you as well! Thanks for reaching out!
I’ve posted your article on Regina Seedy Saturday’s Facebook page. There are a network of Seedy Saturday stewards in Saskatchewan that you may want to tap into. Keri Fox from Moose Jaw is one. She runs Green Sisters Gardens, which is a spin farm. She also grows microgreens for a variety of restaurants and other customers. Mariana Brito recently launched Malinche in Regina, a Mexican food truck, after a successful Kickstarter campaign. She sells the most amazing ice cream with homemade rhubarb compote.
Thank you! That is great information! I will definitely add it to the list 🙂 It’s been such fun to see where things land as I go!
Links to various ideas I suggested in previous post:
http://greensistergardens.com/video-pictures/
https://www.facebook.com/Malincheyqr/
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/rachelle-ternier-1.3480996
https://prseeds.ca
http://overthehillorchards.ca – They host suppers at their orchard, created by various chefs.
Thank you! This definitely saves me a ton of time!
Wonderful to see this dream unleashed! Looking forward to experiencing it through your posts and hearing more about it when you return to the west coast. Safe travels!
Thank you! I am so happy to be working on this and really listening to what people in Canada have to say about food 🙂 Thanks for reading!
Hi Irene, I am in Kugluktuk sept 4-11 and then Sept 17 – Oct 16 then oct 22-28. I will find out when Kug is having “cooking classes”. There’s not much else happening but everyone enjoys visitors and tea anytime. Hopefully we can connect this next week.