Here are some more podcasts
Jeremiah has a different perspective as a chef practicing in Canada however he grew up in Australia speaking towards global food. It’s great to listen to his explanation of Jigg’s dinner (and notes that he wants to leave it to the Newfoundland chef’s).
From the complete other perspective we have Colleen who has a blueberry farming background. She is pretty incredible person with a lot to offer.
Here are some favourite moments:
Chef Jeremiah S.:
Here is the link.
All of our produce can basically grown in our country [Australia] we don’t have to import many things at all. The majority of our products like beef and grain though are exported – to Canada as well. Our location to Asia has greatly influenced the way Australia sees food… the amount of expats in our country makes us one of the most multicultural countries in the world… all of these things over the years have created a very unique free country outside of Toronto or Vancouver.
“…throughout the different areas that I have worked in this country – everybody within their means tries as much as they can to support the community… whether that be through food drives, through childhood donations, through gala’s that raise funds… the majority of people that I have seen in this industry try to give back what they can through food security.
I would say the true sense of culture of Canada really does shine through everybody who can and is willing to do something to change that.
it’s really hard to do especially when a lot of the produce that Canadian does rely on, does is imported from across the border, a lot of that means that food security on both levels is compromised at that point”
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Colleen C.:
Here is the link.
‘seed funding that was found… different thematic areas working on poverty reduction, poverty elimination so affordable housing is one of those areas”
“emergency fuel fund provides emergency relief during the winter months for fuel. a lot of people in inaffordable housing their choice is food or rent… so they have to pay their rent and then they are stuck without sufficient food… affordable housing is very important and part of that of course is energy and so if you live in very substandard housing you are going to be losing a lot of heat and it’s going to cost you a lot of money so again that affects food security significantly so for the affordable housing units that we built … and the windows are very very energy efficient… reduce the cost of heating and cooling … which allow people more money to buy nutritious food.”
“it’s squeezing out a lot of the farmers so everybody has to be more effective and efficient… Farms are either you go big or get out… unless you find a niche market the small farmers are not going to make it now so we are at a bit of a crisis in the industry now in… this whole area”
“when I went to school at least you could boil water… there’s education policies, land use policies, it’s a huge complex issue around policy.”
“healthy food policy for the schools and students that had been in those schools had a lot less obesity than those that weren’t.”
“policy around the deregulation of transportation… through the poverty coalition there is the community transportation system.”
“a healthy relationship with food is understanding why you are eating what you are eating… and so many people struggle with psychological issues… and it is something we need to live.”
May these conversations inspire us all (me included) to be curious about food. Let’s listen, and learn. And, in the process, be gentle. And for wherever you are today – Please know there are people who care.
I am grateful.
Happy Tasting!
Irena