by David Parkinson

No matter how old I get, the end of the summer always feels like time to go back to school, time to look back on the summer and forward to the winter, time to make plans and get back to work again.

So what’s your back-to-school project?

Here’s mine. We hear a lot lately about the importance of eating locally. The 50-mile diet here in Powell River is a great example, and a good way of teaching people about what is and isn’t available in the local food-growing area. More than that, it connects people to their local farms and food-growers, whether they go to the open-air market or shop at the places in town that support local food production. Additionally, participation in the eat-local challenge builds relationships between neighbours, since people often share their produce over the back fence (think: zucchinis!).

I believe that local economy will become more important over the next few years as the need for locally-grown food increases, while the need for local economic networks of all kinds becomes more apparent. But how are we supposed to get from here to there?

Here’s one idea: let’s share knowledge about how to become more self-sufficient, grow more food, and preserve what we grow. By the time you read this, there will already have been two workshops on food gardening and preparing a garden for winter. On October 20, local wilderness expert Brian Lee will be leading a workshop on foraging for edible plants and mushrooms.

I’m excited about these workshops, since they allow people to connect with other people who have similar interests and similar concerns about our local food economy. I’m also more than willing to consider all kinds of ideas for workshops that might interest people, whether you yourself are the expert or you want me to find one. Contact me at (604) 485-2004 or fsp@prcn.org. Let’s spread the knowledge!