Welcome to the first FFI newsletter of 2022!
The new year has well & truly begun, leaving behind us the Burran (kangaroo) season with its indicative blooming of the Weetjellan or Acacia Implexa (see Dharawal calendar story).
Our team is working hard behind the scenes to launch the Wollongong Online Farmers Market early next month in partnership with Healthy Cities Illawarra. This initiative will provide an additional pathway to TOGETHER grow a more resilient, sustainable and local food economy – for our community, our producers and our environment. Timely, given the pandemic related supply chain disruption and food scarcity over the past few months, once again amplify the importance of shorter and more localised food supply chains.
Read on for:
- The many ways you can get involved in building a fairer food system.
- Our Fair Food Guide section focusing on the many ways we can minimise waste in our households, workplaces and daily routines.
- This issue’s Fair Food Champion Rebecca Smits, who has contributed to our local community through her honours thesis research project “Strengthening Local Food System Governance”.
- What’s on for the upcoming months and a number of must reads & podcasts.
Together growing a more resilient, sustainable and local food economy
Launching in March – Wollongong Online Farmers Market will be your weekly click & collect for local & sustainable food. Fill your cart with goods from over 20 different local producers and collect each Thursday from our Fairy Meadow hub. Sign up to the WOFM Newsletter for a launch invite.
PHD Food System governance Research
Have you been involved in food-related policymaking, consultation, or advocacy? We want to hear from you! If you are willing to take part in a brief interview (online or in person) or participate in a roundtable discussion. Please contact Joanna.
Draft Mobile Food Vending Policy and Trial
Have you seen a mobile food truck or van near you? Wollongong council wants to hear from you! The Wollongong Council has recently approved a draft mobile food vending policy, which allows vendors to trade on public land, creating a vibrant space and increasing diversity in food options. Click here for more
Nominate your fair food champion
Do you know someone who would be a great #FairFoodChampion to be featured in our next newsletter?
The #FairFoodChampion segment is our way to recognise and celebrate the amazing champions we have in our community, all working towards a fairer food system.
Click here for more
Dharawal season: The Time of BURRAN – GADALUNG MAROOL (Hot and Dry)
The time of the Burran (kangaroo) marks the period when fruits, seeds and the roots and tubers of plants have finished flowering, making up their staple diet. It signifies the hottest time of the year and the blooming of the weetjellan (Acacia Implexa).
Click here for more
| Fair Food Champion: Rebecca Smits Rebecca recently graduated with a Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Wollongong. Rebecca was a part of a research team for her honours thesis which focused on a project called “Strengthening Local Food System Governance”. Click here for more |
Workshop Outcomes: Creating a Healthy, Sustainable, and Equitable Food System
During this workshop, the findings and resources produced by the project were discussed. Alongside shared experiences from researchers, advocates, and local government representatives. Are you interested in the workshop outcomes?
Click here for more
Our Fair Foods Field Guide, Minimising Waste, highlights the importance of minimising your food waste and demonstrates the techniques and habits we can all utilise to make a positive impact.
Leftovers can make a quick, easy and delicious meal and they can be combined easily with staples to create entirely new meals. Click here for more
Extend the life of food and save your money with new, tasty foods such as pickles and jams – learn the art of preservation. Click here for more
Planning the meal is a simple way to save your time, money, reduce food waste and incorporate healthy meals into your week. Click here for more
Understanding the difference between best before and use by dates can save you money and trips to the grocery store. Click here for more
Want more? Head to the Minimising Waste section of our Fair Food Guide to find:
- Compostable and sustainable disposal
- Waste conscious shopping
- Use the whole thing
| Our awesome database of fair food events in the Illawarra region and online has workshops, seminars, markets, community garden days, and cooking classes. We’ve listed a few exciting events coming up in the fair food calendar: |
Home Composting Workshop
Wednesday (13th April) | 9am – 12pm
Learn the basics of successful composting in your own home. No yard? No worries! There is a composting method to suit every situation. To attend, you must be a resident of the Kiama Municipality.
Click here for more
Home Mushroom Cultivation
Monday (2nd May) | 9:00 am
A self-paced, online course to grow delicious and medicinal mushrooms, wherever you live – using organic low-waste techniques. Learning sustainable, low-cost skills for cultivating mountains of mushrooms to eat and share.
Click here for more
Podcasts
Public Health Nutrition from Foodies in the Field
A podcast showcasing stories and projects from diverse, dynamic and fascinating public health nutritionists and other foodies. Join Sophie Wright-Pedersen in speaking with our very own Berbel Franse and others who positively impact our food community.
Click here to listen
Futuresteading
This is a conversation about the future. About creating a culture that values tomorrow. Each month we chat to people prominent and humble in food, farming, health and environment, gathering practical advice and epic solidarity.
Click here to listen
War on Waste
A war on waste has begun to find the truth behind the way our nation manages waste, and what we can do about it. Join Craig Reucassel and Wendy Harmer as they explore issues in waste management, talk to those behind change, and learn how every little bit can make a difference.
Click here to listen
Reads
“A Repurposed Life” by Jessica Chapnik Kahn and Ronni Kahn
A Repurposed Life is the story of how Ronni found her voice, her heart and her deepest calling. When Ronni Kahn hit midlife, she found herself no longer able to turn a blind eye to her food waste problem.
Click here for more
“Cooking with Scraps: Turn Your Peels, Cores, Rinds, and Stems into Delicious Meals” by Lindsay-Jean Hard
Cooking with Scraps: Turn Your Peels, Cores, Rinds, and Stems into Delicious Meals is a cookbook that encompasses a reference guide for what to do with all of the little bits of food you tend to throw away when you cook. Make your kitchen more efficient, and more creative!
Click here for more
“The Changing Face of Farming” by Young Farmers Connect
The Changing Face of Farming is the YFC magazine issue dedicated to elevating and celebrating the roles and voices of women. From those who are passionately driving the fair food movement, building resilient communities, exploring suburban farming and feeding their community.
Click here for more
“Dinner Express” by George Georgievski
Dinner Express is the ultimate solution for busy people and families who want to cook more homemade meals but are struggling to find the time or inspiration.
Click here for more
Proudly hosted and governed by Healthy Cities Illawarra since 2005
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of D’harawal Country where our organisation is located. We pay our deepest respects to the Elders past, present and emerging.
While FFI takes every reasonable effort to ensure that the information contained within this newsletter is correct at the time of issue, we recommend that the individual takes care to confirm details, as events especially are subject to last minute changes, and run at the organiser’s discretion.
