Yesterday at our local Metro grocery store in Ottawa I paid CAD 3.93 (USD 2.70) for a dozen large eggs.

That was the regular price, not a sale.

Queers at the Table: An Illustrated Guide to Queer Food with Recipes

An anthology of essays, comics, and recipes that reveals the dynamic and transformative relationship between queerness and food

Featured in 2025 CAFS Social, Book Launch and Awards Ceremony

https://foodstudies.info/news-conferences/upcoming-conference/

#CAFS2025 #ACEA2025

Podcast:
In this interview with Rob Dietz of Post Carbon Institute, Caitlin and Rob discuss her passion for prioritizing localized production, community resiliency, and finding meaningful work.

Link: https://www.resilience.org/stories/2025-03-07/overhauling-the-food-system/

“Donald Trump & Elon Musk have declared that feeding children and supporting local farmers are no longer ‘priorities,’ and it’s just the latest terrible cut with real impact on families across Massachusetts”

#politics #food #FoodSupply #FoodSecurity #SchoolLunch #LocalFood https://www.politico.com/news/2025/03/10/usda-cancels-local-food-purchasing-for-schools-food-banks-00222796

Microplastics hinder plant photosynthesis, study finds, threatening millions with starvation https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/mar/10/microplastics-hinder-plant-photosynthesis-study-finds-threatening-millions-with-starvation #Foodsecurity #Environment #Foodscience #Population #Pollution #Worldnews #Plastics #Science #Food

Interested in gardening but have no access to land? Want to grow your own food but aren't sure where to start? Passionate about food security? Come out on April 13 for a volunteer meetup at ComeUnity Roots Garden and see what we're all about!

(and hopefully the snow will be gone by then so you can actually see the garden)

#CommunityGarden #DTK #Kitchener #IronHorseTrail #gardening #garden #foodSovereignty #FoodSecurity #FoodInsecurity #volunteer @WaterlooEvents @waterlooregion

Ooooh...! Some really cool tips here! Well-thought out!

#ClimateChangeGardening: 12 strategies for a #resilient #garden

by Niki Jabbour

"#ClimateChange gardening is a set of tactics that make our yards and gardens more resilient to extreme weather as well as reduce our personal impacts on the climate. There are several ways to approach climate change gardening. You can use sustainable and organic gardening practices that put soil, #biodiversity, and #pollinators first. You can also plan to reduce plastic waste, up-cycle materials, and collect #rainwater.

3 reasons to care about climate change gardening

"Climate change gardening influences the health and success of your garden. When you nurture your soil, foster biodiversity, and support pollinators you create a garden that is more resilient to the challenges of climate change. Here are 3 reasons to care about climate change gardening.

- Extreme weather – The impact of weather related challenges like droughts, storms, precipitation, flooding, and above or below normal temperatures can be reduced with climate change gardening strategies.
- Pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects – Climate change can affect pollinators and birds in various ways. Weather extremes can impact migration timing and success, host plant growth and bloom time, disease and pest issues, and habitat and food supply.
- Non-native invasive pests and plants – With a longer growing season, invasive plants, pests, and diseases will move north and potentially affect plant health and crop yields."

Read more [tips include #NoTill gardening]:
https://savvygardening.com/climate-change-gardening/
#ClimateChange #GardenGuidance #ClimateChangeGardening #Resiliency #GardenGuides #SolarPunkSunday #FoodSecurity #WaterManagement #PestManagement

Understanding #Climate #Resilience in #Gardening

"Climate resilience in gardening refers to the ability of a garden to adapt to changing climatic conditions and environmental stressors. It involves selecting plants that can survive #ExtremeWeather events, conserving #water, building #HealthySoil, and employing #sustainable practices that minimize #environmental impact.

The key components of climate resilience include:

- Biodiversity: A diverse plant selection can create a more robust ecosystem capable of withstanding pests, diseases, and changing weather.
- Soil Health: Healthy soil increases water retention and nutrient availability, allowing plants to thrive even during dry spells.
- Water Management: Efficient use of water resources is vital in periods of drought or heavy rainfall.
- Plant Selection: Choosing native or drought-tolerant plants can ensure that your garden is better adapted to local conditions."

Read more:
https://livetoplant.com/how-to-create-a-climate-resilient-garden/
#ClimateChange #GardenGuidance #ClimateChangeGardening #Resiliency #GardenGuides #SolarPunkSunday #FoodSecurity #WaterManagement #Drought #Wind

My grandfather relied on the #FarmersAlmanac. Good to see they are still around and providing #GardeningGuidance!

A Guide to Starting Vegetable Seeds Indoors

Catherine Boeckmann, February 24, 2025

"When do you start your seeds indoors? Sow too early, and the plants may be ready to leave their pots before it’s warm enough outside. Sow seeds too late, and they won’t have enough time to reach maturity. We’ll provide some tips, as well as a chart on how many weeks to sow indoors before last spring frost.

"The Hindi word for seed is #bija, meaning 'containment of life.' This is an apt description of these tiny miracles that contain everything needed to make a new plant. This time of year, we are up to our elbows in dirt, starting more seeds indoors each week!"

Learn more:
https://www.almanac.com/content/starting-seeds-indoors
#Gardening #FoodSecurity #SolarPunkSunday #SeedStarting #DIY #Gardens

How to Start Seeds Indoors for a Thriving Garden

Written by: Luke Marion
Published on February 19, 2021
Updated on February 6, 2025

"It's super rewarding to watch a plant grow from a tiny seed! Each seed can produce so much food for you and your family while providing more seeds for a continuous cycle of bounty!

"We want to start vegetable plants early to maximize the harvest, but it can feel daunting if you’re new to starting seeds indoors. In this guide, I’ll take the guesswork out of how to start seeds indoors, which containers work best, what supplies you need, and more.
Seedlings emerging from the soil.

Why I Start Seeds Indoors

"Each year, I start seeds indoors that do not benefit from winter sowing. I’ve had great success using DIY seed starting soil, homemade compost, soil blocks, and even vermicompost to start seeds of all types, then transplanting seedlings into the garden when the weather is right.

"The most popular plants to start indoors are tomatoes, peppers, onions, kale, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, celery, eggplant, and herbs like sage and basil. Other varieties, like asparagus, can also be started indoors after cold stratification.

"But not all plants will germinate well when started by seed indoors or they just need more space than indoor growing allows. Crops like spinach, beans, sunflowers, squash, lettuce, peas, carrots, radishes, beets, and other root vegetables grow best when directly sown outdoors."

Read more:
https://migardener.com/blogs/blog/seed-starting-indoors-from-start-to-finish
#Gardening #FoodSecurity #SolarPunkSunday #SeedStarting #DIY #Gardens

Free #SeedLibraries in #Minnesota

Story by Thrifty Minnesota, March 6, 2025

"Free seed libraries are a great way to get seeds to start your garden and learn more about gardening in the process. Here is our list of free seed libraries throughout Minnesota!:"

Learn more:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/parks/free-seed-libraries-in-minnesota/ar-AA1An9Dv
#SeedLibrary #SeedSharing #SolarPunkSunday #BuildingCommunity #SeedSharing #Gardening #FoodSecurity

#Louisiana: #WestFelicianaParish #Library launches a new #SeedLibrary

Feb 18, 2025

"Just in time for spring planting, the West Feliciana Parish Library announces the launch of its Seed Library — a community-driven initiative designed to make gardening accessible to everyone.

"The Seed Library allows patrons to 'borrow' seeds to grow their own food, flowers and herbs. Interested gardeners can take home seeds, plant them, enjoy the harvest, and, if possible, return seeds at the end of the season to keep the cycle going.

"This project was made possible through an #LSU #AgCenter #HealthyCommunitiesGrant and is maintained in partnership with the LSU AgCenter's West Feliciana Parish Extension Office.

"'Our goal is to empower our community with the ability to grow fresh, healthy food while promoting #biodiversity and #SelfReliance,' said Molly Porter, librarian. 'By participating, you're not just growing plants — you’re growing a stronger, more resilient community.'

How to get seeds from the library:

- Sign up: Fill out a Seed Library Patron Form and bring it to the circulation desk.
- Pick your seeds: Choose from a variety of seeds that thrive in the local climate. Three per week limit.
- Log your choices: Record the seeds you take in the binder to help track demand and replenish stock.
- Plant and enjoy: Take the seeds home, plant and watch them grow.
- Return seeds, if you can: If you save seeds from your harvest, bring some back to the library to share with others.

"Throughout the growing season, the library will offer workshops on gardening basics, seed saving and more."

For details, visit www.wfplibrary.org/seeds or stop by the library to get started or contact (225) 245-3752, or mporter@wfplibrary.org
https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/communities/st_francisville/west-feliciana-parish-library-launches-a-new-seed-library/article_d9f400fe-e8cb-11ef-8946-4b3a48ecf5de.html
#SeedLibrary #SeedSharing #SolarPunkSunday #BuildingCommunity #LibrariesRule! #SeedSharing #SeedExchange #Gardening #FoodSecurity

HT @urbanmicrofarmer

"It’s a good time to once again promote the [#Global] Seed Library Map.

https://www.seedlibrarynetwork.org/explore-the-map.html

"On the same site, you can also find information on starting your own seed library, organizing a seed swap, etc."

Original post:
https://kolektiva.social/@urbanmicrofarmer@zirk.us/113999764238880911
#SeedLibrary #SeedLibraries #SolarPunkSunday #BuildingCommunity #SeedSharing #SeedExchange #Gardening #FoodSecurity #SeedSwaps

#NorthCarolina: #DareCounty’s free #SeedLibraries are ready for #SpringPlanting
March 6, 2025

"According to the Dare County Extension Master Gardeners, it’s time to start propagating seeds, and if you’re in search of some special seeds to get you started this season, the Dare County Library has you covered with its free Seed Libraries program.

"Thanks to generous donations made by Burpee Seeds, Sow True Seed, Seed Savers Exchange and Lowe’s Home Improvement, the Dare County Library’s Seed Libraries are fully stocked and ready for 2025 spring planting.

"The Seed Libraries are free to the public, and are available at all three Dare County Library locations, including #HatterasVillage.

"Launched in 2022 as a means to share seeds in communities with #FoodSecurity issues, the Dare County Library’s Seed Library program provides a variety of vegetable, herb, flower and plant seeds that can be 'checked out' from all three Dare County Library branches with the intention of growing them locally.

"Growing instruction cards are available to assist with every type of seed, and a live inventory can be found in the online Seed Library guide.

"After the plant has matured, growers are encouraged to harvest and donate some of their seeds back, thus making the Seed Library truly local and sustainable.

"The long-term goal of the Seed Library is to give locals access to plant varieties that grow and thrive on the #OuterBanks while also providing the knowledge needed to maintain kitchen gardens and reduce household overhead.

"A mix of commercially and locally harvested seeds are available year-round, with types and quantities varying based on supply. A variety of new seeds will also be introduced this year, including celery seed, cowpeas and mustard seeds, among others.

"In addition, the Seed Libraries currently have new varieties of several old favorites, such as three new types of basil, as well as carrots and an array of different lettuces to make the perfect salad—plus so much more.

"For additional information about the Seed Library program, please stop by your local branch or visit https://earlibrary.libguides.com/DareCountyLibrarySeedLibrary

Source:
https://islandfreepress.org/hatteras-island-features/dare-countys-free-seed-libraries-are-ready-for-spring-planting/
#SeedLibrary #SeedSharing #SolarPunkSunday #BuildingCommunity #LibrariesRule! #SeedSharing #SeedExchange #Gardening #FoodSecurity

Strawberry fields forever, and with transparent #PV

Scientists have grown strawberries under thin-film cadmium telluride panels with varying transparency. They found that 40% transparency maintained a greater than 80% yield of uncovered plants. If all strawberry farms in the world were converted to #agrivoltaics, they would produce up to 173 TWh a year.

by Lior Kahana, February 25, 2025

"The experiment started on February 20, 2024; data was collected across 112 days. Per the results, the average fresh weight of the control strawberries was up to 50.8 g. The 10% transparency module had underneath a fresh weight of up to 9.5 g, the 30% had 15 g, the 40% had 25.5 g, the 50% had 20 g, the 60% performed with 19.5 g, the 70% with 51.7 g and the 80% transparency had an average fresh weight of 30.7 g.

"'The results indicate that strawberries grown under 70% transparency PV modules exhibited a fresh weight 140.6% of the average control,' the group said. 'Additionally, yields exceeding 80% of the control were observed with 40%, 50%, and 80% transparent PV modules, which makes their deployment legal for areas that have agrivoltaics policy based on maintaining a greater than 80% yield.'

"Based on their data, the academics conducted a statistical analysis that proved that the transparency rate impacts the growth yield. This analysis found a strong positive correlation between the measured photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and strawberry fresh weight, with Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) of 0.693. PAR represents the portion of light that plants use for photosynthesis.

"In addition, the researchers used their results and the system advisor model (SAM) software to estimate the electricity generation potential of strawberry agrivoltaics farms in Canada and globally. They found that the Canadian potential ranges between 595 GWh and 1,786 GWh annually, depending on the transparency level of the modules. That will result in a CO2 emission reduction of 65 kilotons (kt) to 196 kt annually. On a global scale, the electricity potential of strawberry fields ranges between 58 TWh and 173 TWh, and the CO2 reduction is between 27 Mt and 82 Mt annually.

"'The adoption of agrivoltaics in the Canadian strawberry sector could facilitate energy self-sufficiency and transform it into a net electricity exporter, generating additional revenue for farmers,' the team concluded. “These findings highlight the substantial benefits of agrivoltaics, including enhanced agricultural productivity, significant clean energy generation, increased farmer income, and lower food prices.'"

Read more:https://www.pv-magazine.com/2025/02/25/strawberry-fields-forever-and-with-transparent-pv/
#FoodSecurity #SolarPunkSunday #SolarCells #SolarPower #SolarPunk #RenewableEnergy #RenewablesNow #TransparentSolarPanels #TransparentPhotovoltaics #TransparentsPV

Buy Canadian
Good news about the company Inspired Greens! Fairway Foods (Fairway Market) in Sidney BC sells their excellent living lettuce grown in Canada - Alberta. Can you ask for it at your grocery store?
https://inspiredgreens.ca/

The future of food is urban greenhouses and small family farms that use ages old conservation & regenerative soil practices. It's not factory farms of any kind. And anyone with a yard can do some gardening. Anyone with a sunny window or porch/balcony can grow herbs & spices and many greens. We need to be proactive about food security, starting at home. A neighborhood swap is a micro farmer's market, too.

The book: https://store.motherearthnews.com/pages/offer-mmeemq34?r=6433H6754001C5K

#southdakota #usda #foodsecurity #tuskShutdown #dogees

https://www.dakotanewsnow.com/2025/03/08/usda-funding-cuts-affect-local-food-pantries/