March is Dietitians of Canada Nutrition Month across Canada. In celebration of healthy eating, dietitians across Canada unite to organize events and communications to reinforce the importance of nutrition in achieving health and wellbeing. Nutrition Month celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2006.
The theme of Dietitians of Canada Nutrition Month 2010 is “celebrate food… from field to table” and aims to celebrate and promote Canadian foods, local nutrition resources and practical solutions to help you discover and engage in ways to eat well and live well while learning where our food comes from.
To help celebrate, the Cape Breton Farmer’s Market will welcome CBU’s Chef Daniel Francois’ demonstration of the preparation of Farmers’ Soup. Made using local ingredients, samples will be available paired with bread from the Market. Chopping and sauteing takes place from 10:00 am until Noon.
And to help us feed our minds The Cape Breton District Health Authority will be presenting the film The Edible Schoolyard, which was produced by Slow Food Nova.
The film shares the inspirational story of the students, staff and friends of Dr. Arthur Hines Elementary School and their community garden. It documents the school yard’s transition from pavement to green space, and the gradual change from bagged lunches to healthier, freshly-picked options.
Slow Food Nova is a non-profit organization founded in 1989 to counteract fast food. Led by chef Michael Howell, it teaches the importance of eating healthy food that’s grown close to home.
“Food that’s good for you, that’s produced with no harm to the environment and that farmers are paid a fair price for, helps make dining a celebratory event,” said Mr. Howell.
Each fall, Mr. Howell travels to Dr. Arthur Hines Elementary to help students prepare a meal from the crops they harvest. With the chef’s assistance, they host a feast for the community, with food travelling from field to plate in less than three hours.
“When students grow their own vegetables and see where they come from, they’re not afraid to eat them,” said Mr. Howell. “The garden project has helped to make the healthy choice the more popular choice.”
To learn more about Slow Food Nova Scotia visit www.slowfoodns.ca
While celebrating the goodness of local foods the Cape Breton Farmer’s market is pleased to announced it will be making available dishes from around the world.
In two weeks authentic Chinese dumplings will be available to enjoy hot at the market or to take home. In addition a selection of Sushi will be offered that will come in several distinct styles and flavors.
The Cape Breton Farmers’ Market is located at 340 Keltic Drive, Sydney River, just a stone’s throw from King’s Road, near the Coxheath arena and next to St. Mark’s Church.
To learn more visit www.capebretonfarmersmarket.com
