Karen Curtis is a Freshet News food columnist.
By Karen Curtis
As I write this, I am watching the beautiful rainfall and am so very thankful for it.
Now, if only it would blanket the province. Wildfire season seems to get worse every year and it is impacting the entire world.
At a time when it feels like there is very little we can do, I want to remind you all the shopping locally is one small thing that can have a big impact.
Supporting our local farmers — whether at a farm stand, farmers market or grocery store — can really help. Purchasing food that has been grown nearby reduces the transport needed and keeps money here.
You all know my preference for a farmers market and this is prime market season. Have a look at all the markets in the area:
Burnaby: Saturday at the City of Lougheed from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sunday at Brentwood Mall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
New Westminster: Thursdays at Tipperary Park from 3 to 7 p.m.
Port Moody: Wednesdays at the Port Moody Rec Centre from 3 to 7 p.m.
Port Coquitlam: Thursdays at Leigh Square from 3 to 7 p.m.
Coquitlam: Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Each market has a host of farmers and food producers for you to fill up on your weekly grocery needs, and keep your footprint smaller.
Here is a fabulous recipe to make the most out of all that bounty. The kids in my cooking programs love the crunchy sweetness of the apples and hazelnuts, and the mama in me loves how easy it is to make and all the nutrition it packs in. Toss in a handful of chicken, serve it with some fresh bread and you’ve got yourself a meal.
Karen Curtis is a community kitchen facilitator, local food advocate and chef educator. She also owns KICS Lemonade, a home-based farmers market business.
Featured image: kimia kazemi/Unsplash
Dining and Cooking