Parkdale Activity-Recreation Centre

The West End Food Co-operative (WEFC) is a nonprofit multi-stakeholder co-operative – with consumer, employee, and producer/supplier members. WEFC is committed to the development of community food culture in Toronto’s West End, and acts as a catalyst for local food security.

PRESERVING PARKDALE PROJECT

What is the Parkdale Processing Project?

The project will have members of the Parkdale community gathering together to learn and share methods for preserving fruits and vegetables. This project will increase the amount of local and affordable, delicious and nutritious food in Parkdale!

Why a Processing Project in Parkdale?

Led by the West End Food Co-op with Parkdale Activity Recreation Centre (PARC) this project will create new opportunities for PARC Peer Kitchen Crew Leaders, people who diligently work at addressing hunger in the Parkdale area. These leaders will learn advanced methods of conserving and then act as experts in the community, teaching others. The West End Food Co-op and PARC will offer community workshops in preserving with a focus on local and healthy food.

Throughout this project the West End Food Co-op, with the cooperation of its many farmers, producers and members, will be exploring their path towards community kitchen programming at the co-op while creating a how-to manual on food canning and processing within this community kitchen model.

In partnership these two groups hope to achieve a significant revival of our long standing canning and preserving traditions.

Where can I get more Information?

Info for Farmers and Producers:

Sally Miller, West End Food Co-op Coordinator sally@westendfood.coop

For Drop-Ins, Kitchen Leaders and Program Staff:

Michelle Quintal, Community Mental Health Worker/Program Chef mquintal@parc.on.ca

For Volunteer Opportunities and General Inquires: www.westendfood.coop or info@westendfood.coop