F is for Food Day Canada

July 31 is Food Day Canada – a day to celebrate Canadian farmers and food workers. You can help celebrate by supporting farmers and producers and choosing local food. So enjoy that visit to the market and say thanks. Seems we’ve had plenty of disagreements this last year and a bit, but surely we can

Thanks a food worker

The recent heat wave in British Columbia has been brutal ,especially for our food workers on farms and it kitchens. As we return to someone less extreme temperatures, please spare a thought for food workers by showing kindness, patience, support and gratuities. Thank a food worker!

Strawberry Fields Aren’t Forever

Unlike the melancholy tune made famous by the Beatles, the strawberry season in this growing region is quite short. Which is why I was so delighted to get the last quart of the beautiful berries grown at Vitale Farm in Salmon Arm at last Saturday’s Downtown Farmers Market. Unlike their year round California cousins, these

Reverent Acres

Reverent Acres is a family farm that recently relocated to Salmon Arm from the Lower Mainland with their newborn, their toddler and their herd of water buffalo. Yes, you read that right. Committed to sustainable farming and grass fed, free range, hormone free and humanely raised meat, they offer a wide selection of products and

Keen on Farm Living

I first spoke to Chelsea Keenan for a story I was working on for Shuswap Magazine. A busy mom of 5 and full time farmer with her partner, I was mindful of how precious her time was given her tremendous and ambitious responsibility. They pasture raise pigs and sheep and have laying hens on their

Happy Days Are Here

Happy Days Goat Dairy based in Silver Creek is a cheese lover’s dream. You name it, they make it and they make it well. They also have a line of milk, yogourt and kaffir. Think Happy, think GOAT (greatest of all time) and support local. Products are widely available in your favourite markets and specialty

Green Croft Gardens in Grindrod

Green Croft Gardens is one of several farms in the Shuswap participating in the Community Supported Agriculture program where community members can buy a weekly subscription for a box of local foods. I always recognize them when I see their iconic green bins overflowing with nature’s goodness. Established in 1988, this organic farm has a

Food and Fun at Farmer John’s

The Shuswap has long been known for its dairy sector. But don’t let the old-fashioned family fun vibe deceive you. This family run farming operation is outstanding in its field for its innovative high-tech practices. They are fervent community and local producer supporters and have a market featuring many of those products. Also, there’s ice

Magical and Marvellous Elderberry

I first went to Elderberry Grove in Salmon Arm, BC on a writing assignment. I was immediately enthralled by the farmer’s passion and knowledge of the elderberry, its ancient history, contribution to modern medicine and versatility. You can use it in ice cream, in baking, in cocktails or just because. But do keep it in

Are Farmers Market Your Jam?

They are for me because there is jam (and jelly) at Farmers Markets. I met Darkhorse Farms & Art Studio from Enderby at the Friday morning market in Canoe and was delighted to find this beautiful rhubarb vanilla jelly. Visit them at local Shuswap markets and find out more by visiting them on Facebook and