What we do

EDUCATION & CAPACITY BUILDING: FEASt is all about sharing knowledge and skills; through workshops, displays at community events, presentations in schools etc. And within FEASt we are identifying members’ strengths to share and areas where we want to learn more.

GET GROWING NEIGHBORHOODS PROJECT: Several exciting projects by FEASt: connecting new growers with local mentors, resource sharing, mapping local food and DIY projects inspired by Food Not Lawns. Food Not Lawns is a growing international effort to produce more local food in urban centres. It is about building community, living in environmentally sustainable and creative ways, and having fun getting our hands in the dirt. For more info on Food Not Lawns read the book by Heather Flores or visit her website www.foodnotlawns.net

LAND USE: To protect, and put into sustainable use, farmland in and near the city with the aim to achieve long-term food security we are :

• working with the Friends of Pippy Park to develop a long-term plan for increasing gardening and farming in Pippy Park. In 2009 we assessed land in Pippy Park to locate sites most suitable for future gardens. This project has moved forward with the establishment of the Oxen Pond Community Garden and the Pippy Park Children’s Learning Garden.
• looking into the legal and fundraising aspects of establishing Community Land Trusts (CLT) on the Northeast Avalon to preserve agricultural land and provide opportunities to train younger farmers. CLTs are non-profits that hold land “in trust” for the community, with the intention of preserving its environmental integrity.
• providing input into Municipal and Regional Land Use Planning Processes.

FOOD POLICY: In collaboration with diverse community members and groups, FEASt is developing policies that promote equitable food access, good nutrition, environmentally sustainable food production & procurement, and responsible food waste disposal. Two initial priorities identified are:

• St. John’s Urban Agriculture Resolution: Although not binding by law, a municipal resolution could raise public awareness of, and be used to hold the City accountable for, supporting healthy, sustainable, and accessible food production within St. John’s. (Example from Victoria, BC http://www.communitycouncil.ca/crfair_nl/PDFs/Urban_Agriculture_Resolution.pdf)
• Institutional Food Policy: Institutions (hospitals, universities, schools, government departments, etc) are major consumers and providers of food. Most have contracts with food suppliers who are unconcerned with sustainability. A policy document on sustainable food procurement and disposal is being developed by us for institutions and can be used to inform future contracts and practices.