DIY Fall Crafts

Fall is in full swing! The leaves are falling, the air is crisp, and the rain is starting to fall – grab your jackets and go outside to see all the changes that are happening this season. Below are some fun DIY crafts that you can do with your children this fall:

Pinecone Birdfeeder

What you need:

  • Pinecones
  • String
  • Peanut butter or vegetable shortening
  • Oats
  • Birdseed mix from the store
  • Plate

Directions:

  1. Tie a string around the pinecone.
  2. Mix ½ cup peanut butter/shortening with ½ cup oats
  3. Use a spoon (or fingers) to spread the mixture onto the pinecone. Make sure to get the mixture into the open areas of the pinecone. It’s easier if the mixture is warm.
  4. Place birdseed on to a plate. Roll and press seed onto pinecone until well covered.
  5. Hang your pinecone feeder in a tree just outside your window, you can watch the birds come and energize themselves with the food you have provided them.

Leaf Prints

What you need:

  • leaves from outside
  • paper
  • poster paint
  • paintbrushes
  • newspaper

Directions:

  1. Collect leaves from outside, fresh and fallen leaves both work
  2. Lay out newspaper on the table or floor to protect the surface and then put your paper on top
  3. get a plate to add your paint to, you may want to add a bit of water to make it a tad bit runnier
  4. take your leaf and paint the entire underside
  5. carefully flip the leaf over and press firmly on to the paper for several seconds to ensure it all transfers
  6. remove the leaf and you now have a leaf print! you can continue with different colours and different shaped leaves to create fun fall artwork

On Sunday, October 6 our POP Club kids will be learning about what’s in season this fall as they make fall fruit skewers. Learn more about the POP Club here and visit us at the market to register.

The POP Club is a farmer’s market-based kids program. Children (ages 5 – 12 years old) will learn about fruits and vegetables, local food systems and healthy food preparation through fun activities all season long.

Each week children will earn a $3 market token to use towards any fruit or vegetable of their choice. There is no cost to participate and the program runs every Sunday rain or shine!

Seed Saving

What is seed saving?

Seed Saving is the practice of harvesting seeds from vegetables, fruits, grains, herbs, and flowers for use from year to year. This practice is the traditional way that farms and gardens were maintained for thousands of years! Saving seeds is also a great way to save money by recycling last year’s seeds, instead of going out and repurchasing them at the store.

Seed Saving with Children:

Seed Saving with your children teaches them about sustainability practices, self-sufficiency, the history of farming, science, where their food comes from and why it is important to preserve farming methods such as seed saving. To harvest seeds with your children, start in late summer and early fall. Below are some tips for harvesting seeds:

Flowers- once the flowers have finished blooming, dry some of the plant heads and then collect the seeds and store in a reusable container. Don’t forget to label what is inside, and store in a cool dry place.

Fruit- you can harvest seeds from ripe fruit also, just be sure to remove as much of the pulp from the seeds as you can. Then lay them out on a newspaper to dry. Store them in a reusable container right on the newspaper and label them, leave it in a cool dry place. You can plant the seed stuck to the newspaper directly in the ground in the spring!

Peas and Beans- allow the pods to ripen on the plant, once they are dry and turn brown you can harvest the seeds. Remove the pods from the plant and let them dry whole, 2 weeks or until the next season when you are ready to plant. Label them and put them in a reusable container.

So next time you accidentally let your broccoli go to flower or you are slicing up a tomato from your garden, remember you can save those seeds and use them to plant your garden in the spring. This is a great way to save money and feel self-sufficient, and it is lots of fun for children as well!

On Sunday, September 29 our POP Club kids will be doing a Seed and Magnifying Glass activity, in this activity we will look at various seeds up close to learn about some of the differences in them and try to match the seeds with the fruit or vegetable that grows from them. Learn more about the POP Club here and visit us at the market to register.

The POP Club is a farmer’s market-based kids program. Children (ages 5 – 12 years old) will learn about fruits and vegetables, local food systems and healthy food preparation through fun activities all season long.

Each week children will earn a $3 market token to use towards any fruit or vegetable of their choice. There is no cost to participate and the program runs every Sunday rain or shine!

Here Comes Fall

The rain has started to fall and the leaves are changing colours which can only mean one thing, Fall is fast approaching! The Fall season starts on September 23rd this year and brings changes to the market, we will slowly begin to see less fruit and more autumn vegetables become available. Below are some recipes to welcome Fall and all the fresh produce it has to offer, shop the market for ingredients this Sunday, September 22nd!

Oven Roasted Root Vegetables

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb beets, red or golden, trimmed and scrubbed
  • 1 butternut squash, peeled and seeded
  • 1 large yam, peeled
  • 1 large parsnip, peeled
  • 1 large carrot, peeled
  • 1/2 red onion
  • 6-8 whole garlic cloves
  • 3 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line a cookie sheet with foil. Cut vegetables into 1 ½ inch chunks. Toss vegetables in a large bowl with garlic cloves, thyme leaves, and 3 tbsp olive oil till evenly coated.

2. Spread the veggies out in an even layer and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper.

3. Roast the vegetables in the hot oven for about 45 minutes, stirring once halfway through cooking, until vegetables are tender and starting to turn golden. Serve hot. (recipe from www.toriavey.com)

Autumn Fruit Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 medium pears, diced
  • 2 medium apples, diced
  • 1 cup grapes, halved
  • 1/3 cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 teaspoons freshly grated lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup or honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoons ground nutmeg
  •  1/3 cup pecans, chopped

Directions:

1. Place pears, apples, and grapes in a large bowl. Toss gently to combine. Set aside.

2. To a small bowl, add the yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Use a wire whisk to blend well.

3. Drizzle dressing over the fruit. Toss gently until fruit is coated. Scoop into bowls and sprinkle with pecans. Serve immediately. (recipe from www.kitchentreaty.com)

On Sunday, September 22 our POP Club kids will be doing a Fall Scavenger Hunt around the market. Learn more about the POP Club here and visit us at the market to register.

The POP Club is a farmer’s market-based kids program. Children (ages 5 – 12 years old) will learn about fruits and vegetables, local food systems and healthy food preparation through fun activities all season long.

Each week children will earn a $3 market token to use towards any fruit or vegetable of their choice. There is no cost to participate and the program runs every Sunday rain or shine!

We’re Hiring!

The Coquitlam Farmers Market invites applications for the Assistant Market Manager position. Reporting to the Market Manager, the Assistant Market Manager is responsible for ensuring the smooth onsite operation of our weekly, outdoor farmers markets.

About the Coquitlam Farmers Market:
Coquitlam Farmers Market (CFM) is a non-profit, volunteer driven organization and is one of the longest running suburban farmers markets in the Lower Mainland, our beginnings rooted in a community economic development project initiated by SFU students in 1996.

On Market Day:
• May-October attends weekly Sunday markets (7am-3pm)
• November-April attends weekly Sunday markets (8am-3pm)
• Responsible for the set up and tear down of market site logistics, including: putting up directional
signs in the surrounding community, picking up and returning materials and product from storage,
setting up and taking down tents, tables, banners, and other market day materials.
• Acts as vendor contact when Market Manager is on vacation – loading in vendors, collecting fees,
answer inquiries.
• Manages market information tent and kids’ craft area
• Manages special events at market
• Manages workshop tent on workshop days
• Manages market staff and volunteers, community groups, and entertainers
• Positively handles concerns and queries
• Provides market information to shoppers and vendors
• Positively represents the Coquitlam Farmers Market to the community

Beyond Market Day:
• Organizes activities, and educational initiatives to be held at the market and beyond
• Develops, plans, and implements special events and workshops
• Manages membership program
• Manages volunteer program – including recruitment, scheduling and oversight, and recognition
• Maintains market equipment, including market van, to ensure all is in working order
• Manages and fulfills supply needs for the market, including but not limited to, items for coffee service,
craft materials, workshop supplies, and other miscellaneous items.
• Coordinates and recruits weekly entertainers and community groups
• Maintains CFM website – including event and workshop listings and vendor updates and weekly
activity updates
• Creates social media content including posts, vendor features, and event and workshop listings
• Composes and distributes monthly market newsletter
• Works from home office on projects for the season.

We are looking for someone who:
• Has excellent and creative event planning skills
• Enjoys working in a fast paced environment and being outside in all weather conditions
• Enjoys physical labor and getting their hands dirty
• Has strong time management skills and is detail oriented
• Has excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills
• Is self directed, reliable, responsible, and flexible
• Can lift up to 10kgs of equipment
• Holds a valid BC drivers license with a good driving record and has the ability to drive the market van
to and from market, and store van during the week.

The ideal candidate will also have the following characteristics:
• An interest and/or experience in the local food movement, food security issues, and community • Familiarity with the Tri-Cities area is an asset
• Experience of familiarity with the not-for-profit sector

Terms of Contract:
• This is a salaried, part time position
• 24hrs/wk – $17/hr + 4% vacation pay

Please forward a cover letter and resume, describing how your background/experience meets the above criteria to info@makebakegrow.com.

We thank all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Rethinking the 3 R’s

Many of us grew up reciting the 3 R’s in the classroom, that is, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. However, as we have become more aware of our impact on the Earth that model has transformed into a waste hierarchy of 5 R’s to consider before considering disposing of an item into the landfill. (image retrieved from: https://www.nawma.sa.gov.au/education-partnerships/waste-hierarchy/)

Waste Hierarchy Pyramid:

Reduce – This is the best approach, reduce the amount of stuff you buy in the first place so that fewer things need to be recycled or taken to the landfill. Tip: Say no to single-use plastic.

Reuse – Whether it is you finding another use for an item you no longer need, or buying/giving from thrift stores, reusing an item is the next best approach. Tip: Check out the thrift store for that trendy top instead of resorting to fast fashion.

Repair – Instead of automatically throwing something in the recycling or garbage when it breaks, try repairing it first. Tip: You can also try taking it to a repair shop and have a trained professional help.

Recycle – This is level 4 on the hierarchy, as you can see Recycling has been pushed further down the list. Recycling of an item allows new items to be produced from the waste, though this is costly and doesn’t always result in a quality product. Tip: try to reduce, reuse, and repair to avoid the number of things needing to be recycled.

Recovery-  The final R in our hierarchy; this refers to taking the waste and transforming it into energy through processes such as incineration and landfill gas recovery. However, once this energy is used then it can’t be used again, and that is why it is so low on the hierarchy. Tip: since this R is out of your control as a consumer focus on Reduce, Reuse, Repair, and Recycle.

Dispose – The last place we want our waste to end up is in the landfill; not only is waste management very expensive for municipalities, but we are also running out of room in landfills (also, landfills can be harmful to the environment!). Tip: Reduce, Reuse, Repair, and Recycle!)

On Sunday, September 15 our POP Club kids will be learning about reducing waste and doing an activity called Green Bin, Blue Bin, Black Bin. Learn more about the POP Club here and visit us at the market to register.

The POP Club is a farmer’s market-based kids program. Children (ages 5 – 12 years old) will learn about fruits and vegetables, local food systems and healthy food preparation through fun activities all season long.

Each week children will earn a $3 market token to use towards any fruit or vegetable of their choice. There is no cost to participate and the program runs every Sunday rain or shine!

Is it a Fruit or is it a Vegetable?

The differences between fruits and vegetables may seem obvious; vegetables are often savoury and used in cooking while fruits are sweet and used in desserts, right? It may seem that easy, but however it is not always that simple (think of the great tomato debate!), the distinction between the two is actually based on botany.

What is botany?
Botany is the science of plant life and a branch of biology. Botanists study over 400,000 species of land plants, and ultimately make the distinction between what is a fruit and what is a vegetable.

What makes a fruit a fruit?
The fruit is a seed-bearing structure that develops from the ovary of a flowering plant. Apples, squash, and tomatoes are all fruit.

What makes a vegetable a vegetable?
All other plant parts are considered a vegetable; such as roots, leaves, and stems. Beets, potatoes, spinach, and broccoli are all vegetables.

Try this…
Next time you are walking around the market pick up some of the produce and try to figure out if it is considered a fruit or a vegetable, you may be surprised with how many things we cook with and consider vegetables are actually fruit!

On Sunday, September 8 our POP Club kids will become fruit and vegetable experts as they learn the differences between the two. Learn more about the POP Club here and visit us at the market to register.

The POP Club is a farmer’s market-based kids program. Children (ages 5 – 12 years old) will learn about fruits and vegetables, local food systems and healthy food preparation through fun activities all season long.

Each week children will earn a $3 market token to use towards any fruit or vegetable of their choice. There is no cost to participate and the program runs every Sunday rain or shine!

Summer Wind Down Salsas

Summer has begun to wind down as we make our way into fall, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy the flavours of summer! Making your own salsa at home is easier than you think, and it will surely be tastier than store-bought as well. Below are some delicious salsa recipes for you to try making at home with ingredients you’ve sourced from the market.

Fresh Peach Salsa

Ingredients

  • 1 lb tomatoes diced
  • 1 bell pepper 4 oz, seeded and finely diced
  • 2 jalapenos seeded and finely diced
  • 1 medium onion finely diced
  • 1 1/2 lbs peaches diced
  • 1/2 bunch cilantro chopped
  • 2 Tbsp lime juice
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper or to taste

Instructions

  1. Chop tomatoes and transfer them to a large bowl.
  2. Finely chop seeded bell pepper and jalapeños. Finely chop onion and transfer all your veggies to the bowl.
  3. Dice the peaches. I liked the slightly larger dice for peaches to give them more of the center stage in this salsa. No need to peel them. You won’t notice the peels and the color is prettier with the peel on. Transfer peaches to your bowl.
  4. Add 1/2 bunch chopped cilantro, 2 Tbsp lime juice, 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Add more salt and pepper to taste if desired. Fold everything together until well mixed and enjoy! www.natashasrecipes.com

Easy Homemade Salsa

Ingredients
  • 8 medium tomatoes
  • ½ cup diced red onion
  • 1 jalapeño pepper (serrano pepper also works)
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro
  • 1-2 garlic cloves
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • ½ tsp cumin
Directions
  1. Finely dice tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño pepper, garlic and cilantro. Combine in a large bowl and add lemon juice, lime juice and seasoning.
  2. Alternatively, process all ingredients in a food processor for 30 seconds. blog.fablunch.com

Salsa Verde

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 lb. tomatillos or green tomatoes
  • 1 white onion
  • 4 serrano chiles
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 12 sprigs cilantro
  • 2 tbsp. cooking oil
  • 1 1/2 tsp. salt + to taste

Instructions

  • Remove the papery husks from the tomatillos and rinse to remove the sticky residue.
  • Quarter the onion.
  • Add all of the ingredients except the cilantro and salt to a large pot and just cover with water.
  • Bring the water and ingredients to a boil and then simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Blend the cooked ingredients and the cilantro with the cooking water until smooth. (About 30 seconds)
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in the pot.
  • Pour the blended salsa back into the pot with the hot cooking oil.
  • Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
  • Add the salt and adjust if necessary. mexicanfoodjournal.com

On Sunday, September 1 our POP Club kids will be making peach salsa with ingredients sourced from the market. Learn more about the POP Club here and visit us at the market to register.

The POP Club is a farmer’s market-based kids program. Children (ages 5 – 12 years old) will learn about fruits and vegetables, local food systems and healthy food preparation through fun activities all season long.

Each week children will earn a $3 market token to use towards any fruit or vegetable of their choice. There is no cost to participate and the program runs every Sunday rain or shine!

Where Do Fruit and Vegetables Grow?

Many people are not aware of how the fruits and vegetables they eat grow. Unless you garden yourself or get a chance to visit a farm to experience growing food you may not realize how many different ways there are for fruits and vegetables to grow. Next time you are walking around the market try to guess where everything you pick up grows, does it grow on a bush, or maybe out of the ground? Below are the common ways fruit and vegetables grow:

Ground– the ground is a common place to find vegetables. Some grow under the ground and are root vegetables like beets and carrots, others are bulb vegetables such as onions, and some vegetables grow straight up from the ground such as asparagus and broccoli.

Vines- vines are another way you will see fruits and vegetables growing. Did you know that melons grow on vines along the ground? Other vine foods include grapes, beans, and cucumbers. Many vine plants grow upwards but some, like melons, are too heavy and so they grow along the ground.

Bush/plant- a bush is often somewhere you think of fruit growing, you are probably very familiar with blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries. Another common thing that grows on bushes are peppers, both hot and sweet. Others include bush beans, tomatoes, and summer squash.

Trees– it is probably easy to think of some fruits that grow on trees, such as apples and pears which are pome fruits, or peaches, cherries, and nectarines which are stone fruits. The summer is a good time at the market to find food that grows on trees.

On Sunday, August 25 our POP Club kids will be learning about how and where some of the fruits and vegetables at market grow. Learn more about the POP Club here and visit us at the market to register.

The POP Club is a farmer’s market-based kids program. Children (ages 5 – 12 years old) will learn about fruits and vegetables, local food systems and healthy food preparation through fun activities all season long.

Each week children will earn a $3 market token to use towards any fruit or vegetable of their choice. There is no cost to participate and the program runs every Sunday rain or shine!

The Many Roles of a Farmer

Many people do not realize how complex farming truly is. There are many kinds of farming (eg. livestock, crop, tree, dairy, and many more) and each type of farming requires specialized skills and knowledge. A farmers task varies greatly according to the type of farming, the type of crop or livestock, which machinery and equipment are used, and what size the farming operation is. Below are just a few examples of the different roles that a farmer has:

Veterinarian- must be able to assist with the birth of animals, recognize disease, and administer medicine

Meteorologist- must have a good understanding of weather and climate in order to plan and be prepared for weather changes

Mechanic- must know how to operate heavy machinery, as well as fix it

Nutritionist- must know how to properly feed livestock on the farm and supply the nutrition they need to be healthy

Scientist- must have knowledge of soil composition in order to know which seeds to use, as well as which fertilizers to use

Engineer- must have knowledge of constructing various buildings, fences, irrigation ditches, and how to use natural resources

Business Manager- must have knowledge of how a business runs, the selling of farm products, also keep track of farm equipment and be responsible for payments

Resource Conservationist- must be able to recognize species of plants and trees and know when and how to properly clear trees, prevent soil erosion, and be able to recognize and manage fire

On Sunday, August 18 our POP Club kids will be learning about the roles of a farmer with a Hats Farmers Wear activity. Learn more about the POP Club here and visit us at the market to register.

The POP Club is a farmer’s market-based kids program. Children (ages 5 – 12 years old) will learn about fruits and vegetables, local food systems and healthy food preparation through fun activities all season long.

Each week children will earn a $3 market token to use towards any fruit or vegetable of their choice. There is no cost to participate and the program runs every Sunday rain or shine!

Teaching Children Financial Literacy

What is Financial Literacy?

Financial literacy is the ability to understand how you make money, manage money, and spend money.

Financial Literacy for Children:

Early training and financial literacy help establish healthy money management behaviour for the future. Teaching children how to save, spend, and share helps them to understand that money is limited and must be managed properly. Furthermore, teaching children that money is earned through hard work teaches them that money is not free and helps them to understand how work and money are connected.

Financial Literacy in the POP Club:

Our Power of Produce Club teaches children ages 5-12 that they must do ‘work’ to earn money. Each week they are required to complete an activity, the two-bite club, and fill out their passports in order to earn their $3 POP token. Children can then decide how they want to spend their token, or they can learn to save their tokens for future fruit and vegetable purchases at the farmers market.

On Sunday, August 11 our POP Club kids will be learning about earning, saving, and spending with a Financial Literacy activity. Learn more about the POP Club here and visit us at the market to register.

The POP Club is a farmer’s market-based kids program. Children (ages 5 – 12 years old) will learn about fruits and vegetables, local food systems and healthy food preparation through fun activities all season long.

Each week children will earn a $3 market token to use towards any fruit or vegetable of their choice. There is no cost to participate and the program runs every Sunday rain or shine!