Although spring still seems to be eons away, it’s time to start thinking about seeds! Growing your own food, whether you have one tomato plant or a huge outdoor garden, is a wonderful way to connect with the earth, experience the miracle of creation, and get some tasty, healthy food.

Seeds are usually ordered in February or March, and if you are planning on starting seedlings indoors, March or April is the best time.

There are thousands of seed companies to choose from, with varying seed types and prices. If you are looking for conventional seeds, Lindenberg seeds is a Manitoba, family run, company that offers hundreds of seed varieties, all of which are labelled according to hybrid, non-hybrid, heirloom, etc. They are very affordable, and have lots of different options. They can be found at:  www.lindenbergseeds.ca

Heirloom seeds are a dying type. Because of the demand for vegetables that are uniform, easy to ship pack and store, thousands of varieties have become extinct. For years garden growers have carefully bred plants to come up with the best varieties. These interesting, alternative vegetables have many values, but have sadly become increasingly hard to find. Rare and endangered heirloom seed varieties can be found at www.heritageharvestseed.com. As an added bonus, they offer online shopping and ordering.

Growing seeds can be an intimidating undertaking, but the value is worth the work.  Not only does it encourage one to become more attuned to weather patterns and soil quality, and therefore to be more mindful of creation; the health benefits of working outside and eating more fresh foods make it an edifying experience and the wonderful taste of fresh picked, home grown vegetables is enough.



Fast for Change

Each year, October 16th marks World Food Day, a day where we remember the gross injustices in the distribution of food globally. Fast for Change, resources put out by the Canadian Food Grains Bank, provide a guide for reflecting, praying and acting in our own lives and communities. This year's Fast for Change materials focus on food production and call us into deeper relationship with God, the earth, and our communities. 

Why fast?

Our belief is that hunger in a world of such abundance is a matter of injustice. More than a billion people are chronically malnourished. The coexistence of abundance and abject poverty imply some changes are necessary to our daily life. As followers of Jesus, we are being called to respond in prayer and action.  To "fast" really means to hold firm to an observance - whatever it may be - which involves voluntarily giving up food, or whatever else is standing in the way of a Divine calling...

What can I do?

• Register at http://www.fastforchange.ca/fast_for_change.aspx to receive the Fast for Change materials put out by the Canadian Food Grains Bank.

• Pray and Reflect. Take time throughout your busy day to remember those who are hungry and pray for peace in our food production and distribution systems. Use these materials for worship outlines: http://www.fastforchange.ca/worship_materials.aspx

Fast

• Fast for a meal or a day from all food.

• Fast from processed foods.

• Fast from imported foods.

• Have a simple meal, such as rice and lentils, in solidarity with those who have daily food rations.

• Fast from carbon consumption (walk or bike, turn off appliances, etc).

Get Together

• Gather with others to fast together, pray together, eat together, or to come up with a way to work for food justice in your own community!