Revelstoke Local Food Initiative invites locals to take part in summer programs

"This event [annual Farm-to-Table fundraiser] is truly an epic celebration of local food, taking humble farm ingredients and turning them into a magical shared experience. There is really nothing like it in Revelstoke," LFI Executive Director Amanda Cockburn says. Photo by Juniper Ridge Photography — “This event [annual Farm-to-Table fundraiser] is truly an epic celebration of local food, taking humble farm ingredients and turning them into a magical shared experience. There is really nothing like it in Revelstoke,” Revelstoke Local Food Initiative executive director Amanda Cockburn says. **Photo by Juniper Ridge Photography**

The Revelstoke Local Food Initiative (LFI) has much to offer to connect the community to local food and education this summer. Known for its vibrant year-round market, which was awarded most outstanding community impact among B.C. markets last year, the non-profit organizes various events, workshops and programs to further its mission.

Summer is a bustling time for the LFI team, as they strive to empower Revelstoke residents of all ages to enrich local food production and use. Starting this month, the Youth Summer Camp “Micro Growers” is gearing up for its second year. More than just a fun outside summer activity, it aims to be a valuable educational opportunity for local youth ages six to 10. The objective is to teach kids early about where their food comes from and how they can make healthy, sustainable food choices in the future. Parents still have the opportunity to sign their children up for one or multiple weeks. Visit LFI’s website for full details.

In a celebration of Revelstoke’s local food, Midsummer Nights Green is set to take place July 20. This year, the seventh annual Farm-to-Table fundraiser will be held at the local First Light Farm. Tickets are sold out, demonstrating its deep resonance with residents, but volunteers are still needed. Those interested in contributing can contact event coordinator Mia Knobler at [email protected] to explore how they can support.

The Garden Guru workshops have also returned, allowing DIY enthusiasts to learn various garden-related and food-gathering techniques from local experts. After a successful first workshop June 21, the series continued with an introduction to garden irrigation July 9 at the Downtown Community Garden by the United Church. Participants can also discover the secrets of Kombucha making, mushroom foraging and beekeeping throughout the summer and fall. Workshops are open to all and operate on a donation basis.

Captured from the first Garden Guru workshop which introduces attendees to the world of bees during International Pollinator Week. Photo by Revelstoke Local Food Initiative — Captured from the first Garden Guru workshop which introduces attendees to the world of bees during International Pollinator Week. **Photo by Revelstoke Local Food Initiative**

Later this season, the LFI will host the Revelstoke Garlic Festival for the second year. On Sept. 15, the event will feature diverse workshops, vendor stands, kids entertainment and a beverage garden with live music, promising a day of fun and excitement for all.

For more information, visit LFI’s website or in person at the farmers’ market every Saturday. Their stand is located on the corner of First Street and Mackenzie Avenue.

14 years of dedicated work for food security with the Revelstoke Local Food Initiative

Downtown Revelstoke Community Garden cared for by local kids participating in the Little Sprouts program. Two additional community gardens are located at the Revelstoke Visual Art Center and on Track Street. Photo by Revelstoke Local Food Initiative — Downtown Revelstoke Community Garden cared for by local kids participating in the Little Sprouts program. Two additional community gardens are located at the Revelstoke Visual Art Center and on Track Street. **Photo by Revelstoke Local Food Initiative**

Although established in 2015 as a society, the Revelstoke LFI has been active since 2010, working closely with local partners such as Community Connections to advocate for better access to nutritious and sustainable food. Their combined efforts have gained momentum, especially given the significant development and changes that Revelstoke has undergone over the past years. These shifts have led to increased challenges in affordable housing, accessible transportation and the overall cost of living, as noted by LFI executive director Amanda Cockburn.

“There is definitely a sense of urgency as more folks experience food insecurity… the consequences of our work became more important and I feel that we need to get this right,” she emphasized.

To address these pressing matters, city council adopted the Revelstoke Food Security Strategy in 2014. Fast forward to 2022, local experts in the field have developed an updated version, which now serves as a guide for LFI’s work.

“The most impactful part of the strategy to me was deepening my understanding of food literacy and how we can all be more connected to our food and where it comes from,” Cockburn explained. “Most of the LFI’s work is rooted in this concept. We want to keep doing what we do, and looking for ways to do it even better.”

Reflecting on this strategy, LFI has just taken on the food security coordinator role that the City of Revelstoke funds.

“This is a really big accomplishment for the LFI to take on this type of work,” Cockburn shared. “Our modern food culture is all about food availability 24/7, fast options and lots of packaging, which is not sustainable. We have a false sense of security that food will always be available, and that is simply not the case. Food security is about taking more control and ensuring that Revelstoke has fresh, healthy food available.”

With two decades of leadership and events management experience, Cockburn has been the new LFI Executive Director since December 2023. Although new to the role, she led the organization of the Farm-to-Table Fundraiser and the inaugural LFI Revelstoke Garlic Festival at Queen Elizabeth Park last summer, using her professional experience for a good cause.

“Every task or project I work on feels like it’s having a positive impact,” she shared. “We have a really solid team this summer who are all crushing their roles. Every time I check in with them, I leave feeling so stoked about what’s being accomplished!”

Blown away by the success and vibrance of the Farmers’ Market and the community’s consistent support for it, Cockburn hopes for nothing less for the rest of the program over the following months.