Ontario Home Economics Association
  • Home
  • About OHEA
    • What is a P.H.Ec.
    • How To Become a P.H.Ec.
    • Membership Benefits
    • Board of Directors
    • Contact Us
  • News
    • Cookbooks >
      • The Vegetarian's Complete Quinoa Cookbook
      • P.H.Ec. Authors
      • Homegrown
    • Media >
      • OHEA Highlights
      • Care for the Caregiver
      • Links/Resources
      • Videos
  • Branch Associations
    • THEA
    • Branch News
    • Affiliated Associations
    • Student Branches
  • Blog
  • Resources
    • Food Literacy
    • Resources
  • OHEA COURSE
  • Join Us
    • Students
    • Categories of Membership
    • Privacy Statement
    • Awards and Scholarships
  • Members
    • Membership Renewal
    • Member News & Announcements
    • Mentorship Program
    • AGM
    • Newsletters
    • Jobs

Harvest Moon Reflection, by Sandra Venneri, P.H.Ec.

9/16/2016

0 Comments

 
Tonight in Ontario is the Harvest Moon – a signal to past generations that the crop was ready.  I thought it was fitting to reflect (pardon the pun) on my recent trip to Manitoba.
Picture
Months ago, I was lucky enough to be invited to a Food & Farm trip during harvest time in the prairies.  All expenses paid, yes.  What did they ask of us all participants?  NOTHING.  Yes, I truly mean that.  How they picked us all, I don’t know – the only connection I can figure out was our love of good food!
After settling in to my regular life, I have had a few days to gather my thoughts (and my sleep). I am sure to blog about my specific experiences of a whirlwind 3 days but this summary at least represents the table of contents.
  • I had a quick walk (twice) to The Forks for a few hours in Winnipeg, MB.
  • I met 9 other amazing “foodies” who ranged from Registered Dietitians, chefs, restaurateurs, a food photographer, a news anchor and a travel & food blogger.
  • After a weekend, the titles of these strangers faded away.  The names turned into personalities and the glimpse of everyone’s passion started to come through.
  • Visits to vegetable, bison, honey, beef, grain, bean & canola farms were the main staple of our tour.  It definitely kept us busy & active with the full itinerary.
  • Throughout the tours and conversations with farmers, it became apparent that everyone had their own interest and investment into food.  The questions and comments helped to clear up misunderstandings as well as provide us with many facts and figures we didn’t know.
  • On top of the educational pieces about the agricultural processes and business side of farming, some history was retold.
  • The families and farming community were like Pleasantville.  Yes, I was told that they are regular folk too but, coming from a metropolitan city of London, Ontario – it was like walking INTO history and old fashioned values – everyone was so sweet & nice in EVERY conversation plus hospitable, opening their homes to us (literally)!
  • Farmers really care about sustainability and being stewards of the earth.
  • The food served was out of this world and amazing – ranging from a Pinterest-like party setting in a barn catered by several amazing chefs to my roomie cooking me breakfast (who is an award winning executive chef) and having it ready after my shower (so sweet).
  • The farms were stunning pictures that really captured the essence of how much space Canada has and how beautiful every turn, hill top and valley is.
  • Everyone has a story to tell – Using media (videographers followed us, social media used by guests & farmers ) with so many Canadian farms out there, can help continue the conversation about our food.
My takeaway from a 3 day weekend is that I feel even more passionate for food.  It has sparked new interests, questions and ideas that will last me for years to come.  What I love most is that this experience has now become part of my story and memories.  It will shape my future of food, not just in my career, but personally.  I will share what I’ve learned on my path, because connecting more with our food and health can help us all live a great life. This trip definitely fed my body, but more importantly, my mind and spirit.


The most sincerest Thank You goes out to:
  • the Canola Connect team who invited & hosted us,
  • the farmers who were welcoming and asked ANY question we had,
  • the families that showed up to help to host us at their farms (children & adults alike),
  • the other people who toured with me.

Sandra Venneri, BSc, P.H.Ec
Healthy Food & Nutrition Consultant
Certified Craving Change (TM) Facilitator

To read Sandra's blog, visit http://nutritionbites88.wordpress.com
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.


    Picture

    The Ontario Home Economics Association, a self-regulating body of professional Home Economists, promotes high professional standards among its members so that they may assist families and individuals to achieve and maintain a desirable quality of life.

    Categories

    All
    ACHES
    Agriculture
    Award
    Board Of Directors
    Branch Associations
    Conference
    Contest
    Family/Relationships
    Finances
    Food Literacy
    Foods And Nutrition
    Homegrown
    Interviews
    Mentorship
    New PHEcs
    Nutrition
    Obituary
    Outreach
    Professional Development
    Recipes
    Sponsors
    Student Member
    Sustainability
    Through The Years

    Archives

    February 2023
    January 2023
    October 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    August 2021
    May 2020
    April 2020
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    October 2015
    August 2015
    April 2015
    July 2014
    May 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    October 2013
    August 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012

    RSS Feed

About OHEA
Job Postings
                                 Subscribe to our mailing list
News and Events
Food Literacy in the News
                        Unsubscribe ​from our mailing list
Blog
Links/Resources
                                                           Contact Us
Copyright © 2023 Ontario Home Economics Association (OHEA). All Rights Reserved.
  • Home
  • About OHEA
    • What is a P.H.Ec.
    • How To Become a P.H.Ec.
    • Membership Benefits
    • Board of Directors
    • Contact Us
  • News
    • Cookbooks >
      • The Vegetarian's Complete Quinoa Cookbook
      • P.H.Ec. Authors
      • Homegrown
    • Media >
      • OHEA Highlights
      • Care for the Caregiver
      • Links/Resources
      • Videos
  • Branch Associations
    • THEA
    • Branch News
    • Affiliated Associations
    • Student Branches
  • Blog
  • Resources
    • Food Literacy
    • Resources
  • OHEA COURSE
  • Join Us
    • Students
    • Categories of Membership
    • Privacy Statement
    • Awards and Scholarships
  • Members
    • Membership Renewal
    • Member News & Announcements
    • Mentorship Program
    • AGM
    • Newsletters
    • Jobs