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FOOD SWAP UPDATE: Long live the Food Swap!

Slow Food Lake Tahoe Board members met on Friday, Dec 16th with the Nevada County Department of Environmental Health (NCDEH) to discuss the October Food Swap that was cancelled due to a suspected violation of California Food Retail Law.   It was a successful meeting, with important information shared by both groups.  And the good news is, our TruckeeTahoe Food Swap will continue to be held once a month.  Thanks to those of you who signed our petition having your support at this meeting really helped!  SFLT informed the NCDEH of the changing needs and desires of local community members in regards to fresh and local food access.  To our surprise, it turns out that they are  aware that the current laws need changing.  We learned of current policy discussions happening right now that aim to amend regulations that apply to small food producers, CSAs, school gardens, and other community-based food initiatives.  That's not to say that food safety will take a back seat to consumer demands, but the representatives we talked with realize that umbrella laws designed for large corporate food producers are simply too burdensome to sustain small, local food production efforts.  The next step is to get involved on the legislative level to help promote state-wide and national change!  Email us if you'd like to get involved!  Let your voice be heard!

Please also check out the new TruckeeTahoe Food Swap website.  Sign up for the newsletter and RSVP for upcoming swaps via this site!

We're still gathering support: please take a moment and sign our petition >>



Why This Is Important

On Oct 30th, the community of Truckee, CA tried to hold a 'food swap' at a local winery. Since the food swap was advertised as a public event in a public venue any food served has to come from a regulated kitchen according to California health and safety code. The Nevada County Dept of Environmental Health issued a warning to the winery and said they could be held liable, so the swap was cancelled.


We are petitioning to allow a food swap to be held in a public location as a FREE community event; free from any association with CA Food Retail Code and exempt from retail or commerce law. We ask that the terms and concepts of "swap" and "share" not be associated with the terms and concepts of "retail", "commerce", or "trade".

Community Garden

Friday, 16 April 2010 20:19
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Think Global - Eat Local!

Join the Truckee Community Garden & enjoy eating locally, organically, seasonably and sustainably. Committed local residents intent on proving we can abundantly grow food at 6,000' within a short growing season will tend this garden.

2009 was the year of rebuilding and fortifying the garden grounds & beds. Located in the Regional Park, we started by building new raised beds & a fence. Local Master Gardeners advised us on how and what to grow.

The purpose of our community garden is to share information and experiences in the adventure of organic high altitude crop gardening. Subjects may include composting, seeds, gardening techniques and styles, rain harvesting, collaboration, cooking to get the most benefit and enjoyment form our homegrown produce.

Co-sponsored by Slow Food Lake Tahoe & Project Mana: Committed to dramatically reduce the incidence of hunger and its detrimental effects upon individuals, families, our community, and the region. In addition to providing hunger relief, we have developed programs designed to alleviate the causes of hunger and promote nutrition through education and awareness.

For all those who are interested in gardening please apply by June 1st. We welcome members who live in the area, commit time, share their knowledge, ideas and experiences and to make new friends. And above all, enjoy safe yummy local food.

Submit your member application NOW. We have limited space & lots of eager farm wannabes!

Suggested fees: $25 year - unwaged people / $55 - waged.

Questions: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 530-582-4079, or join the Yahoo! Group

 

Stay informed and grow with us this season!