Food Sourcing

Here is a document with contacts for local products & services in the bioregion & online:

Our village is built on the principles of sustainability, community, and connection to the land. Our food system reflects these values by prioritizing local, seasonal, and ethically sourced produce. Here’s how it works and how you can contribute!

LIST OF LOCAL PRODUCERS

Our Food Philosophy

1. Local First: We source as much of our food as possible from local farmers, artisans, and markets to support the regional economy and reduce our carbon footprint.

2. Seasonal Eating: We celebrate the abundance of each season, using ingredients at their peak freshness and flavor.

3. Sustainability: We prioritize food grown organically, biodynamically, or through other sustainable practices to honor the Earth’s resources.

4. Community Connection: By building relationships with local providers and growing some of our own food, we cultivate trust, resilience, and mutual support.

How Our Food System Works

1. Local Partnerships

We collaborate with local farmers, markets, and artisans to source fresh, high-quality produce. This includes fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, eggs, and occasionally meat. We maintain a regularly updated list of providers to ensure transparency and quality.

2. Community Garden

We grow a portion of our own food right here in the village. This includes seasonal vegetables, herbs, and medicinal plants. You are welcome to join the gardening team and learn how to cultivate food sustainably.

3. Seasonal Calendar

We follow a seasonal produce calendar, which helps us align our meals with what’s naturally available. This means you’ll experience a variety of dishes throughout the year, inspired by the rhythm of nature.

4. Shared Responsibilities

Everyone in the village contributes to the food system. This includes helping with:

• Gardening and harvesting.

• Picking up deliveries from local providers.

• Preparing meals in our communal kitchen.

• Preserving food through canning, drying, or fermenting surplus produce.

5. Meal Planning

Meals are planned around what’s in season and what’s available. A weekly meal-planning session is open to anyone who’d like to contribute ideas or cooking expertise. This is a great way to share your favorite recipes and bond with others!

6. Reducing Waste

Food scraps are composted and used to enrich our soil. Leftovers are shared or stored for later use, and surplus produce is preserved to minimize waste.

How You Can Participate

1. Embrace Local and Seasonal Eating

Be open to trying new recipes and ingredients you may not have experienced before. Seasonal eating is an adventure!

2. Join the Effort

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or new to the idea, there’s a place for you to contribute. Help in the garden, assist with meal prep, or volunteer to pick up produce from a local provider.

3. Share Your Skills

If you have a knack for cooking, preserving food, or organizing, we’d love for you to share your expertise with the community.

4. Give Feedback

We’re always looking for ways to improve. Share your thoughts and ideas during our regular food system meetings.

Why It Matters

By participating in our food system, you’re contributing to a model that:

• Reduces environmental impact.

• Builds a resilient and supportive local economy.

• Fosters a deeper connection between people, nature, and food.

Together, we create a system that nourishes our bodies, our community, and the planet. Welcome to this beautiful journey of sustainable living! 🌱

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask one of our food team coordinators or join our next food system meeting.