Making A Difference In Vancouver

Michelle Obama, Michael Pollan and Jamie Oliver are putting the health of our nation and our food system on the national agenda. But true change will require more than a few powerful figureheads, will encompass more than our own backyards, and will come from the efforts of more than foodies and educators.

A recent trip to Vancouver, British Columbia, opened my eyes to two organizations working hard to make an difference and improve our health and the health of the environment – one guest and one student at a time. I participated in the 18th Annual Vancouver Wellness Show – a three day event featuring all the resources needed to help you find balance in your life. From exercise and meditation to therapeutic touch and, of course, a CLEAN FOOD cooking demo and tasting. Founder and organizer Coco Jeangrand has done a great job making local resources and education accessible, and making change and good health even more desirable and exciting.

Here I am with Kate Gajdosik and Keri Adams (from CTV) – my hosts on the celebrity stage. The show was packed all weekend long – everyone looking to improve their lives one healthy choice at a time. If you live in the Vancouver area, be sure to put the 2011 Wellness Show on your calendar!

While the Wellness Show is what brought me to Vancouver, it was not the only highlight from my trip. During my time there, I was fortunate to learn about the incredible local effort being made by the Terra Nova Schoolyard Society. This amazing organization was created by a local chef who, starting with one garden and thirty students, set out to teach children about all aspects of creating healthy communities – from planting and harvesting, to cooking and nutrition. Today, the Terra Nova Schoolyard Society serves more than 500 children and multiple schools in the greater Vancouver area. Thank you Terra Nova for introducing me to your inspiring story, your important work, and your wonderful guiding equation. Thank you to Sterling Publishing, for generously donating the proceeds from the sale of CLEAN FOOD at the expo to support this amazing group. And thank you Arlene Kroeker for your gracious and inspiring article about me, CLEAN FOOD and Terra Nova in the Richmond Review.

Kids + gardens + healthy food = healthier communities

Eat Clean Live Well!

3 Comments »