Community Eats: So Much More than a Free Lunch

If you are already a regular Community Eats participant, you know how tasty the vegan lunches are and how busy this regular event has become on campus. Every second week, the lineups in the basement of the SUB attest to the success of this innovative initiative.

Tasty food aside, you may not be aware of some of the food systems issues that Community Eats wants to get you thinking and talking about...

Food waste and food security are two of the top reasons that Community Eats was started. Every day, restaurants and grocery stores across Canada throw out literally tonnes of decent food. There are some great programs, like Quest Food Exchange, that try to address this food waste issue. Community Eats wants to do its part, so volunteers collect food from grocery suppliers that would normally get thrown out, helping to reduce the greenhouse gases (namely methane) that get released when food ends up in landfills.

Community Eats also wants you to think about another type of food waste: disposable containers that get used at fast food outlets. Styrofoam and plastic are two of the most common and contribute to the substantial amount of waste that comes from the food industry. Be sure to remember your reusable container when you come to a Community Eats lunch... you could even go a step further by bringing one to other food outlets on campus as most are happy to fill up your container instead of using a disposable one.

To find out more about food waste and sustainability initiatives on campus, check out: http://climateaction.ubc.ca or www.sustain.ubc.ca.

Food security is a complex issue that has many layers. Community Eats, along with other great initiatives on campus, such as the Sprouts, UBC Farm and Agora Eats Cafe, are working on addressing food system and food security issues at UBC. If you are new to the food security discussion, check out this resource http://www.ryerson.ca/foodsecurity/. If you are more advanced, feel free to comment on this blog: Why are initiatives like Community Eats an important part of our food system?

Stay tuned for more blog posts from Patty Hambler, ADED 501 student and guest blogger.

Bonjour blog-readers!

Today was yet another Community Eats success, serving Chilly Chile Chili (get it!?), roasted carrots/peppers, steamed green beans, rice, bread, apples and grapes. ...amazing?
I think so.

Even more amazing? -

a)That the recipe for the kick-ass chili is below and

b)That Community Eats is happening again in just two weeks! Whilst on the topic...

We're currently looking into making CE a weekly event, and the only thing stopping us is finding someone who'll take on the responsibility of being the head of it (ie. coming up with recipes, taking the lead in the kitchen, etc). The fantastic Renee Wild is currently in charge, but sadly she can't do it every week.
...interested?
I KNOW you are;)...email communityeats@gmail.com.


CHILLY CHILE CHILI

Black turtle beans
Red onions
Carrots
Tomatoes
Potatoes
Yellow/orange/red peppers
Rosemary
Oil
Cumin
Jalapeno peppers
Salt
Pepper
Oregano
Tumeric
Thyme

Directions:

Sautee oil, onions and jalapeno peppers until tender.
Add salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, rosemary, tumric and thyme.
ADD TOMATOES.
MIX. (and let simmer).
Add beans, potatoes and carrots. Add a lil' water.
COOK.
Add peppers + spices to taste.
COOK. (till done).

EEEEEEENJJJJJJJJOOOOOOOYYYYYYYY.

xoxo Community Eats

Harvest Dahl

Helllo friends,
Hopefully you all made it out today. The recipee for today is a jumble of veggies and spices, hope liked it.
Here it is: Harvest Dahl
Ingredients:
onions
eggplants
tomatoes
carrots
potatoes
yellow/red/orange peppers
curry paste
tomato paste
salt
pepper
ginger
curry powder
cumin
coriander
tumeric
paprica
garam masala
oil
thyme
lentils

Directions:
Heat opl. Fry onions until tender. Add spices, tomato paste and curry paste. Add eggplant and tomatoes. Cook for a bit. Add lentils and some water, cook. after about 20 minutes add carrosts, peppers and potatoes. Cook. Serve and enjoy.

Have a happy Thanksgiving! Love,
Community Eats

Community Eats round 2

Hello all,
Just a reminder that Community Eats will be happening again this Friday (October 9th) starting at 11:30am. Hope to see you all there.
Enjoy the sun while it last,
Community Eats