Food Forward, December 2

Putting our surplus food to use

Come learn about the Food Forward Backyard Harvesting Program, Farmer's Market Recovery Program, and other ways to help make an impact in Southern California by getting fresh fruits and vegetables to those needing them most. Food Forward volunteers will teach booth visitors about harvesting equipment, such as fruit pickers, fruit harvesting gloves, and pruning/cutting tools. 


Food Forward is a volunteer powered grassroots group of Angelenos who care about reconnecting to our food system. Food Forward’s vision is to reconnect our community with the abundance of food already present in our everyday lives, while creating change around the issues of urban hunger, food waste and food justice. 

Food Forward’s mission is to reconnect people with people – through food – by bringing together volunteers and neighbors to share in the gleaning and distributing of locally grown food from private homes and public spaces which is then distributed to local food pantries and organizations serving those in need.

Food Forward volunteers convene at properties they've been invited to and harvest their excess fruits and vegetables, donating 100% to local food pantries across southern California. Combined, their numerous distribution partners provide food to over 40,000 clients a month across Southern California. 

Since forming in 2009, they've harvested hundreds of properties with 100% of what they pick going to feed the hungry. See their total harvested poundage to date counter on their home page.

Kristoff the Clown, November 24

Eco-entertainer Kristoff the Clown

Welcome to the amazing world of Kristoff the Clown!

Kristoff the Clown has been successfully entertaining children and adults alike for many many years with his exciting mixture of magic, music and all-round fun!

He is multi-talented and has for 30 years been teaching all aspects of green and sustainable education, especially in schools. He is also an entertainer and engages his audience as a clown and musician. He writes his own eco songs.

Kristoff the Clown, a.k.a. Chris Philpott, is a visitor from the Transition Towns movement in the UK. Stop by the Green Tent and meet him. Kids are welcome but optional! 

Master Gardeners, November 18th

AUTUMN GARDEN PLANTS & ADVICE

This month at the  MVGC booth MV Farmers Market, Nov. 18 the Master Gardeners will have the following seedlings to give away:

• Red Russian Kale, an heirloom variety, originally brought to the West by Russian traders.  Enjoy the young leaves in salads or cooked like other leafy greens.
• Bloomsdale spinach, an old time favorite with crinkled leaves.  Loves cool weather so now is the time to plant.
• Bok Choy, white stem have a mild, Swiss chard-like flavor, but slightly sweet, tender and delicious.  Harvest young for “baby bok choy”.
• Lettuce, an oak leaf blend, both red and green. Loves cool weather
• Calendula, also known as pot marigold, an edible flower, easy to grow and also a long lasting cut flower. Grows well in containers.
• Cilantro, usually grown in the summer, we’re hoping it will do well in our mild winter climate and not bolt so quickly.
• Shungiku Edible Chrysanthemum, came to the U.S. from Japan. Tender edible greens and flowers have a unique zesty flavor.  Flowers also make beautiful leis and garlands.
• Garlic Chives. Leaves, flower buds and flowers have a delightful mild garlic flavor.  Easy to grow, nice in containers.  Can be grown indoors!

Butterflies & Caterpillars at Walgrove School!

Stop by the Green Tent on November 11^th to learn about the exciting greening transformations at Walgrove School!

See how their Walgrove Green Garden includes a Monarch Initiative that introduces the kids to the joys of observing insects and plant life cycles and learn about their Growing Great’s health program and upcoming Green Space!