Hunger is not just a problem in third world countries, sadly it exists right here in our own city, but if the Assiniboine Food Security Alliance (AFSA) has its way, the situation will one day turn around.
Born as a result of Task Force Against Hunger Meetings held in the past in Yorkton, the newly formed alliance is working towards food security and believes everyone has the right to "sufficient, healthy and culturally appropriate food."
"The Assiniboine Food Security Alliance actually came out of a series of discussions held several years ago when a number of the local churches and food delivery agencies like the Salvation Army and the Soup Haven got together about hunger in Yorkton," details Warren Crossman of the AFSA.
"From that what emerged was our organization... what we've started doing is looking at practical ways in which people can come together to look at growing and producing food in a manner that's suitable for them."
From this, says Crossman, the organization has come up with a number projects and ideas to help people develop the skills needed to produce their own food.
Hunger will likely always be an issue suggests Crossman and there will always be agencies to help deal with the problem but he feels this presents an opportunity to educate and help people to better take care of their own needs.
"So what we're trying to do is to get people to focus on how they can eat more food that's produced locally and how it can be produced locally..."
To help accommodate this Crossman says a special first time Yorkton event has been planned - the Prairie Sun Seed Festival.
"What we feel is very important is to introduce people to gardening. The Prairie Sun Seed Festival will be our first attempt at doing that. It's coming up on February 26... we've got some displays featuring people from the Yorkton area who know gardening and how to produce food.
"We will also have seed sellers there so people who are interested in coming to buy or sell vegetable seeds are more than welcome... we still have some openings for seed sellers."
People who will want to attend the upcoming event says Crossman, are those interested in purchasing seed, those who want to learn about gardening and those who want to connect with local producers and community initiatives.
"We're going to have speakers... Ed Sec is one, he'll be talking about the basics of gardening. We're hoping people who are new to gardening or thinking they would like to try it, will get involved. Another speaker is Glen Tymiak, he is well known for growing tomatoes... Jim Ternier will help people learn how to save their seeds... we also feel it's important people learn about food preservation, Bilkies McKen will be there to talk on this topic...
"It's really a complete day..."
While there is no cost to attend the event, Crossman says people are asked if at all possible, to bring a non-perishable food item for donation to the local food bank.
The Prairie Sun Seed Festival will take place February 26 from 1-4 p.m. at Dr. Brass School in the gymnasium.
"We really hope people will take away a better understanding of how to grow their own food in whatever way is appropriate for them and to learn some of the practical skills that are associated with that."
Young, or old, seasoned in gardening or not, Crossman says there will something for everyone. Where you reside is also not important he says.
"One of the other projects we're looking at is a community garden, so what we're hoping to do is to partner with a church to grow food. Here's an opportunity for someone who has no place to grow food to get involved... having said that, plants can even be grown in window sills..."
Anyone with ideas, or who would like to learn more, is asked to contact Crossman at 782-3249.
"We're more than happy to hear from anyone interested in learning more, or in sharing... we have a need for volunteers..." The Seed Festival can still use a helping hand in the form of people to help with registration etc.
"We're new and we have an extremely limited budget... we need administration help, we don't have a website yet... anyone with technical skills who would like to volunteer we would love to hear from you..."
It's Crossman's hope the organization will grow and connect with producers from across Canada for the benefit of all.
"We're hoping people will get behind this and start getting more food produced locally... there are all kinds of opportunities... there is a lot of learning to be done..."
