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Cooking and Food Skills

Category: Cooking and Food Skills

Growing Your Own Food

In our quest for environmental sustainability, one of the most impactful actions we can take is growing our own food. Whether you have acres of land or just a small balcony, there are plenty of ways to cultivate fresh produce right at home.

Container Gardening

You don’t need a sprawling garden to grow your own food. Many fruits, vegetables, and herbs can thrive in containers such as buckets, planters, or even water. Here are some easy-to-grow items for container gardening:

  • Tomatoes
  • Herbs (basil, parsley, mint)
  • Lettuce
  • Peppers
  • Strawberries
  • Hydroponics

Looking for a low-maintenance way to grow fresh produce? Consider hydroponics, a method of growing plants without soil. Instead, plants are grown in a nutrient-rich water solution, making it ideal for small spaces and indoor gardening.

Did you know that the Cambridge Food Bank gives mostly fresh foods in our emergency food hampers? Consider growing extra fruits and vegetables this season and we’d be happy to accept your donations.  Sign up here if you’d like to show your interest in doing so.

Supporting Local Farmers Markets

Another great way to reduce the environmental impact of buying groceries is by supporting local farmers markets. Not only are you getting fresh, locally grown produce, but you’re also reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation and packaging.  Consider visiting the farmer’s markets in Cambridge this season.

By growing your own food and supporting local farmers, you can take a big step towards a more sustainable future.

The Art of Food Preservation

Welcome back to our series on environmental sustainability! Today, we’re diving into the world of food preservation. Whether you have a surplus of fresh produce from your garden or leftovers from last night’s dinner, there are plenty of ways to make sure nothing goes to waste.

Freezing Produce and Meals

If you find yourself with more produce than you can use in a week, consider freezing it for later use. Many foods including fruits, vegetables, herbs, cheeses, milk, eggs and leftovers can be blanched and/or frozen to preserve their freshness. Similarly, cooked meals can be portioned out and frozen for quick and easy dinners on busy nights.

Cooking with Leftovers

Leftovers don’t have to be boring! Get creative in the kitchen by repurposing leftovers into new meals. For example, yesterday’s roasted vegetables can be added to a frittata or turned into a hearty soup. By using up leftovers, you not only reduce food waste but also save time and money.

Making Jams and Preserves

Preserving fruits in jams and preserves is a delicious way to prolong their shelf life. Plus, it’s easier than you might think! Start by gathering your favorite fruits and follow a simple recipe for homemade jam. You’ll be amazed at how satisfying it is to enjoy homemade preserves all year round.

Ready to get started? Check out this Canadian Food Preservation Guide for tips and techniques on food preservation.

By mastering the art of food preservation, you can save money by making the most of your food and reducing food waste in your home.  Composting should be a last resort. 

Tackling Food Waste at Home

Welcome to the first installment in our series on environmental sustainability! At the Cambridge Food Bank, we believe in being more than just a food bank. We strive to empower our community to make meaningful changes, starting with tackling food waste. Did you know that the average Canadian household throws away about $1,766 worth of food each year? That’s not just money down the drain—it’s also a significant environmental issue. But fear not, because there are simple steps you can take to make a difference.

Planning Meals for the Week

One of the best ways to reduce food waste is by planning your meals ahead of time. Take a few minutes each week to think about what you’ll be eating and make a shopping list accordingly. This not only helps you avoid buying more than you need but also ensures that you use up ingredients before they go bad.

Embrace Leftovers

Leftovers often get a bad rap, but they can be a lifesaver when it comes to reducing food waste. Get creative with your leftovers by incorporating them into new meals or packing them for lunch the next day. Remember, food that ends up in the trash is not only a waste of money but also a waste of resources.

Take Inventory Before Shopping

Before heading to the grocery store, take a quick inventory of what you already have in your fridge and pantry.  Take a picture of each as this will help you avoid buying duplicate items and ensure that you use up perishable goods before they spoil. Plus, it’s a great way to save time and money!

Composting

Despite our best efforts, there may still be some food waste that cannot be avoided. Instead of tossing it in the trash, consider composting it instead. Composting not only reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills but also produces nutrient-rich soil for your garden. Check out this link to learn more about composting in the Cambridge area: Composting Guide.

By implementing these simple strategies, you can make a big impact on reducing food waste in your home and helping the environment.

Baking for a Cause: The Story of the Cambridge Food Bank’s Food Rescue Program and Their Amazing Preserves and Baked Goods

Our Story

At the Cambridge Food Bank, a remarkable transformation takes place. What starts as rescued produce needing a second chance turns into delicious preserves that not only sustain our participants year-round but also generate vital funds for our cause. In this blog post, we had the pleasure of speaking with Vi, the Food Rescue Coordinator, who shared the inspiring story behind the Cambridge Food Bank’s venture into the world of preserves.

Rescuing and Creating

Using fruits and vegetables, Vi and her team carefully handcraft a variety of mouthwatering jams, sauces, and relishes. By preserving these flavours, they not only prevent waste but also create products that capture the essence of seasonal abundance. Each jar tells a story of generosity, sustainability, and culinary delight. 

Seasonal Abudance

With an abundance of carrots, apples, pears, and other seasonal produce pouring in, Vi worked her magic, turning them into delectable sauces, jams, and relishes. From the mouthwatering carrot cake jam to the tangy dill pickles, the Cambridge Food Bank preserves became a testament to Vi’s culinary skills and resourcefulness.

Embracing Change and Learning

Making preserves dates back to 1795.  With changing regulations and advancements in preservation techniques, Vi embraces the opportunity to expand her knowledge. She’s learned the importance of maintaining proper temperatures, following correct procedures, and adapting recipes to suit modern standards and different produce characteristics.

The Sweet Taste of Success

The pride that Vi takes in her preserves comes from the joy she experiences when receiving positive feedback. The absence of additives in Cambridge Food Bank preserves ensures a healthier alternative for consumers. Vi’s commitment to creating natural, wholesome products stems from her desire to provide her own children with additive-free options and inspired her to master the art of homemade cooking.

Looking Ahead

Vi’s future interests lie in pressure canning, allowing her to explore new avenues and expand the Cambridge Food Bank’s preserves collection. She emphasizes the importance of understanding consumer preferences and ensuring food safety. By actively seeking feedback and conducting taste tests, Vi believes that the Cambridge Food Bank can continue to grow in popularity.

Heartwarming Stories and Shared Culture

Vi’s dedication to her work has fostered a sense of community among the volunteers. Through sharing knowledge and experiences, cultural differences have been embraced, bringing people closer together. The volunteers, eager to make a difference, leave the kitchen with a sense of fulfillment and return time and time again.

A Legacy of Compassion

When envisioning the future, Vi emphasizes the Cambridge Food Bank’s longstanding history and the commitment of its volunteers. Since her involvement in 1988, Vi’s family has played a vital role in supporting the organization. Looking ahead, she hopes that new volunteers will be welcomed with open arms, carrying forward the knowledge and passion for feeding those in need.

Dedication

Vi’s journey at the Cambridge Food Bank exemplifies the power of resourcefulness, creativity, and compassion.  With each jar sold, the Cambridge Food Bank preserves continue to sustain participants, generate funds for programming, and remind us of the impact that a simple act of kindness can have on a community.

Little Chefs, Big Helpers: How Children in the Kitchen Make a Difference

The kitchen is not only a place of culinary delights but also a hub of family connections and treasured memories. Involving children in the kitchen can be an enriching experience that benefits the entire family. Today, we share a heartwarming story from a family who shares the benefits gained by participating in our child and youth programs with Vanessa, our Youth Action Coordinator. 

“Vanessa knows many of these stories as I make it a point to tell her how amazing her programs are. My favourite story was when I told my daughter that dinner was going to be late and she should have a snack. I had thought she would just go into her shack cupboard and get an applesauce or granola bar but, instead, she made little pizzas for the whole family. She had learned this technique from Vanessa at one of her events wherein she used English muffins for pizza crusts. The mini pizzas hit the spot with everyone and relieved the stress on me to get dinner on the table a.s.a.p..

Vanessa has also been sharing some of the meals passed down through her eastern European family. My mother had a Hungarian grandmother, and Vanessa’s recipe for chicken and dumplings has now become a family favourite. It brought back many memories from my mother’s childhood and replaced a long-lost recipe to our family.”

As we celebrate the culinary adventures of our youth cooking programs, we see their presence brings joy, creativity, and a fresh perspective to the table. By involving children in meal preparation, we nurture their independence, revive family traditions, and foster healthy habits. 

Our programs continue to support our mission of building health and belonging through food.

Cooking & Connecting with Chai and the Cambridge Food Bank

We live in a world that is increasingly isolated and disconnected. With the rise of social media and digital technology, it’s easy to forget the importance of human connection and the benefits that come with being part of a community. That’s why we want to take a moment to acknowledge the work that Chai is doing at the Cambridge Food Bank.

Chai runs an incredible program that not only helps people connect with each other but also teaches them how to make low-cost nutrient-dense snacks and meals.

Here are 5 reasons why engaging with others within your community through activities like cooking can be so beneficial:

  1. Community building: Activities like cooking with others can help you build relationships and connect with people in your community. This sense of connection and belonging is crucial for our mental and emotional well-being.

  2. Learning new skills: Participating in cooking activities can help you learn new skills and techniques, as well as gain knowledge about healthy eating and nutrition.

  3. Nutrition: Cooking with others can be a great way to prepare healthy, cost-effective meals as everyone can contribute their knowledge and experience. 

  4. Fun and enjoyable: Cooking with others can be a fun and enjoyable activity, especially when you are working together towards a common goal. It can help you feel more relaxed, engaged, and fulfilled.

  5. Improved mental health: Engaging in activities with others has been shown to improve mental health outcomes, such as reducing stress and increasing feelings of happiness and well-being.

Click Here to Learn More About our Wellness Programs

Participant Creations

Participant Testimonials

We’ve heard great testimonials from the participants of the adult programming here at the Cambridge Food Bank. We encourage everyone to take advantage of opportunities to engage with others within their community, whether it’s through cooking or other activities.

Click Here to Learn More About our Wellness Programs

Have questions or would like to register?  Contact Chai at 519-622-6550 ext 220 or cmaybhate@cambridgefoodbank.org