Bowden citizens can look to the town's FCSS and Central Alberta Poverty Reduction Alliance Working Group (CAPRA) for food security guidance.
ìThe Town of Bowden is a wonderful small community with dedicated volunteers who give their time, caring and expertise in many different ways. Like any community, some of its citizens experience different life challenges,î said Bowden FCSS worker Corrie Monk. ìOur Central Alberta Poverty Reduction Alliance Working Group (CAPRA) in Bowden, comprised of volunteers and town council and supported by Red Deer CAPRA and area, have chosen to focus on food security goals in our community.î
Stretching Our Food Dollar Locally was the first initiative kicked off with a free community supper last March with the Seniors Cooking Club providing food and the Grad Committee offering child care on-site.
Attendees had an opportunity to visit displays with ideas for how they could stretch their food dollar locally and sign up to be part of Meatless Mondays, Preserving Lost Arts (canning), Bulk Meat Buying, Good Food Box, Using the Community Bus and a community garden.
ìLast year, the community garden project was not a success, not because of the work Bowden citizens put into it,î said Monk. ìRather, the weather did not co-operate and our 12-plot garden site was too boggy. This next year we hope for better results.î
The Good Food Box program has generated good public interest and participation, said Monk. For $10 or $20 per delivery people can receive a small or large box of fresh fruit and vegetables sourced locally where possible.
ìWe will continue to work on food security as it has been the number 1 reason why people have contacted FCSS this last year,î added Monk. ìThere will be another free dinner this coming March, and we will focus on the initiatives we have already started. Our volunteers do an amazing job and this could not work without them.î
Those interested in participating in any Bowden programs can call Corey Monk at 403-224-2207 or go to http://www.town.bowden.ab.ca/services.html for more information.
