West Carleton Country Kitchen considering closing its doors

Posted Feb 16, 2012 By Derek Dunn

EMC News - After almost four years and 34 sessions, the West Carleton Country Kitchen could see its doors close due to lack of volunteer participation.

Usually run out of the Fitzroy Harbour Community Centre, the country kitchen reaches out to the vulnerable and needy in Ward 5, advising on how to prepare and eat healthy, affordable foods. Its second mandate is to promote 'buy local' strategies, meant to bolster rural businesses while reducing the carbon footprint.

Gail Carroll is the lead volunteer. She said a government grant ran out two years ago, leaving the group of about 12 to 15 participants to contribute $6 each session, and rely on donations from area businesses such as Dunrobin Meats, Fitzroy Beef Farmers, and Panmure Farms, known for Hudson's sweet corn and much more.

However, tracking down and inviting guest speakers, lobbying for donations, organizing events, and more all require time and effort. Which is easier when more people take part.

She said buying food from countries with laxed food regulations, such as Mexico and China, doesn't make sense from a health, environmental or economic standpoint. But, that getting the message out while helping on the individual level is a growing challenge.

"It's a lot of work," Carroll said. "I don't know how long we can keep this going. It's a real strain on volunteers."

Carleton-Mississippi Mills MPP Jack MacLaren said a volunteer organization that champions local business and healthy living should be supported.

"I haven't heard of this group, but it sounds like a great idea," MacLaren said. "I'm a big proponent of volunteerism. More and more people are going to have to realize government can't help them anymore."

He didn't offer to go after a grant for the group, but did encourage church groups and community associations get involved to help.

"I understand volunteers can get burnt out," he said. "This such a worthy thing people are doing. What a simple, great idea. I'm sure if word was to get out there, that they are looking for help, those groups would help out."

The West Carleton Country Kitchen isn't simply looking for more volunteer help. It's also having difficulty finding those who would benefit most. A number of people could be helped, from children raised with little experience in eating nutritious foods to widows who find themselves cooking for the first time in their lives.

Aside from the educational aspect, Carroll said the best reason to participate is the social side and helping to build the community.

"It's meant to bring people together," she said. "It's really a lot of fun."

Upcoming Country Kitchen sessions, which begin at 10 a.m. with lunch at noon, include:

- Feb. 18 - Healthy Sweets: Sweeteners and alternatives at St. Paul's United Church in Carp, guest speaker is registered nurse Stephanie Nelson,

- March 24 - Wheat alternatives - awareness of grains, soy, tofu, and gluten,/vegetable, quinoa and alternative recipes, at the Kinburn Community Centre,

- April 21 - Anti-inflammatory foods/ (for arthritis suffers and others)/ Kale, fish, fruit dishes, green tea, at the Fitzroy Harbour Community Centre,

- May 19 - Optimal foods for fat loss,/label reading 101 -what's good for you, at St. Paul's United Church in Carp, guest speaker to be determined,

- June 9 - Spring Harvest: salads and herbs, yoga and relaxation, guest speaker to be determined.

The West Carleton Country Kitchen encourages the donation of locally-grown produce. In turn, a portion of all prepared food goes to the West Carleton Emergency Food Aid. To register, email Carroll at thecarrolls@xplornet.com.