EP11: Jacqueline and Noel (Toronto Black Farmers Collective)

Summary

In this episode, our guests Jacqueline and Noel from the Toronto Black Farmers Collective share about their food and farming journeys. They discuss their experiences growing up in Jamaica to observing the differences in food quality, accessibility, and culture in Toronto. They also share why they got into growing food for their local communities, and provide some insights and tips for how they’ve engaged people to become more connected with their food.

Connect with us on:

• Instagram: @cavaleirofarm
• Facebook: @cavaleirofarm
• Website (Cavaleiro Farm): http://cavaleiro.farm/
• Website (Urban Crops): https://urbancrops.ca/
• Email: antonio@cavaleiro.farm

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Connect with Jacqueline/Noel and the Toronto Black Farmers Collective on:

• Website:https://www.torontoblackfarmers.ca/
• Email: blackfarmersto@gmail.com
• Phone: (416) 457-3403
• Farm address: Downsview Parc, 70 Canuck Ave., North York, Ontario (middle greenhouse, enter from the field) (Keele St. & Sheppard Ave. W.)
• Instagram: @torontoblackfarmers
• Facebook: @blackfarmerscollectivetoronto

Timestamps:

0:35: Painting the picture at Jacqueline and Noel’s farm in the city (Toronto)

1:50: Jacqueline’s farming experience growing up in Jamaica – sharing food with neighbours, eating in-season food, etc.

5:40: Differences in the food culture and availability that Jacqueline observed when coming to Canada

7:07: Noel’s farming experience growing up in Jamaica – abundance of food, village bartering aspect, no one went hungry

10:40: Noel’s experience eating food when coming to Canada and understanding the importance of food security

12:40: Jacqueline and Noel’s motivation for growing their own food and food for local communities

14:35: Their challenges accessing farmable land

15:45: What they grow!

17:50: The TFBC’s community food model, which includes gardening but also creating diverse products; building collaborative partnerships with other farmers; and food programming with community leaders

20:16: How COVID has changed the food shopping and eating culture for people – and the need for good, diverse food in Toronto

22:56: The TBFC’s recent partnership with the Black Community Consultative Committee from the Toronto Police Services and other community partners and leaders to distribute 185 food boxes to communities in need

24:42: Jacqueline and Noel’s experience searching for farmland

27:52: Their advice for doing a community food business successfully, including providing education to “animate” food

32:44: How the TBFC has gotten young kids (and adults) to love eating fresh, local veggies!

37:58: Jacqueline’s advice to all eaters: “Know your source” (including visiting farms)

40:57: Final words from Jacqueline and Noel (send your farmer a note of “thanks,” governments need to make land more accessible to farmers, etc.)

45:10: The importance of breaking down oppressive barriers so everyone can eat well

46:59: How you can connect with Jacqueline/Noel and the Toronto Black Farmers Collective