Connecting Youth to Alberta Agriculture
CALGARY – Alta. – Agriculture for Life (Ag for Life) has partnered with Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association (AFFPA) to offer the Growing Alberta Bingo Challenge, creating an opportunity for youth to discover diverse, locally grown and produced, farm fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and other specialty products.
There are many benefits to eating local food. From nutritional benefits to environmental and community motives, now more than ever, it is important to support our local farmers and producers. Locally grown food creates important economic opportunities while bringing the community together. It helps foster relationships with local food producers and bridges the gap between farm and table, developing a better understanding of where our food comes from. “Supporting our local farm producers and promoting Alberta local food is AFFPA’s main priority. Knowing where your food comes from and who produces it gives families the confidence in knowing they are getting the best quality and farm fresh food products close to home. To find a farm, go to our website and buy farm direct.” Tammy Swedburg, Executive Director, AFFPA.
The Growing Alberta Bingo Challenge encourages youth to explore their connection to agriculture by discovering what Alberta has to offer this summer. “We are excited to connect kids and their families with local food and encourage them to try new foods,” says Ag for Life CEO, Luree Williamson. The challenge is for youth 17 years of age and under and will focus on 16 locally grown and produced foods available at farmers markets, farm stands and those directly from producers. Participants will receive recipes, nutritional information, interesting facts and tidbits related to the food items on the bingo sheet. This will motivate kids to try locally grown and produced foods while promoting creativity and exploration of new recipes and flavour profiles. By encouraging youth to share their food creations throughout the bingo challenge, Ag for Life and AFFPA hope to inspire more Albertans to take an interest in locally sourced foods.
For more information on the Growing Alberta Bingo Challenge and to sign up, please visit www.agricultureforlife.ca. Keep an eye out on Ag for Life Facebook, Instagram and website for program updates and other contests.
About Ag for Life
Since its founding in 2011, Agriculture for Life (Ag for Life) has played a vital role in educating Albertans about agriculture, food, farming and safety. Working in collaboration with agriculture and education communities, Ag for Life develops, expands and offers hands-on educational programming to children, youth and adults throughout the province and beyond via virtual learning classrooms and other digital assets.
Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association
Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association (AFFPA) is dedicated to supporting and growing a profitable and suitable local farm direct marketing industry. AFFPA’s primary goal is to bring fresh, healthy, local food and farm experiences to Alberta communities by connecting local farms and local people. For more information on buying farm direct head to www.albertafarmfresh.com.
For more information, contact:
Irena Ceko, Marketing and Communications Specialist
587-896-2189