 Written by Asha Nelson For many, December is the season of giving, but that doesn’t mean we need to fall into the trap of over consumption and environmental degradation. That’s why in this giving guide, we want to highlight some gift ideas that not only bring joy to a loved one, but also benefit the environment, the community, and our local economy. We may not be able to shop our way out of the climate catastrophe, racial inequality or systemic poverty, but we can choose to take care of what is in front of us. And this giving guide is a good place to start.  1. FFFH's Winter Vegetable Box Eating local in the winter just got easier! Farm Fresh Food Hub is back with our winter storage vegetables and winter feast boxes. These boxes feature spray-free and locally grown vegetables (and meats) from some of our favourite producers. Orders are open until December 11 and boxes can be picked up at the South Osborne Holiday Market from 11am - 3pm on Sunday December 15 (725 Kylemore Ave). Visit our online store to order yours now.  2. South Osborne Holiday Market Head over to the South Osborne Holiday Market where you’ll find over 30 local food and craft vendors. We have fresh bread, baked goodies, local meats, preserves, pottery, jewelry, and many more specialty goods. Make it a day by sitting down or shopping around with a breakfast sandwich made with local ingredients from our Pop-up Brunch by Clandess Diner. With live music, food and festivities, wouldn’t you say this is a better experience than some sterile shopping mall?! Click HERE for the full list of vendors and other event details.  3. LITE Holiday Boxes Give the gift that keeps on giving by purchasing a LITE curated seasonal gift boxes of local products made by social enterprises, non-profits, or people held back by social or economic circumstances. It’s filled to the brim with all things LOCAL including Pottery by Art Beats Studio, Candles by the North End Women’s Resource Centre, Bath Soaks by the Spence Neighborhood Association and more. LITE holiday boxes will be available for purchase at the South Osborne Holiday Market. Order in advance or learn more HERE.  4. Hearts & Roots’ Victory Gardens Do you have someone special who is passionate or curious about growing their own food? Check out Hearts & Roots’ Victory Gardens that include organic plants and an organic growing workshop so that your loved one can feel confident growing organic vegetables at home. Gardens come in three sizes with an option to add additional plants. Visit their website to place your order. They also have a pretty cool gift guide that you should check out!  5. South Osborne Farmers’ Market Gift Cards With the days getting shorter and much more colder, we all need a reminder that the warm sun will come again. Why not give the ultimate gift to your summer loving friend by purchasing a South Osborne Farmers’ Market gift card? With over 40 food & crafts vendors every Wednesday evening throughout the summer, there’s something for everyone. And did we mention there's beer & cider on tap, a sitting area, kid’s crafts and live music? Click here to learn more.  6. Farmers’ Market Coupon Program Let’s be real -- there’s many people in our community who can’t access the fresh, healthy local food that we’re always raving about. In the true spirit of giving, think about donating to the Manitoba Farmers’ Market Coupon Program. Inspired by a successful program in B.C., this initiative aims to provide folks who frequently experience food insecurity with coupons that they can redeem for whole foods at participating farmers’ markets. Plus your donation will also go towards supporting local producers and our social economy as a whole. It’s a win-win. Donate HERE.  7. Camp Morning Star
Indigenous communities have and continue to be the worst impacted by climate change and environmental degradation, yet are also the ones putting their bodies on the line to protect the environment for all of us. Consider donating to Camp Morning Star that is opposing the proposed Wanipigow Silica Sand Extraction project in the traditional territory of Hollow Water First Nation, Treaty 1. This open pit quarry risks impacting the health of local residents, wildlife, and the land. All donations help support the daily maintenance of the camp and keeps the sacred fire burning. To learn more, visit their website. Click HERE for their donation page.
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