Friends and families, colleagues and neighbours, young kids and senior citizens; last Monday evening, people of various ages and experiences could be found chatting and chewing amongst one another at “A Taste of Woolwich”, sponsored by Foodlink Waterloo Region, Region of Waterloo Public Health and Woolwich Healthy Communities.

The annual event is far more than an information session for the community; truly, it is a celebration of the community. As a first-time participant this year, I appreciated seeing the interest and enthusiasm shared by vendors, visitors and volunteers. From workshops to demonstrations to a youth recipe showcase, the event, which took place in Breslau Mennonite Church, was extremely diverse in its offerings. Samples of products like rabbit sausage and sugar-free jam were being given away for free, and Bonnie Lou’s Café was even serving home-made soup.

I noticed that people were eager to engage and be engaged by those around them as they wandered through the many booths set up in the building. Not all of the people at tables were selling goods; some were there just to promote awareness and answer questions regarding mindful eating and healthy communities. Participants had the opportunity to learn about new ideas and discuss them as they made their way along, so it was great to have local dieticians and farmers on hand in addition to local food retailers.

The event was accessible and relevant to the community on a broad scale as it brought people from different neighbourhoods, professions and demographic ranges to the same place for a common purpose: to get a taste of the sweet and savoury flavours that Woolwich has to offer!

Rachel Dyck is an English student at University of Waterloo and resident of St. Jacobs with a strong interest in local food, farming and gardening. She has recently launched “Gardens to Grow” - Vegetable Gardens in ready-to-go containers.

For details visit http:/gardens2grow.blogspot.ca/