Caledon’s Environmental Organization of the Year, 2012
Since its creation in 2007, the Environment Committee has been working to reduce the ecological footprint of the church, as well as, to serve as a model for the greater community.
Environmental ACCOMPLISHMENTS @ Palgrave United Church
- In 2007, the Committee made the commitment to Bullfrog Power® until they could raise enough funds to install solar panels on the roof of the church.
- In 2007, the Committee decided to “GREEN” the annual Turkey Dinner. Over the last 12 years, the event has promoted the use of local and seasonal ingredients, as well as, fair trade when the ingredients need to come from far away, reducing the use of disposable items, and purchasing supplies second hand.
- In 2010, the Committee focused their efforts on “greening the outdoor spaces” of the church, which led to the installation of 10 raised gardens at the church.
- In 2010, the Committee also helped to establish the Albion Hills Community Farm – Ontario’s first community farm on public land in Albion Hills Conservation Area.
- In 2013, the Environment Committee installed 10-kilowatt solar panels on the church roof fulfilling the committee’s long held dream for renewable energy. These panels generate clean energy for the local power grid as well as provide income.
Palgrave United Community Kitchen Programs
- FRESH LUNCH PROGRAM – The Kitchen prepares 170 cooked sustainable meals for Palgrave Public and Macville Public elementary schools weekly
- DIRT2DELICIOUS CAMPS –The Kitchen hosts a summer camp program where campers experience direct connections to their food system – Dirt to Delicious! (Partnership with the Albion Hills Community Farm)
- PALGRAVE PRESERVES – A series of workshops featuring local food
- CERTIFIED COMMERCIAL KITCHEN – This fully equipped kitchen is available for rent by organizations and individuals. Local food businesses such as Soup Girl, Chiamigos, and Wicked Shortbread all started at the Kitchen
Palgrave United Community Kitchen is the kitchen that keeps on growing. It’s a model that provides environmental education to the community – Lorraine Witty, Founding Committee Member
Visit www.palgravekitchen.org to see how The Palgrave United Community Kitchen is committed to the creation of a healthy, sustainable, local food system.