There’s something deeply fulfilling about knowing the food on your plate was nurtured and grown right here, in the heart of our community. At the Chisasibi Eeyou Resource and Research Institute (CERRI), we believe that the power of food extends beyond nourishment—it’s a way to connect with the land, with each other, and with our traditions.
On a bright Friday morning, August 16th, our greenhouse became the starting point for a meaningful act of care and community. A dedicated nutritionist from Cree Health Board reached out to us, inspired to bring the freshness of our greens into her workplace. She envisioned a simple, yet powerful gesture: a meal made with love, from the soil of Chisasibi, to be shared with her co-workers.
With eager hands, we gathered the fruits of our labor—kale, lettuce, and basil, all thriving in our greenhouse under the careful watch of our team. These were not just any greens; they represented the culmination of our efforts, our commitment to sustainable agriculture, and our hope for a healthier future for all.
The nutritionist took these greens and crafted a kale salad that was as vibrant and nourishing as the community it was made for. Fifty portions were lovingly prepared and distributed among the workers at Community Miyupimaatisiiun Centres (CMC), each bite a testament to the beauty of what we can achieve when we work together. The salad was a hit—every last leaf was enjoyed, leaving not just satisfied appetites, but a lasting impression of the goodness that comes from our land.
Although the basil didn’t make it into this particular dish, we know its time will come. For now, we take pride in knowing that our greens brought joy and health to those who tasted them.
This story is more than just about a salad. It’s about the connections we create through food, the way we can come together to celebrate the fruits of our labor, and the small acts that ripple out to make a big difference. The initiative of this nutritionist is something we hope will inspire others in our community to embrace the idea of farm-to-table living.
We invite you to join us in this movement. Whether you’re making a meal for your family or hosting a gathering, consider the power of fresh, local produce. Our greenhouse is here to support you, with greens that are not just good for you, but good for our community as a whole.
Here’s the recipe for the kale salad that brought smiles to so many faces:
Kale Salad Recipe
Ingredients:
- 5 cups kale, chopped
- 1-2 teaspoons vegetable oil
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups lettuce, chopped
- ½ cup cheese (optional - cheddar or feta)
- ½ cup carrots, shredded
- ¼ cup red onion, diced
- ¼ cup dried cranberries or raisins
Lemon Dressing:
- ¼ cup oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions:
1. Dressing: Combine all dressing ingredients in a mason jar and shake well to mix. Adjust the seasoning to your liking.
2. Salad: Massage the chopped kale with olive oil and salt until the leaves soften. Mix with lettuce, cheese, carrots, onion, and cranberries in a large bowl. Toss with the dressing to coat.
This salad is more than just a recipe; it’s a symbol of what we can create together. At CERRI, we’re excited to continue growing, harvesting, and sharing the bounty of our land with you. We look forward to many more opportunities to nourish both body and spirit, and we hope you’ll join us in this journey.
Let’s keep this momentum going—come visit our greenhouse, pick up some fresh greens, and be a part of something special. Together, we can cultivate a healthier, stronger community, one meal at a time.
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