Celebrating 12 Years of Community, Connection, and Cultivation at Black Creek Community Farm
Nestled within the vibrant Jane/Finch community, Black Creek Community Farm (BCCF) stands as a beacon of hope, resilience, and empowerment. This 8-acre urban agricultural haven has been at the heart of reconnecting our community to the land, fostering a sense of dignity, and providing invaluable access to healthy, organic food at an affordable cost. As we proudly celebrate our 12th year in operation, we reflect on the transformative impact that BCCF has had on enriching the lives of our residents and creating a thriving, sustainable food system.
From its inception, BCCF has been more than just a farm—it’s a community-driven initiative that educates, engages, and empowers individuals across generations. Our holistic, hands-on training programs and intergenerational learning experiences have become a cornerstone of our mission to cultivate not just food, but also knowledge, skills, and a deeper connection to the land. Over the years, we have witnessed the profound effects of this work: healthier families, stronger community bonds, and a renewed sense of pride in our collective ability to nourish ourselves and our neighbors.
As we look to the future, we remain committed to advancing food justice and ensuring that every member of our community has access to fresh, organic produce. However, this mission requires ongoing support and resources. That’s why we are excited to announce our annual Dinner at the Farm Fundraiser, taking place on September 19th, 2024, from 6pm to 9pm. This special event is a vital part of our efforts to raise funds that will directly support BCCF’s programs, including our organic food distribution, educational initiatives, and general farm operations.
This year’s Dinner at the Farm promises to be an unforgettable evening of community, culture, and culinary delight. Attendees will enjoy al-fresco dining under the stars, with tapa-style meals expertly prepared by a talented lineup of premier chefs, led by the renowned Chef Bashir Munye. Using produce grown right here at BCCF, these chefs will craft a menu that showcases the rich flavours and freshness of our farm’s bounty. The evening will also feature live music, creating a festive and welcoming atmosphere for all who attend.
Chef Bashir Munye is part of a new generation of Toronto chefs who are inspired by global cuisine while creating the future of local and sustainable food ideas.
A true global child, Bashir’s experience of food embraces many geographical and cultural boundaries.
Born in Somalia, and raised in Italy, he has called Toronto home for the past 28 years. Growing up in the Mediterranean, fresh, seasonal foods were the norm but oftentimes he was disconnected from culturally appropriate foods such as callaloo, okra, and garden eggs, grown in an ecologically farming method. Chef Bashir has been volunteering and supporting BCCF for many years.
Now he is excited about his role as the Value Added coordinator at BCCF, as he is hungry to reconnect to local farming while seeking to learn and contribute to food justice in the community. Bashir will be using his expertise as a chef and culinary instructor to lead the development of a financially sustainable model for creating delicious preserves, pickles, sauces and more made from BCCF’s farm-grown produce. He is a believer that food is a fundamental human right and advocates for access to good quality food for everyone.
Currently, Bashir is a culinary professor at George Brown College, a food consultant/ recipe developer, and an academic researcher.
Eritrea-born Naza Hasebenebi is the proud owner and founder of CHIC PEAS VEG: a plant-based company that offers catering, meal plans, pop-up brunches and on-line cooking classes (public/private/corporate) in Toronto and the surrounding areas. Naza has been living and loving a plant-based lifestyle for over 20 years and has raised two vegan teenage sons.
During her youth, Naza ‘trained’ alongside her mother, Haimanot, whom she describes as a master chef, as she prepared daily feasts for their large family and community. She learned the traditional art of cooking without a recipe with one simple rule: “add a little of this and a little of that”. This creative freedom is what birthed her lifelong love of food.
Naza enjoys sharing her talents in the kitchen. She is passionate about teaching others how to prepare delicious vegan meals and snacks while exposing participants to various herbs, spices and recipes from around the globe.
Aicha Smith-Belghaba, the visionary owner and chef behind Esha’s Eats, is a culinary artist whose passion for food is deeply intertwined with her heritage and community. With roots in the Mohawk Wolf Clan and Algerian heritage from Six Nations, Aicha’s journey is a testament to the power of blending cultures and traditions to create something truly unique.
As the founder of Esha’s Eats, Aicha has established a culinary haven that specializes in contemporary Indigenous cuisine. Her mission is not just to impress your taste buds but also to build positivity within communities through the universal language of food. Aicha’s approach is deeply rooted in the values of food sovereignty and storytelling, traditions that are central to her identity and the cultures she represents.
We are especially excited to host this event during Urban Agriculture Week (September 16-20), a time dedicated to celebrating the essential work of food justice organizations like ours. In the face of rising inflation and increasing food insecurity, the work we do at BCCF has never been more critical.
As we prepare for this milestone event, we invite you to join us in celebrating 12 years of community, connection, and cultivation. Together, we can continue to nurture the land, uplift our neighbors, and ensure that the Jane/Finch community remains a place where everyone can thrive. Mark your calendars, spread the word, and get ready for an evening that truly embodies the spirit of Black Creek Community Farm.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Event Details:
- What: Dinner at the Farm Fundraiser
- When: September 19th, 2024, 6pm – 9pm
- Where: Black Creek Community Farm
- Why: To raise funds in support of BCCF’s community programs and operations
Tickets are available now—don’t miss out on this opportunity to support a vital cause while enjoying a night of great food, music, and community spirit!
To Purchase Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/dinner-at-the-farm-a-night-of-culinary-enchantment-tickets-942151519557?aff=oddtdtcreator
