Published by City Farmer, Canada's Office of Urban Agriculture
City Farmer Donates Garden Produce to Hospice
Update July 27, 2004
Hi Sharon,
I just wanted to finally take a moment to let you know just how much we have been enjoying all the fresh herbs and vegetables from your garden. Josie does most of our cooking here at May's and she has certainly made the most of everything you have so graciously offered. Josie is a fabulous cook and has been experimenting with different herbs. My favourite is the addition of a sprig or 2 of licorice mint in the fruit salads. Josie also makes an amazing stuffing when she roasts chicken. With Josie's permission, I have included both recipes:
Summer Fruit Salad
4 cups of watermelon, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup of strawberries, sliced
1 mango, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 sprigs of licorice mint, chopped
Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and chill before serving.
You can use any combination of your favourite summer fruits, but we have found that there is something magical about watermelon, strawberries and licorice mint. The mint seems to brighten up the flavour of the fruit and the mango adds a little texture. This is especially good topped with just a dollop of whipped cream....but then, everything tastes better when you add whipped cream!
Josie's Stuffing
3 to 4 cups of stale bread, torn into bite-sized pieces 1 large white onion, coarsely chopped 1 - 2 cups of chicken broth (The amount you need will vary depending upon how dry the bread is. Just add enough to moisten well) 2 - 3 tbsps of olive oil 2 stems of sage, chopped 1 tbsp of fresh oregano Salt and pepper to taste
Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl and mix until well moistened. You may have to adjust the liquid depending on the bread. Wrap the stuffing in foil and bake for 30 minutes at 400 degrees.
The residents particularly enjoy the stuffing. It seems to evoke pleasant childhood memories of Sunday dinner with the family.
We have all truly enjoyed everything you have shared with us. From fresh rhubarb pie to pickeled beets. The radishes were a real conversation piece and the sweet peas have deligthed all with their delicate fragrance.
Thank you, thank you, thank you...
Ronda
May's Place Hospice Coordinator
Earlier information:
Throughout the year, residents of Vancouver's May Gutteridge Hospice have benefited from an array of fresh organic produce grown at Vancouver's Compost Demonstration Garden. The produce, which has included such items as beets, leeks, squash, herbs, broccoli, tomatoes, lettuce, grapes, raspberries and cucumbers, was planted by gardeners under the direction of City Farmer's head gardener, Wes Barrett.
"We were delighted to be the recipients of such a program," explains Tyleen Katz, Director of Hospice Programs for St. James Social Services Society. "The produce was beautifully packaged in baskets. The visual appeal alone was enough to stimulate the resident's taste buds and heighten their interest in food. This is important, as often we have to work at tempting the appetites of our residents."
"In addition to our residents enjoying fresh organically grown food, we received flowers from the garden for decorative purposes and the program also off-set some of our costs for groceries."
May Gutteridge Hospice
A hospice offers the terminally ill and those close to them a supportive, comfortable environment. It is a home where the focus is on quality of life and a pain-free, dignified death.
The philosophy of the May Gutteridge Hospice emphasizes the uniqueness and autonomy of the individual and respects his/her right to remain active in treatment decisions. The hospice combines an unstructured home-like setting, with sensitive, quality care by specially trained staff. Care centres on the patient and family/friends endeavouring to meet their physical, psychological, and spiritual needs. Emphasis is placed on respecting and maintaining each person's autonomy and dignity.
The hospice is open to terminally ill adults over the age of twenty with a life expectancy of months rather than years. Illnesses may include non-malignancies as well as cancer and AIDS.
St. James Social Service Society
329 Powell Street
Vancouver, BC V6A 1G5
Tel: 604 606-0381
