​Bervie W.I., Bervie UCW learn about food insecurity

The Bervie Women’s Institute and the Bervie United Church Women met at the Bervie United Church, Tuesday, March 11, at 1 p.m., with the theme being “Food Insecurity.”

After the singing of the Institute grace, trays of sweets were enjoyed, supplied by the Bervie W.I. ladies.

Marg Hedley of the UCW welcomed everyone and the meeting opened with “O Canada.” The Roll Call, “What food would you miss most if you couldn’t have it,” was answered by 21 people in attendance. Fruit and steak or meat were common answers.

Convener Betty Jean White introduced the guest speaker, Alanna Leiskau, a dairy farmer of Listowel who was a junior representative at the G7 Agricultural Conference in Italy last September. Alanna is a member of the Canadian Agriculture Youth Council and was one of three Canadian delegates at the G7 conference.

The focus at the conference was food, the environment and policy regarding food sustainability for food security and agriculture policy. Alanna met with many European Union farmers along with 24 young people from different countries. Canada is the fifth largest farm exporter. It was noted that all farmers are struggling, financially, and they need trade deals that protect them.

For the consumer, the cost of food is increasing, annually, and there are those in our country and around the world who go without food for several days. Betty Jean thanked Alanna and presented her with a gift.

President Bev Berndt opened the W.I. business part of the meeting with a reading, “St. Patrick’s Day.” Betty Jean read the minutes of the last meeting and Islay Eby gave the treasurer’s report. Donations will be made to the Kincardine and Tiverton Agricultural Societies. Six pies will be donated to the Roots of Bruce which is being held in Walkerton, April 3-4. Ellen Waye will help one of the days.  

Ellen gave the Tweedsmuir report and explained some of the changes coming with regard to the annual membership forms that are submitted to the Federated Women’s Institutes of Ontario (FWIO). Sandra MacDonald gave the Sunshine Report.

The meeting closed with the W.I. closing ode.

Next month is the annual meeting, April 2, at the Bervie United Church. There will be a potluck lunch and a collection for the food bank in lieu of a gift for your secret pal.