News archive: October 2009

Give farmers in Bangladesh a thought this Halloween. Pumpkins are proving a lifeline for thousands of families as an innovative non-profit action group from the UK have decided to help out by donating pumpkins seeds so that people can grow their own. Practical Action is a non-profit that gives families in Bangladesh seeds and compost to grow pumpkins, which they eat and sell. The organization helps people all over the world to help themselves fight out of poverty.

To help spread the word about this ingenious – yet simple – solution, become a Facebook Fan of Practical Action and get your own little pumpkin! You can donate to the cause and get a little pumpkin for your Facebook page by clicking this link:

apps.facebook.com/practicalaction/

If you’re not a Facebook user, donate to the cause at www.practicalaction.org.uk/donate

Los Angeles magazine is a cross between Time Out and a high-end glossy magazine like Vogue. It’s a monthly guide to what’s cool in L.A., and the October 2009 edition is a special all about the Edible Garden.

Here’s what they say about Ysanne Spevack, founder of OrganicFoodee.com

“When the call comes from a home owner overwhelmed by the limes hanging low or the tomatoes bursting from their trellises, Ysanne Spevack gathers up her pruning shears, picking pole, gloves, and hat. The London native, now a Silver Lake resident, began offering her services as a picker and preserver in February, when she discovered people were too busy to harvest their gardens, let alone do anything with the produce. The author of 13 cookbooks on organic food and the editor of the online food magazine organicfoodee.com, Spevack transforms her clients’ fruits and vegetables into Meyer lemon marmalade, fig jam, orange curd, apple‑sauce, corn relish, pickled beets, tomato salsa, pies, and more—usually in their kitchens. After an initial visit during which she takes stock of any additional supplies she’ll need, such as canning jars or pie plates, she generally accepts two projects a week (she’s also a violinist and composer). “It’s so easy to grow here,” she says. “None of this stuff is rocket science.” » Hourly rates: $20 in the garden, $45 in the kitchen, $75 for a kitchen lesson. Email [email protected]

By Ann Herold and Leilah Bernstein”

www.lamag.com/featuredarticle.aspx?id=20444