Foodstock in Melancthon

December 7,1941

Was it a day of infamy as FDR said of Pearl Harbour? History has accepted it as such.

It was a day when his country was savagely and covertly attacked by aircraft of the Imperial Japanese Navy that early Sunday morning that forever changed the direction of WWII and the fate of two powerful nations.

October 16, 2011

Will this be another Sunday which will become a day of infamy for our farmers in Melancthon Township? Unlike Pearl harbor we certainly hope so. The price paid in 1941 was in blood, this time it will be in the loss of unique soil, thousands of acres of prime farmland, polluted drinking water for over one million people, an ugly blight on our landscape, the disruption of many rivers and streams, and a major loss of food production for millions of people in Southern Ontario.

This Mega Protest in support of our farmland, water and heritage was spawned by the farmers targeted by Highland Companies bid to mine millions of tons of limestone rock beneath their farmland which we rely on for food, thus destroying the soil forever all for speculators wanting to make money.

The expected turnout was for 20,000 people willing to donate at least $10.00 each to pay for the food cooked by over 100 chefs who came from across Canada. Not backyard barbecue chefs. Well trained people, many running their own successful businesses or working for high profile hotels and restaurants. They gave of their time and talents because of the seriousness of the issue at hand. The food was spectacular. The weather not so but the turnout was estimated at over 28,000.

As my family and I walked along the pathway through an almost leafless bush next to a productive field of peas, the aroma of different exotic dishes tickled the palate. There were stews, goulashes, chili, soups, breads of many types, special coffees, and foods I have never tasted until today.

The “kitchens” for each chef were set up in this bush under tent like structures next to the path so the entire scene looked like a giant cook-out, which it was in reality. Made me think how easy it was to be in a gourmet cook’s kitchen without a security guard wanting to kick me out.

If you were hungry that was good because the sample sizes of food were quick to be enjoyed, and the variety was as large as the number of chefs at work. It’s a fair guess that no one went home hungry this day.

Along the food pathways were different entertainers, vendors of various natural products, and an area with a stage for speakers and music to keep the crowd entertained as they ate.

Apparently by 3:30 pm the food was for the most part finished. This is not surprising with the larger than expected turnout so with the advent of light rain and cold winds people began dispersing for their vehicles, satiated and happy with their country experience and contribution to a good cause.

We met people we knew from as far away as Paris ON, Toronto, Barrie and very many local towns, which if drawn as a circle with Hwy 24 and 20 Sideroad Melanchthon being the axis and Barrie the outer line covers a very large area. This gives perspective on the scope of those affected directly by what this quarry will impact if it is allowed to be developed.

Some encouraging news on this initiative a day following the very successful protest was announced that another “Foodstock” in the Spring is a strong possibility depending on how negotiations are going with Highland Companies on stopping the proposed quarry.

I would suggest that if enough people stand up for the good of all concerned we can make a difference.

Ron Lehman

October 19, 2011

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