Janvier Reserve gives back to the community of Smoky Lake

By Myrina Carter

On October 19, throughout the afternoon, Janvier Reserve Agriculture Consultant Dave Jarema came to the community of Smoky Lake.  A truck and trailer loaded up with enormous sacks of organic Yukon Gold  potatoes, located at 246 W Railway Drive , better known as Smoky Lakes Pumpkin Park.

Janvier Reserve is located three hours north of Smoky Lake and is a community that grows its own food to help feed its community members. Jarema said, “We were doing what we always do, growing to help feed our community. This year our Yukon Gold potatoes grew immensely and provided an overabundance amount of potatoes.  After we provided to our area, we thought we would share the goodness with many other communities in Alberta.” Janvier travelled around throughout Alberta to other reserves and towns, sharing free potatoes.  The towns and reserves included Buffalo Lake, Saddle Lake, Good Fish, Anzac, Beaver Lake, Kikino, Heart Lake, Fort McMurry, Lac La Biche and Smoky Lake,  providing many towns and hundreds of community members with free potatoes.

The community members of Smoky Lake inquired and were filled with questions and asked Jarema about what was going on, as they saw a rather large white sign which stated, “Compliments of Janvier Reserve Free Organic Yukon Gold Potatoes.” All sorts of families and individuals, young and old, gathered around the trailer with excitement after they were told, “Just bring a bag and help yourself to however much you need!” Smiles and happiness spread throughout the area like wildfire from kindness and sharing. One patron stated, “This is absolutely fantastic! Communities are helping communities! There is no greater feeling than that!”

Jarema said, “It is just awesome to get out here today and give some kindness from the Janvier Reserve and to help some people or families who truly need it. Look out for us next year because we will do this again if we have any extra food to spare!”

Caption

Photo: Dave Jarema, Agriculture Consultant for Janvier Reserve, shared hundreds of free Yukon Gold potatoes with all the community members of Smoky Lake on October 19. Many people gathered around the trailer full of free potatoes, taking bags home.

Photo by: Myrina Carter