Thursday, August 16, 2012

This blog being phased out...

I have decided to simplify things a little bit and combine all my swap groups in to one: Swap it Oakland

You can now go to one place to find out about ALL the swaps I put on: clothing swaps, plant swaps, homemade food swaps, and occasional specialty swaps like craft supply swaps and our upcoming Yoga & Active wear swap. 

This blog is being phased out and I will be posting exclusively on the Swap it Oakland blog so please head on over there and update your subscription settings.
http://swapitoakland.blogspot.com
We also have a new facebook page (facebook wouldn't let me change the name because we had too many fans)

And finally, a new LOGO!

I love it!


So come join us in easing over to this new swap group. Their are more swap ideas in the works and I'm so excited for the swaps to come! 


Thursday, July 19, 2012

Second Day Opened up for Summer Swap!

I have opened up a second day for our Summer Homemade Food Swap in a different N. Oakland location on Sunday July 29th, 1-3pm.

Their are still spots open so if you are interested in swapping with us this summer head on over to the Join Our Next Swap page and sign up. The form is the same but I will send  you an email about the info for the second day.

Saturday, July 7, 2012

Summer 2012 Homemade Food Swap


It's time once again for the summer Homemade Food Swap! 

Registration for this swap opened up to the email list a few days ago and the spots are filling up quicker than ever. If you'd like to swap with us hurry up and get yourself on the list. Their are always a few drop outs so there will be a waiting list as well. 


Swap your edible creations and enjoy the summer afternoon at a brand new N. Oakland location.
Note: Space is limited! If you register and don't show up, someone else loses a chance to have your spot. Please make sure that you are planning to attend before you register or let me know ASAP if something comes up and you can no longer make it. Thanks!

What
A food swap is an event where you trade your homemade, homegrown, and foraged creations with other participants. Diversify your pantry while meeting your friends and neighbors. 

Who
We welcome everyone, as long as you bring something you made, grew, or foraged yourself. You must pre-register to attend. If you plan to bring a family member or friend who will be swapping their own foods, please register them separately. 

When
Saturday, July 28, 2012, 12 - 2 pm 
Please arrive promptly at noon.

Where
North Oakland.
The exact location will be released only to those accepted to the swap. If you are accepted please do not share the event location with anyone. We will not have room for drop in swappers. If you know someone who is interested in attending the swap please have them fill out the registration form & wait to see if they get accepted. 

What to bring
• Food to swap: All swap items must be homemade, homegrown, or foraged by you. Think preserves, baked goods, fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, condiments, beverages… you name it! Bring as little or as much as you like. You can bring a bunch of one thing or multiples of a few different things. The possibilities are endless!
Keep in mind that swappers will be examining and picking up your goods, so be sure to package them in a way that protects the food and makes it clear the amounts you want to swap. When applicable, it is recommended that you include storage and shelf life information..
• Samples: Make sure to bring samples of all your items for everyone to taste. We will not be able to provide any kitchen items at this location so MAKE SURE TO BRING EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR SAMPLES. (ex: napkins, cups, knife, toothpicks)
• Swap card: Bring one swap card for each different item you're swapping. For example, if you're bringing 5 jars of strawberry jam, 5 jars of apricot jam, and 10 bunches of rosemary, fill out 1 card for the strawberry jam, 1 card for the apricot jam, and 1 card for the rosemary. Fill out the top part only (Who, What, Notes).
You can download the swap card here

Learn more
Find out more on our Swapper Info Page
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Kendra kendra.poma@gmail.com

The Honor Code
This is a community event; however, participants must pre-register, which means this event is operated as a private club.
In addition, all swap participants adhere to an honor code of using the highest cleanliness standards in their own kitchens and gardens to prepare their swap items. Swap participants must agree to the following terms before registering:
• By participating in this event, you are acknowledging that the food items being shared are not necessarily prepared in commercial kitchens or spaces inspected by any government agency.
• By participating in this event, you are also acknowledging that you will use the highest standards of safety and cleanliness in food preparation.
• By participating in this event, you assume all liability; specifically, you agree to not hold liable food swap hosts, swap venue owners/providers, or other swap participants.

(much of this wording borrowed from the LA Swappers page. Thanks gals!)


Thursday, April 19, 2012

EBCA Swaps in the East Bay Express


Last Saturday, at our Spring Homemade Food Swap, writer Jesse Hirsch spent some time with us observing the swap. Check out the wonderful article he wrote to help spread the word:
Food on the barter system
by Jesse Hirsch
"In the East Bay barter economy, eggs are the hot ticket. “Everybody must be doing the backyard chicken thing, because we’re seeing tons of eggs right now,” said Kendra Poma, founder ofEast Bay Homemade Food Swaps. “Last fall I think everyone was making home-brewed beer … You start to notice trends.”

Poma started these swaps last February after reading about similar events happening all over the country. The premise is simple: 25 to 30 food artisans and backyard farmers meet up at a pre-ordained East Bay location (past swaps have been in Emeryville, North Oakland, and Golden Gate). Each swapper keeps a sign-up sheet in front of his or her goods, and other participants write down what they are willing to trade, e.g. “four muffins for one jar of salsa.” 
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This Saturday was the first food swap since the event took a winter hiatus, and 25 people descended on an undisclosed Oakland location (“drop-in swappers” are discouraged due to space constraints). Poma always gets well more applicants than there is space for; participants are chosen on a first-come-first-served system unless there’s a glut of certain items. This month she had to turn away some egg swappers in the interest of variety."
Read the rest at EastBayExpress.com

Sunday, April 1, 2012

REGISTRATION OPEN - Spring 2012 Homemade Food Swap

Registration is now open for our Spring 2012 Homemade Food Swap 
Saturday April 14th 12-2pm

This time we will be located in the Golden Gate district of North Oakland. The exact location will be given once your application has been approved.

Remember: You must bring only foods you have made or prepared yourself. Triple cool points if you have grown the ingredients yourself.
(think jams, pickles, ferments, breads, sweets, backyard chicken/duck eggs, etc.)

To register go to the Join Our Next Swap page of this blog


Friday, March 23, 2012

When would you like to swap next?

I am back from hiatus and ready to swap!

I have a couple of dates in mind but first I'd like to get your input to help me decide on the day/time of the next swap (at the end of April)

I have set up a poll here on the blog (to your right ------>)
Please take a moment to fill it out and give me your input. Or if you prefer you can leave a comment here as well.

In general, what day/times would you prefer to attend a Homemade Food Swap (keeping in mind you may need time to bake/prepare your items the day of or day before the swap)?
*Saturday afternoon (12-2pm)
*Saturday evening (6-8pm)
*Sunday afternoon (12-2pm)
*Sunday evening (5-7pm)
*Monday evening (7-9pm)

Let me know! I will announce the date by April 1st


Monday, October 31, 2011

Special Fall Harvest Backyard Crop Swap Sat. Nov 5th


This Saturday we will be having a special "Fall Harvest" edition of our monthly Backyard Crop Swaps.

Bring all your excesses from your fall harvest and swap them with your neighbors. Fruits, vegetables, herbs, eggs, honey, etc. Anything you grow or raise yourself is fair game & totally swapable.

This time we will also be swapping "put up" items as well. Bring a few jars of that jam you just made. How about pickles or pasta sauce. Turn your mass amounts of one thing in to a bunch of different things.

I'll be bringing homemade garden huckleberry jam and some veggies from my garden.

Don't forget to tell your local friends, family, & neighbors.

Facebook Event Page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=176418172445174

@ Phat Beets Sat. Farmers Market
5717 Market St.
Oakland, CA
(in the parking lot of the Arlington Medical Center)