At the Food Program, we’ve been paying extra attention to bacteria this year. In November, we hosted Alysha Punnett from the Compost Education Centre, for her workshop on soil bacteria. This month, we are hosting a panel discussion exploring the connection between how we eat and healthy gut bacteria. Did you know that:
• Out of the top 10 causes of death for Canadians, 9 of them have gut microbial links, including strokes and heart attacks;
• Brushing your teeth three times a day reduces dementia and Alzheimer’s;
• Just one course of antibiotics can negatively impact your gut microbiome for up to 1 year, but that you can also help replenish your gut bacteria through diet and probiotics;
• Fermented foods are part of traditional food cultures from all four corners of the globe?
Join us for this live event at 2:00 on Sunday April 21, and learn all about what you can do to encourage a balanced microbiome that supports living and aging well. Our panel, moderated by Nancy McPhee, will be made up of three Galiano personalities who each bring a unique perspective to this discussion

Dr. Erin Carlson, Galiano’s GP

Manisha Decosas wrote her PhD thesis on the negative impacts of the Green Revolution on crop diversity, soil, water, and seed security in India. She studied grass roots food sovereignty efforts and how they can transform both farming and policy. Her research also includes work on the many values of traditional food cultures, both nutritionally and socially. Manisha has lived on Galiano since 2010 where she has taught yoga and commutes to teach Women’s Studies at Langara College.

Dr. Brett Finlay is a professor of microbiology at UBC, and author of the book Let Them Eat Dirt, which explains how an imbalance in the microbes in children’s growing bodies can lead to chronic health conditions. His work also includes the effects of bacteria on aging. He spends quite a bit of time on Galiano and is known locally for his love of trails and jazz music.

Just before the event, join us for tasting plates of gut- friendly foods prepared by Cedana Bourne (Galiano Conservancy Association), Jesse McCleery (Pilgrimme) & Martine Paulin (SANTE Functional Nutrition).