1) Where/how did you first here about Food Swaps and what was your first impression?I first heard about swaps via an article I read on the internet about a food swap in Seattle. Prior to that I had been swapping batches of soup with friends, but after I started canning I really wanted to do more.2) What other Food Swaps have you participated in and what was your experience there?Long Beach was the first one I participated in, but I've also been to swaps in North OC/Borderline, SGV East (Glendora), and Los Angeles. I'm looking forward to the inaugural swap for the Inland Empire Group, and of course the 6/23 swap for Central OC!!3) What do you do to prepare for a Food Swap? (What is your process? canning, fermenting, baking, harvesting ...)Canning has been my main thrust so far, since that is what I have the most of. But I've also shared infused and fermented items.4) What about packaging (labeling and re-used materials)?I have a business card-sized label for "Whittenberg Farms" I make on my computer, which I cut out and paste on most of the jars. But I also I have some Ball labels that I have used in a pinch for tiny batches. Most of my items are canned, which means I use Ball/Kerr jars. It's nice that they are reuseable. For other items, I have a collection of glass jars and bottles that I have saved over the last couple years. In fact I think the majority of the time washing dishes is spent getting label adhesive off of jars!5) Where do you prefer to source your ingredients from?I love the Long Beach Produce Exchange, but I also frequent the farmer's market in Old Towne Orange, which is where I live. I also struck up a friendship with a farmer at that market and he gets me major deals when I can buy massive amounts of produce, like during the summer and I go into tomato-canning mode. Best of all is when you can get backyard produce from friends and family. I also have a friend who has a farm in Fallbrook (Sisters Heritage Farms). She's in Orange twice a week and drops off at my place. I take most of what she gives me to the Produce Exchange, but I keep a little for myself. I give her some of my canned foods and produce I find at the exchange that she would be able to use.6) What do you enjoy most about food swapping?I love sharing what I make with others, and I love seeing what others come up with in their kitchens -- it's much more inspiring than doing research on the internet! It's also a good way for us to stretch our family food budget.
