Fiddleheads: A Springtime Treat for Newcomers!
Hey there! If you’re to Canada, you’re probably diving into all sorts of exciting culinary adventures. One super cool seasonal treat you absolutely have to try is fiddleheads. Let’s chat about these funky little greens and why they’ll become your new spring obsession! What Are Fiddleheads Anyway? Fiddleheads are the curled fronds of the ostrich fern, and they pop up in early spring. They’re called fiddleheads because they look just like the scroll of a violin—pretty neat, right? These vibrant green veggies are a beloved springtime delicacy in Canada, especially in the Atlantic provinces. The catch? They only stick around for a few weeks, usually from late April to early June. So, if you want to get your hands on some, mark your calendar! Why You Should Try Them Not only do fiddleheads look unique, but they also pack a nice nutritional punch. They’re loaded with antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and a dash of potassium and iron to boot. Eating them is a great way to celebrate the arrival of spring and get some healthy greens into your diet! How to Prepare Fiddleheads Okay, so if you’re lucky enough to find fiddleheads, here’s how you can enjoy them: Cleaning: First, give them a good rinse under cold water to get rid of any dirt. You’ll want to gently pull apart the fronds to clean out any brown bits or fuzz. Cooking: Fiddleheads shouldn’t be eaten raw, so cook them first! You can steam them, boil them, sauté them, or stir-fry them—whatever floats your boat. A quick blanch in boiling water for about 2-3 minutes works great. They’ll turn a beautiful vibrant green! Serve It Up: Once they’re cooked, fiddleheads are super versatile. You can drizzle them with a bit of olive oil and lemon juice for a fresh side dish, toss them in pasta, or add them to salads. They really shine with a little garlic and butter! Where to Find Fiddleheads During fiddlehead season, keep an eye out at local farmers’ markets or grocery stores—many places will have them in stock! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try foraging in the wild. Just make sure to identify the ostrich fern correctly, and if you’re unsure, it’s always best to stick with what you find at the market. Get Involved! Fiddleheads aren’t just about the food—they’re also part of the fun community vibe! Many cities and towns celebrate fiddlehead season with festivals where you can sample dishes, meet local farmers, and enjoy live music. It’s a great way to connect and learn more about local traditions. So, next spring, make sure to keep an eye out for these quirky greens. Fiddleheads are not just a tasty treat; they’re a slice of Canadian culture you won’t want to miss! Enjoy discovering all the yummy ways to cook with them!
Celebrating Community Champions: A Multicultural Christmas Gathering of Gratitude and Belonging
This Christmas season, Moncton Cares proudly hosted a Community Champion Award Ceremony alongside a joyful multicultural Christmas celebration—an evening grounded in gratitude, inclusion, and community belonging. Held at the Community of Joyce Avenue, the event was organized in partnership with Olivia Hun and celebrated collaboratively with the New Brunswick Refugee Clinic. The gathering brought together a diverse group of newcomers, refugees, volunteers, community leaders, and long-time residents, reflecting the rich multicultural fabric of Moncton. Honouring the Pillars of Our Multicultural Community Every strong community is built by people who lead with compassion and commitment. This evening was dedicated to local community champions who believed in Moncton Cares during its early days and played a key role in supporting newcomer settlement, refugee inclusion, and multicultural community building. As a gesture of appreciation, medals were presented to individuals who: Supported Moncton Cares in its beginning stages Advocated for newcomers and refugee families Contributed selflessly behind the scenes Helped foster inclusion, dignity, and belonging across cultures Each medal symbolized resilience, solidarity, and the shared responsibility of building an inclusive community. Partnership with the New Brunswick Refugee Clinic The celebration was enriched by the presence of Oliver Hun, Executive Director of the New Brunswick Refugee Clinic, underscoring the importance of collaboration in advancing newcomer and refugee support services across New Brunswick. The participation of refugee families added meaning and warmth to the event, reminding everyone that multicultural celebrations are powerful spaces for connection, healing, and belonging—especially for those building new lives in Canada. Board Leadership Supporting Newcomer Inclusion The event was honoured by the presence of Moncton Cares Board Members—Heather Fraser, Ken Biddington, Kevin Rogers, and Maha Imaztinene—whose participation reflected strong governance and a shared commitment to equity-driven, newcomer-focused, and multicultural initiatives. A Multicultural Christmas Celebration of Togetherness Beyond the awards, the evening was filled with festive cheer, shared meals, conversations, and laughter. The Joyce Avenue community space became a welcoming place where cultures, languages, and stories came together, capturing the true spirit of a multicultural Christmas. This celebration went beyond the holiday—it affirmed that newcomers and refugees are an integral part of Moncton’s present and future. Gratitude and the Road Ahead Moncton Cares extends heartfelt thanks to Olivia Hun, the New Brunswick Refugee Clinic, the Community of Joyce Avenue, and all volunteers and supporters who made this multicultural celebration possible. Most importantly, we thank the community champions, newcomer families, refugee participants, and volunteers who continue to believe in building a more inclusive, caring, and connected Moncton. Support Our Work — Make a Donation Community programs for newcomers, refugees, and multicultural families are made possible through the generosity of donors. Your contribution helps us provide food support, settlement services, community events, and safe spaces for belonging. 👉 Donate today and help strengthen an inclusive Moncton: Donate via Zeffy Join Our Volunteer Team Behind every successful community event is a team of dedicated volunteers. If you believe in multicultural inclusion, newcomer support, and community connection, we would love to have you join us. 👉 Become a Moncton Cares volunteer and make a direct impact: Join Our Team As the year comes to a close, this celebration reaffirmed our commitment to multicultural inclusion, newcomer support, and community belonging—together. From all of us at Moncton Cares, thank you for being part of our shared journey.
Inclusive Multicultural Food Support at Moncton Cares: Expanding Access Through Groceries and Frozen Meals
At Moncton Cares, food is more than nourishment—it is dignity, comfort, and belonging. Through an inclusive, multicultural approach, we support newcomers, immigrants, refugees, and low-income individuals by ensuring access to food that is culturally familiar, nutritious, and accessible.With the support of community partners and donors, Moncton Cares continues to strengthen food security in Moncton through grocery assistance and ready-to-heat meals designed for people facing barriers to cooking. Supporting 500+ Individuals Every Month In partnership with FeedNB, Moncton Cares currently provides grocery support to more than 500 individuals every month. This includes newcomers and immigrants navigating settlement, refugees rebuilding their lives, seniors, students, single parents, and individuals experiencing food insecurity due to economic, health, or housing challenges. Our inclusive food model ensures that support reaches people in ways that are practical, respectful, and dignified. Introducing Inclusive Multicultural Frozen Meals (December 2025) Starting December 2025, Moncton Cares expanded its multicultural food program by introducing inclusive frozen meals at our food bank. These meals are designed for individuals who may not be able to cook due to long work hours, limited kitchen access, health conditions, disabilities, temporary housing, or emotional stress. By offering ready-to-heat options, we ensure that food support remains accessible—regardless of circumstance. Multicultural Frozen Meals Available at Our Food Bank The Moncton Cares food bank currently offers the following inclusive multicultural frozen meals: Chana Masala (Chickpea Curry) – A nutritious, plant-based meal inspired by South Asian cuisine Tomato Soup – A comforting and widely familiar option enjoyed across cultures Aloo Paratha (Flatbread with Smashed Potato Filling) – A culturally familiar staple for many newcomer and immigrant families These options reflect our commitment to food diversity, inclusion, and equity. Why Inclusive Multicultural Food Matters for Newcomers and Immigrants Food insecurity affects people differently. Many newcomers, immigrants, and refugees face additional barriers that traditional food programs do not always address. An inclusive food system recognizes that: Not everyone has access to a full kitchen Cultural familiarity in food matters for mental and emotional well-being Dignity and choice are essential parts of food security By offering multicultural groceries and frozen meals, Moncton Cares helps reduce cultural isolation, supports newcomer integration, and reinforces a sense of belonging. How Moncton Cares Builds Inclusive Food Security Moncton Cares supports inclusive food security by: Providing grocery assistance to 500+ individuals each month Offering multicultural and culturally familiar food options Introducing ready-to-heat frozen meals for accessibility Partnering with FeedNB to expand reach and impact This approach ensures that food support is not one-size-fits-all, but responsive to diverse community needs. How You Can Support Inclusive Multicultural Food Programs Make a Donation to Support Food Security Inclusive food programs are made possible through community generosity. Your donation helps Moncton Cares sustain grocery support for 500+ individuals per month, prepare multicultural frozen meals, and support newcomers, immigrants, and refugees with dignity. 👉 Donate today to support inclusive food access: Donate Quick Answers Does Moncton Cares offer multicultural food support? Yes. Moncton Cares provides inclusive multicultural food through groceries and frozen meals. Who benefits from Moncton Cares food programs? Newcomers, immigrants, refugees, and low-income individuals in Moncton. How many people are supported each month? More than 500 individuals receive grocery support monthly. When were frozen meals introduced? In December 2025. What frozen meals are available? Chana Masala, Tomato Soup, and Aloo Paratha. At Moncton Cares, we believe food security must be inclusive, multicultural, and dignified. Through partnerships, donor support, and community care, we continue to nourish people, strengthen belonging, and build a more inclusive Moncton—one meal at a time.Thank you for supporting this work.
