Farmers

We may have to come up with a new nickname for the Big Smoke, as Toronto makes tangible policy changes to address carbon emmissions related to the food system.

It's a good thing that creating a just and sustainable food system is not a contest, because Toronto would be one up on Vancouver with this recent policy shift...

In case you missed it, on October 30th, Toronto City Council unanimously adopted a local food procurement policy and implementation plan. Council adopted Toronto Environmental Alliance’s suggested amendment and agreed to develop a plan to achieve an aggressive 50% local food purchasing target as soon as possible! This means it is now the policy of Toronto to progressively increase the percentage of local food it buys for its daycares, shelters and seniors’ homes.

Below are the questions that were discussed in the breakout groups during the forum. Answers to the questions are being compiled and will help in the "How Food Secure is Vancouver" study, which is ongoing. If you would like to comment on any of the questions, please post below...

Question #1
What can be done to protect and enhance our supply of local food given the ongoing pressure that urban development is exerting on the food production zone (ALR) in the South Coastal Region?

Question #2
How would you define food security, within the context of ensuring Vancouver’s food supply becomes sustainable?

Question #3
What are the key determinants of a secure and sustainable food system in Vancouver?

Thanks to city councilor Andrea Reimer for posting this link on Facebook.

http://www.bclocalnews.com/business/36013909.html#disqus_thread

New grocery store has ‘six-day farmers’ market feel’

By Lindsay Chung - Comox Valley Record

Published: December 12, 2008 8:22 AM

The first grocer in B.C. to offer strictly British Columbia products opened in Courtenay last week with shelves filled with produce, meat, frozen foods, baked goods, spreads and preserves, dairy products and more.

Brambles Market is now open at 244 Fourth St. at the corner of Fourth Street and Cliffe Avenue.

Owners James and Angeline Street have been working on the concept of their “all B.C. all the time” grocery store for five years.