the sudbury and manitoulin districts food security network
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The Sudbury and Manitoulin Districts Food Security Network
Food Charter Initiative
An initiative of the The Food Security Network of the Sudbury & Manitoulin Districts
Our Mandate: To improve our capacity to be food secure.
The Food Security Network represents: Agricultural interests – farmers and markets Food banks Small business owners – restaurants and small food
processors Government, health, economic, educational and social services Consumers and concerned citizens
Community food security is a strategy that promotes:
Health and wellness Community involvement Economic development The sustainable development of the local food
system
Our Vision of a food secure community is when:
Food is accessible
Food is locally available
Appropriate to culture
Grown sustainably
Why do we need a food charter?
Food bank use is increasing every year
Agricultural communities need support to market their products
Global issues impact our food supply
The Food Charter promotes:
A food security planning process that considers the health of the community throughout the life cycle
Health as a resource for the individual and the community
Economic development of the food system based on social, environmental, economic and cultural factors
Strategies to link existing initiatives and maximize local resources
Involving the community in finding solutions
The benefits of a food secure community:
Retains food dollars in the community and creates jobs
Has an emergency food supply
Supports those at-risk for food insecurity
Supports healthy food choices
What are the next steps?
Endorsement of the Food Charter by the City of Greater Sudbury
Endorsement of the Food Charter within the municipalities of the Sudbury & District Health Unit
Expansion of the Food Security Network The development of a Community Food Security
Report Card
The benefits of a food secure community include…
Improved health status Job creation Local research opportunities A sustainable environment – locally and globally Development of local food cuisine and cultures Ecotourism opportunities
Lets work together to develop a food secure community – supporting local food growing and processing, ensuring that food is affordable and accessible and that our environment is sustainable - we have everything to gain!