[WRFoodNews] July 17, 2009 Waterloo Region Food System update

[xmarc at region.waterloo.on.ca]

Please find below the latest update on Waterloo Region's food system as
described on the website of the Waterloo Region Food System Roundtable at
www.wrfoodsystem.ca.

1. Labelling Made in Canada versus Product of Canada
A recent story in the Globe & Mail raised a number of questions about the
rules which allow companies to label their products Made in Canada versus
Product of Canada.  It turns out Made in Canada could mean imported apples
turned into apple juice in Canada.  See the link to the story at
http://www.wrfoodsystem.ca/index.php?p=forum/view_thread&thread_id=10034 .

2. Lots of local interest in 100-Mile Diet
Almost two weeks into their 100-day experience, the people taking the
100-Mile Diet Challenge with the Healing Path Naturopathic Centre are abuzz
with stories of their experiences.  See their blog at
http://www.healingpathcentre.com/blog/index.php for stories about their
experiences and many links to personal stories from some of the
participants.

3. Eat Local Video
Hellmans, makers of mayonnaise, have produced a 3-minute video summarizing
all that is wrong with our food system and making a case for more localized
ones.  Is there a self-interest in it for them?  Certainly, as they boast
all-Canadian content in their mayonnaise.  But they've done a good job of
summarizing the issues and giving people concrete options for taking
action.  See the link to the video and discussion of its merits at
http://www.wrfoodsystem.ca/index.php?p=forum/view_forum&forum_id=10001.

4. Give input to possible new Centre for Innovation and Design
A feasibility study funded by the Trillium Foundation is assessing whether
Waterloo Region could use a centre for innovation and design.  Three
workshops in the coming weeks will gather input from people interested in
having their enterprise or social or environmental project be part of a
shared space.  Two of the workshops - in Ayr and Baden - will particularly
invite ideas for food-based initiatives.  For details see
http://www.wrfoodsystem.ca/index.php?p=forum/view_thread&thread_id=10287.

5. Upcoming Food Events
Full details on upcoming food-related events in Waterloo Region can be
viewed under "Upcoming Events" on the Roundtable's website (
http://www.wrfoodsystem.ca/index.php?p=9 ).  To share news of your event,
email details to xmarc at region.waterloo.on.ca, and I will post it to the
website.  Some upcoming highlights include:

July 18 - All About Fruit Trees, Little City Farm, Kitchener
July 25-30 - Food Inc, Princess Cinema, Waterloo
July 21, 23, and 29 - Input Sessions for proposed Centre for Innovation and
Design, Ayr, Kitchener, and Baden
July 26 - The Future of Food, Diversity Gardens, St Agatha

Marc Xuereb
staff support to the Waterloo Region Food System Roundtable
c/o 99 Regina St S, 3rd Floor
Waterloo, ON N2J 4V3
tel: 519.883.2004 x.5872
email: xmarc at region.waterloo.on.ca