Tegan Renner Supporting the development of a local organic food system
Waterloo Region Baby Friendly Initiative Advisory Group To protect, promote and support breastfeeding in Waterloo Region
Region of Waterloo Public Health building a healthy food system so people will eat healthier
Bailey's Local Foods A wide selection of local food made simple.
WRFoodNews January 13, 2010
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. Join discussions of the topics below and many more on our Discussion Forum.
1. Britain adopts new Food Policy
The British government unveiled a 20-year Food Strategy on January 5, 2010, and the move is being lauded by food activists around the world who have long awaited coordinated national food policies. It sets goals for growing food more sustainably and use public food procurement programs to help consumers lead "greener and healthier lives". More details, and links to media coverage and responses, on the Roundtable's Discussion Forum.
2. Join local farmer in coversation about dirt
Organic farmer Theresa Schumilas wants people to start talking about soil quality. She wonders if the absence of public discussion of it has to do with it being a dirty subject. But as she asks, "Why protect farmland in the first place if we are complacent with practices that degrade it?" Join Theresa in the discussion on the Roundtable's Discussion Forum.
3. Consumers have the power to save local agriculture
"Do we really matter? That's the question a lot of us are asking. Are we important?" That question was raised last week by Brenda Lammens, whose terms as chair of the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association ends today, during an editorial board meeting with The St. Catherines Standard. It's a troubling question to ponder, but even more troubling is the answer that query may receive. As Lammens pointed out, if fruit and vegetable agriculture in Ontario collapsed, the amount of food we import ensures the shelves at grocery stores would remain full. Facing that reality, it's easy to excuse farmers for a bout with self-doubt. But it doesn't have to be that way. Consumers have the power to tell farmers that yes, they do matter and yes, they are important. They can demand local produce; but they also have to be willing to pay for it. St. Catharines Standard story.
4. Upcoming Food Events
Full details on upcoming food-related events in Waterloo Region can be viewed under Upcoming Events on the Roundtable's website. To share news of your event, email details to the Roundtable's Site Administrator, who will post it to the website. Some upcoming highlights include:
The Future of Organics - Thursday, January 14, 4pm, University of Guelph
Kicking our CO2 Addiction - Thursday, January 21, 6pm, University of Waterloo
Grown Close to Home (Really!) - Tuesday, January 26, 7pm, Kitchener Public Library Main Branch
Canadian Organic Conference - January 28-31, University of Guelph
Waterloo Region Food Summit Action Coordinating Meeting - Frbruary 4, 99 Regina St S, Waterloo
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