January 2022
Food Security Action Plan
Food security is defined by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations as "a condition in which all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life."
It is our vision that every person in the City of Kawartha Lakes and the County of Haliburton has access to sufficient and healthy food.
1. Advocate to the federal and provincial government to develop policies and programs that take a comprehensive approach to address root causes of poverty and food insecurity.
- Advocate in partnership with organizations and local groups for programs and policies that promote equity, such as adequate and accessible income-based supports, safe and decent employment that protect employees and provide fair pay and benefits, safe and affordable housing, and accessible and quality childcare, transportation
- Assist emergency food organizations such as food banks to help inform, support and advocate for policies and programs that address food insecurity
- Advocate for continued municipal support services including affordable/subsidized childcare, employment and income supports, and Rent-Gear-income housing/affordable housing
- Contact ministry officials, MPP and MP to schedule meetings to advocate for change
2. Support initiatives that develop a just and sustainable food system.
- Advocate for the inclusion of polices and zoning bylaws related to the conservation of the land, soil, water, air and natural resources, enhancement of biodiversity, and promotion of sustainable food systems
- Develop and implement strategies that engage diverse community members, groups and organizations to shape structures, policies and programs that impact our environment and local food system
- Engage with and develop relationships with Indigenous communities of practice in supporting Indigenous self-determination, leadership, knowledge, culture and practices of hunting, fishing, and gathering
- Build relationships with local producers, processors and farmers to create and market a sustainable food supply system
- Promote resource-efficient equipment, renewable energy sources, and management systems and tools that minimizes food and packaging waste.
3. Support food literacy initiatives and programs that increase access to healthy, sustainable and safe foods.
- Advocate for safe municipal lands for community garden and edible tree initiatives to help increase access to local fresh produce
- Support and promote innovative community food literacy initiatives I.e. community/collective kitchens that teach healthy cooking skills, gardening, and healthy eating
- Engage with and develop relationships with Indigenous communities of practice in supporting Indigenous-led food literacy initiates.
- Advocate for development and implementation of a plan to assist with rental fees and insurance costs of municipally owned buildings for food literacy related initiatives
- Advocate for development and implementation of a national healthy school food program Support promotion and expansion of fresh produce donation to food banks and other emergency food related programs
Each recommendation comes with potential collaborators, Resources and Measurable Indicators Based on the structure and relationship noted earlier, the KLFC Food Security Working Group will strive to achieve these recommendations this year by completing one or more of the noted activities.
Click on the Basket Above to register to Donate to the New FOOD SHARING PROGRAM.