Local Food Plan Looks to Involve Communities and Citizens

Across Calgary and the region, citizens are aware that food is a key part of our daily lives and plays an important role in our health, our communities, our environment and our local economy. 

There is a growing momentum in Calgary around local and sustainable food and there is evidence of this everywhere we look. Calgarians are making personal choices to shop locally; farmers are connecting directly with local businesses; community gardens are increasing in number and governments are taking a leadership role within their local food systems. 

Since 2009, The Office of Sustainability at The City of Calgary has been working with stakeholders from across Calgary to get a clearer understanding of our local and regional food system and the roles of everyone involved in it. A food assessment is a great starting point which would allow us to better understand our contributions, connections and where priorities for action exist.

With direction from City Council, the Calgary Food Committee was established to undertake a food system assessment and develop an action plan with recommendations and report back to Council and Calgarians in spring 2012.  Membership on the committee includes farmers, local businesses, chefs, educators, industry experts, scientists and other key players in the local food system. 

The Food System Assessment and Action Plan will examine the range of food issues, barriers and existing assets, and provide key baseline information identifying connections and gaps within our food system.  This data will be represented in maps and included in a land inventory.

The Calgary Food Committee is inviting you to get involved!  They will be engaging citizens and communities through the winter. For more information, please visit www.yycfood.com or contact Rebecca Newlove at 403-268-1034 or food@calgary.ca

If I can be of assistance on any matter of a civic nature, please do not hesitate to contact my office by phone (403) 268-2430, fax (403) 269-3823 or at www. Johnmar.ca

John Mar, Alderman, Ward 8