Making the FOOD Connection for Northwestern Ontario.

We are pleased to invite you to

the first ever NWO Regional Food Conference...
 
Northern Food Connections: Get Fresh, Eat Local, Go Wild

Thursday, March 4 to Saturday, March 6, 2010

at Lakehead University

The conference will be a chance to showcase local food security projects and develop new skills, as participants work towards greater food security in the NWO region.

Hands-on workshops, discussions, and displays will cover such topics as producer/retailer/consumer connections, small farm stories, do-it-yourself food production and preservation, indigenous food culture & knowledge, food justice, and sustainable food systems.  

Get Fresh! in Thunder Bay

Do you know where your food comes from? The Food Action Network encourages you to take a closer look and to buy local food more often.

When you choose foods grown closer to home you're helping our:    

• local economy   
• health                  
• community            
• and the environment

Check out:

Thunder Bay District Agricultural Economic Impact Study 2009 New

Also check out:
Get Fresh! Guide 2009 (your guide to local food) 

We are also offering 

free workshops 

throughout the summer and fall where participants will learn how to eat with the seasons, a key part of eating local.

Sharing Backyards

If you have a yard you can share or you are looking for space to garden, SharingBackyards.com is for you.  This website will let you post a listing or find a yard you can use in your neighbourhood.  Click here for a pamphlet with more information on the Sharing Backyards program.

Cost of Eating Well in the District of Thunder Bay

Each year the Nutritious Food Basket Survey conducted by the Thunder Bay District Health Unit shows that low-income households struggle to pay rent, the bills and to buy enough healthy food for their family. The Cost of Eating Well in the District of Thunder Bay 2009 Budgeting for Food Where to Get Food 2009

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What is "Community Food Security"?

Food security for our community would mean that ALL people have access to safe, nutritious, and personally acceptable food at ALL times through a just and sustainable food system. 

Is our community food secure?

Many people in our region find it difficult to access healthy foods. There are many reasons why:

• inadequate income
• lack of transportation
• mental illness
• poor health
• lack of budgeting and planning skills
• lack of cooking skills

Some people find it difficult to seek help, and find it embarrassing to go to food banks or soup kitchens.

As a community we also depend heavily on food that is transported over long distances to reach our plate.  This is not good for our local economy, nearby farm families nor the health of our planet. We have lost the connection with our food and how it is produced.

What is being done?

Many organizations and agencies support food security programs in our district.  We support programs for those in need of healthy food at a low cost.  These include community gardens, commmunity kitchens, gleaning and the Good Food Box.  Where to Get Food 2009 is a listing of food banks and other food programs.

We also support and promote a more vibrant local food system. For more information on specific programs and intitiatives choose from the list to the left of your screen.

Food Action Network

Click here to find out more about this network of individuals and agencies from various sectors that is working towards community food security for the City of Thunder Bay and surrounding area through coordinated, community-led action.

Rainy River Valley Food Council

Check out the other food security topics listed in the menu to the left of your screen.