Local Food Security

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Consultation has concluded


November 2024 Update

Staff are currently focusing on a Food Hub Feasibility Study and the Action Plan is currently on hold. Click here to learn more: https://engage.modl.ca/food-hub


What Is Local Food Security?

The Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) food security definition is when “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[1].”

There are four pillars of food security[2]:

  • Availability: When sufficient food containing the proper nutrients is readily available for all people.
  • Access: When all people have physical and economic access to sufficient food containing the proper nutrients.
  • Stability: A food systems ability to overcome economic or environmental challenges without failure.
  • Utilization: A food systems ability to be efficient and limit food waste.


Why Is Local Food Important?

There are numerous personal and environmental benefits to consuming local food. Some of these benefits include[3]:

  • The food may taste better and contain more nutrients. Local food is generally given more time to ripen because the food has less travel time compared to imported foods.
  • Buying local benefits the local economy and supports farmers and other producers.
  • Canada has very strict regulations on pesticides, herbicides, and additives. Buying local ensures that no harmful chemicals are being put in your body.

Buying local is also better for the environment. It is estimated that the transportation of food accounts for nearly one fifth of the total carbon emissions in the global food system[4]. Since local food has less distance to travel, less greenhouse gasses are emitted by transporting the produce.


What Is Our Plan?

To commence the project, we need to understand how much local food people currently consume in the region. In this initial phase, we will conduct two online surveys, one targeting the general public and the other focusing on businesses, including schools, restaurants, grocers, retailers, and institutions. By targeting both consumers and suppliers, we can obtain a comprehensive view of local food consumption patterns.

Using this information, The Municipality of the District of Lunenburg (MODL) will begin developing a Local Food Security Action Plan to develop food security programs and strategies. The Plan will identify and prioritize several key action items that will be delivered by 2030.

One of the key focuses of our plan will be establishing a Food Hub for the District of Lunenburg. The Food Hub will play a crucial role in addressing food security challenges within our Municipality while simultaneously enhancing local food production and distribution.

The Food Hub acts as a centralized facility that connects local farmers, producers, and consumers. It will provide a platform for farmers to collaborate and share resources, leading to increased production and offer a diverse range of local food options. By streamlining the distribution process, the Food Hub can ensure efficient delivery of fresh, locally sourced food to various outlets, including healthcare facilities, schools, restaurants, and retail stores.

[1] FAO: "An Introduction to the Basic Concepts of Food Security", 2008

[2] OCDE: "Food Security", 2023

[3] McGill University: "The Benefits of Eating Local Food", 2023 

[4] European Commission: "Global Food Miles", 2023

[Image Source]: Purdue University


November 2024 Update

Staff are currently focusing on a Food Hub Feasibility Study and the Action Plan is currently on hold. Click here to learn more: https://engage.modl.ca/food-hub


What Is Local Food Security?

The Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) food security definition is when “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[1].”

There are four pillars of food security[2]:

  • Availability: When sufficient food containing the proper nutrients is readily available for all people.
  • Access: When all people have physical and economic access to sufficient food containing the proper nutrients.
  • Stability: A food systems ability to overcome economic or environmental challenges without failure.
  • Utilization: A food systems ability to be efficient and limit food waste.


Why Is Local Food Important?

There are numerous personal and environmental benefits to consuming local food. Some of these benefits include[3]:

  • The food may taste better and contain more nutrients. Local food is generally given more time to ripen because the food has less travel time compared to imported foods.
  • Buying local benefits the local economy and supports farmers and other producers.
  • Canada has very strict regulations on pesticides, herbicides, and additives. Buying local ensures that no harmful chemicals are being put in your body.

Buying local is also better for the environment. It is estimated that the transportation of food accounts for nearly one fifth of the total carbon emissions in the global food system[4]. Since local food has less distance to travel, less greenhouse gasses are emitted by transporting the produce.


What Is Our Plan?

To commence the project, we need to understand how much local food people currently consume in the region. In this initial phase, we will conduct two online surveys, one targeting the general public and the other focusing on businesses, including schools, restaurants, grocers, retailers, and institutions. By targeting both consumers and suppliers, we can obtain a comprehensive view of local food consumption patterns.

Using this information, The Municipality of the District of Lunenburg (MODL) will begin developing a Local Food Security Action Plan to develop food security programs and strategies. The Plan will identify and prioritize several key action items that will be delivered by 2030.

One of the key focuses of our plan will be establishing a Food Hub for the District of Lunenburg. The Food Hub will play a crucial role in addressing food security challenges within our Municipality while simultaneously enhancing local food production and distribution.

The Food Hub acts as a centralized facility that connects local farmers, producers, and consumers. It will provide a platform for farmers to collaborate and share resources, leading to increased production and offer a diverse range of local food options. By streamlining the distribution process, the Food Hub can ensure efficient delivery of fresh, locally sourced food to various outlets, including healthcare facilities, schools, restaurants, and retail stores.

[1] FAO: "An Introduction to the Basic Concepts of Food Security", 2008

[2] OCDE: "Food Security", 2023

[3] McGill University: "The Benefits of Eating Local Food", 2023 

[4] European Commission: "Global Food Miles", 2023

[Image Source]: Purdue University

  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Baseline Assessment-Resident Survey

    259 responses

    Overview

    This survey is designed for residents of the MODL, or anyone who buys food in the MODL. This survey includes questions asking where you shop for food, what you buy local, how often you buy local, and what stops you from buying local. Your input is important as it will help us develop a stronger local food system. 

    Before you begin this survey, lets define "Local Food". 

    In terms of our survey, local food means food that has been grown, produced, and sold in the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg (MODL). If at any point in the survey you are unsure if food you have bought is considered local, try your best to make a general assumption. 

    About Privacy:

    Participation in this survey is voluntary and your responses are confidential. Your information is being collected for the purpose of developing a baseline understanding of the local food system in the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg. Your responses will not be identified by individual responses. All responses will be compiled together and analyzed as a group. You will be asked for your contact information in the last question of this survey however this question is completely optional. 

    Once again, thank you for completing our survey. Your feedback will help us shape the Local Food Security Action Plan and ensure everyone in MODL has access to safe, nutritious food.

    Consultation has concluded
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  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Baseline Assessment-Business Survey

    8 responses

    Overview

    This survey is designed for businesses in the MODL, or businesses that occasionally operate in the MODL. The survey focuses on challenges associated with selling local food and asks about personal experiences with selling local food. Your input is important as it will help us create a stronger food system that supports selling local products.

    Before you begin this survey, lets define "Local Food". 

    In terms of our survey, local food means food that has been grown, produced, and sold in the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg (MODL). If at any point in the survey you are unsure if food you have bought is considered local, try your best to make a general assumption. 

    About Privacy:

    Participation in this survey is voluntary and your responses are confidential. Your information is being collected for the purpose of developing a baseline understanding of the local food system in the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg. Your responses will not be identified by individual responses. All responses will be compiled together and analyzed as a group. You will be asked for your contact information in the last question of this survey however this question is completely optional. 

    Once again, thank you for completing our survey. Your feedback will help us shape the Local Food Security Action Plan and ensure everyone in MODL has access to safe, nutritious food.

    Consultation has concluded
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