FSC's Press Release on National Food Policy consultations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Toronto, May 29, 2017 – Food Secure Canada welcomes the launch of consultations on the new National Food Policy, announced by federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food Lawrence MacAulay this morning at the Canadian Association for Food Studies conference at Ryerson University.

"Every Canadian should be able to put healthy, affordable, sustainably grown food on their table. This is our chance to take concrete actions to reform our food system, from farm to fork. Our members across the country are excited to make their voices heard," said Diana Bronson, Food Secure Canada’s Executive Director.

Food Secure Canada is proposing Five Big Ideas for a Better Food System that can be embraced by Canada’s new food policy:

1. Realize the human right to food by taking concrete steps to progressively eliminate food insecurity, which currently affects four million Canadians;
2. Champion healthy and sustainable diets, using government purchasing power and dietary guidance to improve health and environmental outcomes;
3. Commit to support for sustainable food systems and waste reduction throughout our agriculture and fisheries;
4. Make food a part of reconciliation by working with First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples to ensure Indigenous food sovereignty and guaranteed access to traditional resources;
5. Invite more voices to the table by establishing a new National Food Policy Council to enhance transparency and citizen oversight of our food system.

Tackling food waste, establishing a national Healthy Eating Strategy and a universal school food program, and strong action to reduce hunger in the North are examples of actual policy actions that flow from the Five Big Ideas (see full document). Over the coming months of consultation, more detailed policy proposals will emerge.

Canada has abundant land and water, culinary diversity, dynamic farms and businesses, a vibrant and engaged civil society and a citizenry that loves talking about and eating good food. In 2017, we have the chance to become a world leader in food policy. Food Secure Canada is calling upon all Canadians concerned with hunger, health and sustainability to get involved in the government’s national food policy consultations.

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For more information:,

Diana Bronson: (514) 629-9236 (cell), director@foodsecurecanada.org

Sasha McNicoll: (647) 770-8388 (cell), sasha@foodsecurecanada.org

Available for comment on site.

Food Secure Canada is a pan-Canadian alliance of organizations and individuals working together to advance food security and food sovereignty through three inter-locking goals: zero hunger, healthy and safe food, and sustainable food systems.