FSC research project on accessibility of sustainably-produced foods in Canada

We are delighted to announce that Food Secure Canada is one of the successful recipients of the 2018-19 research funding available through Innovation, Science and Economic Development’s Contributions Program for Non-profit Consumer and Voluntary Organizations! With the generous support of the Government of Canada, we will undertake our latest research project, Sustainable Consumption for all: Improving the accessibility of sustainably produced foods in Canada.

Consumers across Canada are taking a greater interest than ever in sustainably produced foods. While there is increasing awareness and consumption of local, organic, and environmentally responsible foods, there is concern that these foods remain inaccessible to many due to their relatively high cost. Consumer research on attitudes toward these foods and the potential barriers to their access remains sparse. Food Secure Canada’s project will aim provide important insights into the extent to which low-income consumers are able to access sustainably produced foods. These findings will contribute to Food Secure Canada efforts to leverage policy mechanisms to improve the accessibility of sustainable foods while increasing dialogue between food security and food sustainability stakeholders and building the capacity of low-income consumers.

This project will draw on Transformative and Participatory Consumer Research approaches, ensuring the participation of relevant stakeholders is used to further policy goals that will ultimately serve them.  It will use qualitative and quantitative methods, including interviews, focus groups, and survey. This research will benefit from the knowledge and experience of members of our Community of Practice.

If you would like to learn more about this project, please contact Rhonda Ferguson via email: Community@foodsecurecanada.org