Bits and Bytes | News from the Food Movement - February 2017

BITS AND BYTES FEBRUARY 2017

News from the Food Movement

We hope to brighten your February with all the exciting news in this issue of Bits & Bytes. We have been busy planning for the Great Big Crunch’s second edition on Parliament Hill March 9th, as well developing a plan for the food movement’s engagement in the National Food Policy! If you are not sure what that will deliver, read and share our FAQ, as well as the articles and events on other issues. There has never been a better time to be involved in food policy. Join Food Secure Canada today, and if you are already a member, invite a friend to join or share this newsletter with someone you think may not receive it! There has never been a better time to be involved in food policy. Join Food Secure Canada today, and if you are already a member, invite a friend to join or share this newsletter with someone you think may not receive it!

	FAQs ABOUT CANADA'S NATIONAL FOOD POLICY After years of lobbying by Food Secure Canada and others, the Trudeau government charged the Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food with leading the development of a National Food Policy (NFP). The process is already underway inside government, and public consultations will start later this year. Find out what it means and how to get involved. [Read More]
	WHAT IS BEHIND THE TREND OF LOCAL FOOD? Local food has moved from a foodie movement to become an established mainstream idea. Sourcing fresh, local ingredients is a rapidly growing trend for health care facilities, campuses and schools. To meet the growing demand for more local food on institutional menus it’s important to start with understanding what’s behind the trend – why do people seek out local food? [Read More]
	THE NEW FARMER INITIATIVE URGES GOVERNMENTS TO PRIORITIZE NEW FARMERS As we move into the new year, the negotiations and conversations around the Federal-Provincial Agricultural Policy Framework will heat up, and now, more than ever, we need to show our provincial and federal governments that supporting new farmers is a top priority. [Read More]
	JOIN US FOR THE GREAT BIG CRUNCH! On March 9th, at 2:30pm EST, join FoodShare Toronto, the Coalition for Healthy School Food and Food Secure Canada for the 10th annual #GreatBigCrunch and make some noise for healthier food for Canadian kids! [Read More]
	CALL FOR PROPOSALS: HOST RESETTING THE TABLE, FOOD SECURE CANADA’S 10TH ASSEMBLY We are looking for a host organization and community to partner with for our 10th National Assembly. Bring the Canadian food movement to your community! [Read More]
Other News: [Hiring] Administrative Coordinator Food Secure Canada’s Montreal office is looking for a highly motivated, organized and experienced Administrator. This position is based in Montreal and involves 4 days a week, potentially 5. [Read more] [Volunteer] FSC Youth Caucus Communications & Networking Lead The FSC Youth Caucus is currently looking for a vibrant young person to join their volunteer team, that will support their communications portfolio and strengthen their network across Canada. [Read more] Meet the Nourish innovators Nourish is a national community of practice for innovators shaping the future of food in health care which launches this January. You can meet the innovators from across Canada at nourishhealthcare.ca and read the first blog, "Food is Health: Capturing the full value of food in care".[Read more] Maple Leaf Food Centre for Action on Food Security Maple Leaf Foods recently announced a long-term commitment to advance sustainable food security through the launch of the Maple Leaf Centre for Action on Food Security ("the Centre"), a not-for-profit organization. They have handed out their first set of grants including FSC members FoodShare Toronto and the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. Check it out! [Read more] CFICE Symposium CFICE (Community First: Impacts of Community Engagement) held a two day Symposium in Ottawa to reflect on the learnings and outcomes of their research into community-campus engagement. [Read more] The Heart & Stroke 2017 Report on Health The Heart & Stroke 2017 Report on the Health of Canadians examines how industry is marketing unhealthy food and beverages directly to our children and youth, and how this is affecting their preferences and choices, their family relationships and their health. [Read more]
		Save the Date: Eco Farm Day 2017 February 25-26, 2017 - 8:30 AM EST - Ottawa Hosted by Canadian Organic Growers This year’s theme is “The 3 Rs of Organic Agriculture: Restorative, Responsible, Resilient”. Keynote Speaker: Mark Shephard, author of “Restoration Agriculture: Real World Permaculture for Farmers”. [More info] Cultivating Connections Forum 2017 February 3-5, 2017 - Edmonton Hosted by Alberta Food Matters and FLEdGE Cultivating Connections will energize Alberta’s regional food systems with 3 days of plenaries, sessions, evenings and more! Don’t missed Taste and Sound of Alberta, an evening of local food, drink and music hosted by NAIT and featuring local vendors and artists. Keynote: Wayne Roberts, renowned Canadian Food Policy Analyst and writer. [More info] [Webinar] Northern Food Network Webinar Series February 27th, 2017 from 10-11AM PST Hosted by AICBR - Online Join the Northern Food Network, a collaboration between AICBR and FSC, for it’s first webinar of the 2017 series. Presenters: Dexter MacRae, Darren Bulle, Shirley Tagalik and team. [More info] [Webinar] PROOF – Food Insecurity February 8, 2017 from 1:00 – 2:30 pm EST Hosted by PROOF - Online Anyone interested in using food insecurity statistics or learning about how food insecurity is monitored in Canada is encouraged to join. Presenters: Valerie Tarasuk, PhD; Suzanne Galesloot, MSA, RD; Tracy Woloshyn, RD. [More info] VIEW COMPLETE EVENTS CALENDAR