Food Charter

Food security exists when ALL members of our community have access to enough nutritious, safe, ecologically sustainable, and culturally appropriate food at all times.

The Vision
Our food system will be economically viable and ecologically sustainable; our community will grow, harvest, process, preserve, and distribute food to all of its members while minimizing waste.  A thriving local food culture that celebrates eating locally and eating together will support us in living healthier, happier, and richer lives - connected to the land, to growers, and to each other.

We have a collective obligation to ensure that everyone has access to sufficient, high-quality food;
For Cowichan to thrive, local farmers and food producers must earn a good and fair living;
Food security requires cooperation and communication between the community, farmers, and all levels of local government.

  1. There will be no more chronic hunger, and no more malnourished children;
  2. Farmers will be better connected to consumers through farm markets, Community Supported Agriculture, as well as school and work lunch programs;
  3. Farmers’ roles as environmental stewards will be protected and financially supported;
  4. Agricultural resources including water, land, and the knowledge of farmers will be protected;
  5. Regulations will strengthen the capacity of local farmers to produce and reach their markets;
  6. A “Buy Local” campaign that promotes local food production and consumption will be expanded;
  7. Traditional teachings about food preservation, seed saving, eating seasonally, and eating locally will be encouraged and supported;
  8. Institutional buyers such as hospitals and universities will have the flexibility and incentive to buy more local products;
  9. Ongoing research will ensure long-term food security in the face of a changing climate.   

Click here to see who has already signed the charter. 

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