There are a lot of questions flying around these days about food. Is it organic? Is it local? Is it GMO free? Can I grow this myself? How far did it travel? Can I have backyard chickens? Were the farmers fairly paid for their work? Is this food sustainable? Were these animals treated well? Were chemicals used? How do I cook with it?
These are just some of the many questions families are asking themselves every day right here in the Comox Valley. Whether we’re growing our own gardens, picking a restaurant, finding out where our food comes from, shopping at our local Farmers Market, or reading up on food related issues, we are all increasing our understanding about food and food issues. These conversations are not just happening locally. They are happening across our country and around the world as we face the challenges of growing populations, transportation costs, climate change, natural disasters, health issues, poverty and the loss of the family farm. These conversations are all part of a concept called “Food Security”.
“Food Security exists when everyone has safe, healthy food. This means globally, nationally, in our communities, in our homes and during emergencies. Food Security is also about facing the threat of climate change and working to make sure we have sustainable ways to meet local and global food demands in the future. Food security is also about addressing poverty issues. Many families and individuals in our own communities, including many seniors and children, lack the resources to access safe, nutritious and culturally appropriate food.” Says Cynthia Fitton, Executive Director of Lush Valley. “That’s why we’re coordinating World Food Week Comox Valley.”
What is World Food Week Comox Valley all about? The United Nations declared October 16th World Food Day to encourage education and action about Food Security issues around the world. Here in the Comox Valley, the goal of World Food Week is to increase local knowledge and inspire efforts to achieve local Food Security.
The Comox Valley has such a strong ‘foodie’ culture – from farm to table. We pride ourselves on being a culinary and agri-tourism destination but we have so much work still to do. This event will raise the general understanding of food security issues and show people ways to support local growers and initiatives that will help our community, and other communities, to achieve Food Security.
“Are you growing a garden? Even a small one? Do you look for local fruit or vegetables when you’re shopping? Do you support a local bakery or butcher? Are you canning or drying food? Do you an emergency plan for your family? Do you compost? Do you buy fair trade coffee? Do you buy from a local farm? Are you learning about local and global food issues? You’re already part of the Food Security Movement!” says event coordinator Meaghan Cursons. “There is a week of events that help build your knowledge and meet others engaged in the growing Food Security movement.
Did You Know?
We are facing a serious food security issue in BC. Farmers are aging and there are not enough young farmers with the resources to be able to replace them. Farmland prices are astronomical, and yet there is a growing understanding that locally-grown food is essential not only for our health, but for our economic security. Nowhere is this more keenly felt than here on Vancouver Island. Many want to come here to live, play and retire but not to farm the land. We used to grow more than 90 percent of our food on this Island and now we import 95% of it. One mega storm, one large earthquake and this Island has 4 days of food supplies on its shelves. Food Security conversations are an important first step towards addressing this. Together we can work to support local growers, allow for urban agriculture initiatives and encourage government and decision makers to implement policy that will help increase opportunities for new farmers and food producers.
World Food Week Comox Valley Events
Tuesday Oct. 15th
7 pm – ”Grow” – A documentary about the energy, passion and independence of fresh crop of young farmers today – Presented by World Community, Stan Hagen Theatre, North Island College
Wednesday Oct. 16th
1-3:30 pm - From Jerusalem to Gaza – the crossroads of food, flavours and politics. Film viewing and tasting event at Creekside Commons 2202 Lambert Drive
5-7 - Stone Soup Hyper – Local Harvest Dinner, Music and UN World Food Day, North Island Chefs Association K’omoks Band Hall . Tickets are $10 with all proceeds to the North Island Chefs Association Bursary Fund and LUSH Valley.
Thursday Oct. 17th
4-6 pm – 1st Annual Bean Festival at Lake Trail School sponsored by Comox Valley Seed Savers and Lake Trail Neighbourhood Connections.
5-7 pm – Thursday October 17th – Green Drinks Union Street Grill, networking social about local food, food security and community economic development. All welcome!
7-9:30 pm – World Food Week 10×10 Idea Cafe. 7-9 The Zocalo Cafe. Ideas, inspiration and innovations to address food security issues.
Friday Oct. 18th
5-9 Special presentation with former Vancouver City Councillor Peter Ladner “The Urban Food Revolution: Changing the Way we Feed Cities.” Local Food Security Showcase 5-7, Filberg Centre
Saturday October 19th
Meet Your Maker Guided Tours at the Comox Valley Farmers Market. For more details check out www.worldfoodweekcv.com
World Food Week Comox Valley is a community collaboration presented by the Comox Valley Food Round Table and LUSH Valley Food Action Society with support from the City of Courtenay, BC Healthy Communities, Comox Valley Record, Area C Director Edwin Grieve, Comox Valley Farmers Market, North Island College Faculty Association, Sunshine Organics, EatDrinkComoxValley, Lake Trail Neighbourhood Connections, Mid Islanders for Justice and Peace in the Middle East, North Island Chefs Association, Comox Valley Growers and Seed Savers and many generous and hardworking local farmers and food producers!
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