Do you have an interest in the future of our local food system? If so, the Food Partners Alliance of Simcoe County wants to hear from you.
On Tuesday, February 21 the organization will host a “Visioning Day” at Lakehead University in Orillia, to both gather feedback and educate the public about the importance of creating a “truly sustainable food system.” The information collected will be used in combination with the results of an online survey, which was completed last week, to create a first draft of a made-in Simcoe County Food and Agriculture Charter.
“It’s about supporting the local economy by trying to get people to eat foods sourced from Ontario and Simcoe County,” says John Miller, a Creemore dairy farmer, adding that “locally sourced food is more nutritious because it hasn’t been plucked before maturity and travelled long distances to get here.”
The event takes place from 8:30 am to 4 pm. Registration costs $25 and includes a locally sourced lunch and refreshments. Space is limited and those interested in attending are encouraged to register online at fpa.simcoe.ca by Friday, February 10.
County Council approved both staff and monetary support for the Charter on April 18, 2011, establishing a partnership between Simcoe County and a number of organizations including the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, the Barrie Community Health Centre, the Simcoe Federation of Agriculture, Simcoe County Farm Fresh, and the Food Partnership Alliance.
“The goal in the end is to create a Charter that reflects all aspects of food in Simcoe County, from producer to consumer,” said Councillor Basil Clarke of Ramara Township at the time of the decision.