Tag: Policy

Sustain ON tries to engage politicians with varying success

December 2018

By Harrison Runtz

This past summer I had the privilege of working with Sustain Ontario, a non-governmental organization that works on connecting the needs/policy asks of different stakeholders in Ontario’s food networks. Sustain Ontario’s main goal is to transform our provincial food systems into more sustainable, community-oriented forms. My work was specifically related to the provincial iteration of their VoteONFood campaign. VoteONFood is an election-based effort to inform politicians on crucial areas of policy that are needed to address food systems issues. While my work focused on the provincial level, the campaign is currently targeting prospective municipal politicians. This initiative, which attempts to spread awareness of issues brought forth by experts working in these fields as producers, academics, scientists, and others, highlighted the intensely difficult task of breaking down partisanship and spreading best practices. While the issues of knowledge mobilization are many, I’ll outline two challenges that seemed particularly pertinent to the work in which I was involved. Continue reading “Sustain ON tries to engage politicians with varying success”

Save the Date! Levers for Food Systems Change: A Panel Discussion on Urban Food Security, Food Justice, and International Agreements

Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018
9:00 am – 10:30 am
Balsillie School of International Affairs, Room 142

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/levers-for-food-systems-change-a-panel-discussion-on-urban-food-security-food-justice-and-tickets-50375385133

Over the last three years various international agreements have highlighted the need for greater coordination along the food chain and increased food justice in creating urban food security. These international agreements have set the stage for new urban food policy to emerge. At this panel discussion, food system experts from Wilfrid Laurier University, Carleton University, and the City of Toronto will explore how we can use the New Urban Agenda and other international agreements (SDGs and the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact) as levers for changing the food system.

 A light breakfast will be served. Registration is free but required. Continue reading “Save the Date! Levers for Food Systems Change: A Panel Discussion on Urban Food Security, Food Justice, and International Agreements”

Place-Based Food Systems 2018:  Making the Case, Making it Happen

Metro Vancouver, August 9-10th, 2018
Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Richmond, BC
#pbfs2018

A two-day conference will draw together scholars and community leaders to share the latest research and actions, building capacity for place-based food systems. Participants will leave fortified with knowledge and understanding of the latest and best work making the case for place-based food systems, as well as innovative practices putting place-based food systems into action. The event aims to give participants an empowering vision of the critical role that place-based food systems can and will play in achieving our sustainable economic, ecological, and societal futures, as well as a revitalized dedication to strategic, collaborative, and forceful strategies moving forward.

The conference is being convened by Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU), in Richmond BC. “We absolutely need a food system that is about growing wholesome, nutritious food for people. And we need a food system that is configured and operates for the benefit of people and communities as opposed to the coffers of transnational corporations,” says Dr. Kent Mullinix, Director of the Institute for Sustainable Food Systems at KPU and conference co-organizer. “This conference is about bringing together researchers and practitioners to advance that critical vision.” Continue reading “Place-Based Food Systems 2018:  Making the Case, Making it Happen”