Squamish Food Policy Council
Official website : www.squamishfoodpolicycouncil.com
The Squamish Food Policy Council (FPC) was established in November 2015.
Our actions are guided by the Squamish Food Charter principles, which are: Community Economic Development, Ecological, and Human Health, Social Justice, Collaboration and Participation, and Celebration. We bring together organizations, businesses, government representatives and community groups, to share perspectives and address challenges in our local food system.
The council is made up of 17 different organizations and community groups, representing different perspectives on food in our community.
Our goals are to bring diverse stakeholders together, identify gaps and barriers to developing a resilient food system, identify strengths and opportunities for improvement, engage and educate the community on food issues while developing and executing key projects and initiatives.
FOOD POLICY COUNCIL CONTACT:
Krystle tenBrink, Executive Director
squamishfoodpolicycouncil@gmail.com
FOOD POLICY COUNCIL WEBSITE:
www.squamishfoodpolicycouncil.com
The FPC develops and executes projects to strengthen the Squamish food system. We have identified 8 themes with the FPC that we would like to address in the coming years:
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Amend zoning and bylaws to support farming
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Connect land owners and affordable land to farmers (identify available land owned by the municipality, and land in the Flood Hazard Management plan that could be used for farming)
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Expand Infrastructure to support food (processing/storage/food rescue/food hub/farm infrastructure)
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Permanent infrastructure for a year-round farmers market
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Increase food education and skill sharing
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Reduce food waste
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Preserve existing land for future farming opportunities
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Share our experience with others in the region and BC through our partnerships with Vancouver Coastal Health, BC Food Systems Network, and the Whistler Centre for Sustainability (Squamish to Lillooet Regional Planning)
Throughout these actions, we will achieve the Squamish Food Charter principles, which are: Community Economic Development, Ecological and Human Health, Social Justice, Collaboration and Participation, and Celebration.
More Resources:
What is a "Food Policy Council"?
Good Food Gathering
The Annual Good Food Gathering aims to bring diverse food players from across the Squamish to Lillooet region together for an intimate and energizing conversation over local food and drink. This year it took place at the stunning Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre.
Hosted by the Squamish Food Policy Council, Squamish CAN and supported by the District of Squamish and the Squamish to Lillooet Regional District.
Image credit: Nina LaFlamme Photography
Watch this video created by some wonderful Quest University students about our Food Policy Council!
