A committee with a goal of promoting food sustainability and security has received council support to continue its work.
The Orillia food committee was formed in 2019 as a pilot project, with the hope it would become a permanent committee of council. If that happens, the committee will help create an Orillia food strategy that will “allow city council and staff to understand the policies that limit or accelerate improving our food system,” according to a report.
“Our hope for future planning with the permanent committee would be the inclusion of Indigenous and other communities to provide input that will improve the outcomes of the strategy for all members of our community.”
The committee includes representation from Georgian College, Lakehead University, the Sharing Place Food Centre, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, the city and local restaurants.
Members decided the committee should have a mandate of making recommendations to council with the goal of addressing household food insecurity, community food security and strengthening the local food system.
“It is definitely a new trend that’s occurring throughout many parts of the world, and Canada is starting to lead the charge,” said committee member Chris Peacock, executive director of the Sharing Place.
He noted there are food policies or strategies in place at the federal and provincial levels, as well as at the County of Simcoe. Also, the City of Toronto has a food council.
Peacock said having a permanent committee and coming up with a plan in Orillia would align with the city’s strategic plan.
“We strongly believe that, with a strong local food system, we’ll be able to hit certain measurement targets that you’re hoping to achieve as council,” he said.
Council, at a recent meeting, approved the extension of the Orillia food committee pilot project and is bolstering it by providing $3,829 to cover the cost of staff resources.
The city’s governance review working group will determine whether the committee becomes permanent.
