What is Food Security

Food security means making sure that sufficient variety of healthy food is available to everyone and that a sustainable food chain is maintained

The World Health Organization and UN Food Organization describe food security as

• Availability of enough food.
• Economic and Physical Accessibility of Food: People being able to afford and purchase food within a reasonable distance from where they live.
• Utilization of Food: Food has sufficient nutrition, food is prepared properly and a diverse diet is available also termed.
• These elements are stable over time which requires sustainable environmental and political/socio-economic conditions.

Food security solutions focus on specific factors:

• Increasing availability of

        - locally sustainably grown, organic, natural, fresh food.

        - diverse agricultural produce through multi-cropping.

        - expertise and food production know-how among the younger generation.

        - options for urban farming and community gardening.

        - support and services to increase the viability of farming.

• Improving accessibility

        - supporting all sections of the community with food programs, charities, food banks,             

          distribution centres.

        - improving access to food in rural and remote areas.

        - supporting food markets, stores, farmers markets, farm direct, CSAs, buying clubs and other    

          initiatives.

        - expanding local infrastructure for food processing, storage, and distribution.

• Providing community education on Food Utilization

        - replacing processed fatty foods with a nutritious diet to reduce obesity and related health
          issues.
        - ensuring cultural sensitivity as well as human dignity.
        - encouraging diverse food preparation techniques.

• Policy building to address

       - environmental protection while producing, consuming and disposing food.
       - providing sustainable livelihoods to providers and those working in the food chain.
       - increasing dialogue, communication and learning about food security.
       - prioritizing everyone’s right to food for a healthy life in a healthy ecosystem over food trade   

         and commercial interests by protecting land and other resources.

Source: Food Secure Canada, Food Secure Vancouver

Credit: Magnolia Lim

Planned Series

This post is part of a planned series of articles to explore in detail the above listed dimensions of food security and to unpick different aspects of this complex subject. The above overview helps to understand where each topic fits within the Food Security umbrella.

What's Happening in October

Autumn may have started, but October isn't just about crunchy leaves on the sidewalks, gloomy clouds, and Hallowe'en. Whether you're eager to enjoy the continuing trend of sunshine and mid-20 degree temperatures or prefer the comfort of a cup of tea and some reading, there's sure to (hopefully) be something that appeals.

Burnaby Farmers' Market

Location: North Parking Lot at Burnaby City Hall, Canada Way and Deer Lake Parkway (map)
Dates: May 5, 2012 to October 27, 2012
Hours: 9:00 am to 2:00 pm each Saturday

Continuing through to the end of this month is the Burnaby Farmers' Market at Burnaby City Hall. The market runs every Saturday and features various events, a family day celebration, and monthly cooking competitions.

The market offers locally-grown, conventional and organic produce, jam, jelly, vinegar, salsa, sauces, baked goods, honey, maple syrup, tea, eggs, and meat products. Also for sale is pottery, woodwork, jewelery, and soap made by local artisans.

Help keep the Market 'green' by considering biking or taking transit and bringing your own shopping bags!

For winning recipes, as well as more information about the Market, visit the Artisan Markets website: www.artisanmarkets.ca

Sustenance Festival

Location: Roundhouse Community Centre (181 Roundhouse Mews / Vancouver - map)
Dates: October 11 to October 21, 2012
Hours: Weekdays, 10:00 am to 9:00 pm; weekends, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Drop by for an exciting lineup of events, the standing exhibition, or any number of the workshops being held at the Roundhouse Exhibition Hall. Workshops include Weed Eating, Queen of Green Household Cleaners, or Sustenance for Well Being and are either free or up to $40, depending on the topic.

Also happening are other events such as film screenings, gardening information sessions, and harvest fairs and festivals at locations around the city.

For information on the events, to register, or for more on the Festival, please visit the official website: http://www.sustenancefestival.ca/

Food Security Information for Action
Location: Online
Cost: FREE

Need something to do on a rainy afternoon? Curious about food security and related issues?

Offered in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, the Learning Centre features a number of self-paced e-learning courses on a wide range of food security related topics. Interested people can start anytime and learn at their own levels of comfort.

All courses are available in English, and some have been translated into French and Spanish.

Registration is required but free of charge. Course materials are available online and for download. Free CD versions of the materials can also be requested.

For more information and to register, visit the course website: http://www.foodsec.org/