Rx for a Failing Food

Mandate

Rx for a Failing Food

Posted on: 05/10/2010 11:52

It’s clear that our current food system is not sustainable.

“Around the world, in the wake of recent sudden price spikes in international markets, governments are looking to their own food systems for a more predictable supply,” says Stuart Clark, Senior Policy Advisor of the Winnipeg-based Canadian Foodgrains Bank, of which The United Church of Canada is a member.

“In Canada, the issue is that farmers need better access to local consumers so that Canadians can better value the work of those who produce our food.”

United Church members are trying to help that happen.

Last year, the church’s 40th General Council passed a resolution on agricultural land and local food security that called on congregations to foster connections between their local food producers and consumers, and to understand the process of food production “from seed to plate.”

“The challenge for all of us is to create a market for farmers in our area, rather than spending money to have carrots shipped from California when they are grown just outside of town,” says Debra Morris, a member of Southminster-Steinhauer United Church in Edmonton who was instrumental in bringing the resolution to General Council. “By not using gas for trucks to bring produce in, we can also help save the environment, and the food is fresher.”

Morris, a member of Edmonton Presbytery’s Local and Global Justice Committee, says the need to examine how we use our farmland and support local farmers is a national issue, and the United Church – a national church – can help to bring it to people’s attention. It can help to bridge some of the gap between urban and rural communities so they can build trust and understanding, since it is important to look at how our farmland is being used and where our food comes from.

Congregations in Edmonton and southwestern Ontario are taking up the challenge. To read more about their initiatives and other stories, see the May 2010 Mandate at www.united-church.ca/sales/magazines/mandate.

food

Comments

Bonhomme

Posted on: 09/18/2010 20:25

Yay! Farmer's markets on the lawns of UCC churches sound like a good plan.

Also, not eating animals makes our food supply chain waaaay more efficient. Just sayin. :P

basilf

Posted on: 11/15/2010 13:25

Part of our food chain is the concumption of meat. Not all are vegitarians, not all are vagan. Eating meat for most is nornal and is totally healthy. Most studies prove this. Its the daily comsumption that is bad. Soon they will be able to grow meat in the lab its being done. One day animals will not be killed, but until that time it will be a part of the food chain.

What we need that food banks in Canada actually don't get is real food and not junk. Why donate candy, granola bars are candy, when it not really healthy and the cost of the candy could pay for allot of really good vegitables.

Please if your going to donate food, actually donate it not the process #$#$ most are giving out.