Food Security and Cultural ConnectednessPresented by: Kristen McLeod and Lana Johnston

What is Food Security and Sustainability? Food security defined by Anderson

(1990) is “access by all people at all times to enough food for an active, healthy life”

Sustainable food systems - are those in which “diverse foods are produced in close proximity to a market” (Stroink and Nelson)

When foods are unavailable or a person’s ability to acquire food is limited, then food insecurity exists.

Where Do We Get Our Food? The Green Revolution: the change of agricultural

systems

Based from local sales and trades and more organic products

Today’s systems are highlyindustrialized and large commercial enterprises

Diets depend highly upon the global food system

People who rely on the modern system generally feel quite secure about this global food system as a source of food (Stroink and Nelson)

Feasibility of a Global System

But Is It Feasible?

Susceptible to changes in market fluctuations

Unhealthy and contaminated foods

More environmental degradation destabilizing local ecosystems effecting crops, soil salinity, soil and water quality and biodiversity.

Cultural Connectedness and Food This Green Revolution is causing a greater divide

between food and cultural connectedness.

Many people no longer practice traditional methods (hunt, gather, fish and trap) to obtain food

The skills and knowledge of traditional ways are diminishing (Stroink and Nelson)

A study by Stroink and Nelson showed convenience and price were more significant than buying local and cultural connectedness of the food

Rural and Aboriginal Food Security

Distance from market causing high transportation costs drives food prices up for rural communities.

Food is often expensive and of low nutritional value.

Aboriginal seniors becoming food insecure from low incomes, poor health, high cost of food and limited selection in rural areas (Quandt et al)

Assistance programs distributed unequally (Quandt et al)

Overcoming Food Insecurity- Resiliency

Resiliency - a system’s ability to adapt and respond to external impacts on a system (King)

Strengthen traditional knowledge of local food availability (ex. The Learning Garden Program)

Alternative and more sustainable options or alternative agri-ecological systems such as:

Organic Agriculture, Permaculture, Biodynamics, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), Farmer’s Markets and Community Gardens