Background

Over the past few years, many people have identified the need for better access to information, tools, and resources to support local and regional community food security initiatives and local, sustainable food production. Discussions among several organizations resulted in the establishment of a collaborative Steering Committee to explore the potential for developing a provincial community food security network. In October 2006 the Steering Committee conducted a survey to assess the level of interest in the development of a Network. Of the 183 survey respondents, 95% indicated that such a network would be beneficial.

Project Partners

The development of FoodNet Ontario is a collaborative initiative of the following organizations, all of which are represented on the Steering Committee and are providing in-kind contributions to the development of FoodNet Ontario.

• Ontario Healthy Communities Coalition
• Ontario Public Health Association
• London Community Resource Centre
• FoodShare (Toronto)

Goal

FoodNet Ontario’s goal is to increase the capacity of organizations and communities across Ontario to create sustainable local food systems and achieve community food security by:

• bringing people, ideas and resources together;
• facilitating communication and collaboration between organizations;
• educating the public and key decision-makers about community food security; and
• promoting good practices.

Structure

FoodNet Ontario is operated according to its Terms of Reference, approved by the FoodNet Ontario Steering Committee.

Current Project Funding

In April 2007, the project partners received a three-year grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to develop and support a province-wide network that will increase the capacity of Ontario communities to provide access to safe, affordable, nutritious and culturally appropriate food.

As a result, FoodNet Ontario was created, building upon the FoodNet website and listserv established by the Food Security Working Group of the Ontario Public Health Association.

Grant funds are being used for outreach, project and contact data collection, website development, listserv monitoring, training, information services and other support services to community food security organizations.

Human Resources

FoodNet Ontario relies heavily on the Steering Committee and members for direction and resources. Staff resources provided through the Ontario Trillium Foundation grant consist of a part time Project Coordinator and four part-time Community Food Animators who work in different regions of the province.

For More Information

Email us at info [at] FoodNetOntario.ca