Food Security and Cultural Connectedness Presented by Kristen

Food Security and Cultural Connectedness Presented by: Kristen Mc. Leod and Lana Johnston

What is Food Security and Sustainability? Ò Food security defined by Anderson (1990) is “access by all people at all times to enough food for an active, healthy life” Ò Sustainable food systems - are those in which “diverse foods are produced in close proximity to a market” (Stroink and Nelson) Ò When foods are unavailable or a person’s ability to acquire food is limited, then food insecurity exists.

Where Do We Get Our Food? Ò The Green Revolution: the change of agricultural systems Ò Based from local sales and trades and more organic products Ò Today’s systems are highly industrialized and large commercial enterprises Ò Diets depend highly upon the global food system Ò People who rely on the modern system generally feel quite secure about this global food system as a source of food (Stroink and Nelson)

Ò Susceptible But Is It Feasible? to changes in market fluctuations Ò Unhealthy and contaminated foods Ò More Feasibility of a Global System environmental degradation destabilizing local ecosystems effecting crops, soil salinity, soil and water quality and biodiversity.

Cultural Connectedness and Food Ò This Green Revolution is causing a greater divide between food and cultural connectedness. Ò Many people no longer practice traditional methods (hunt, gather, fish and trap) to obtain food Ò The skills and knowledge of traditional ways are diminishing (Stroink and Nelson) Ò 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 Ò Distance from market causing high transportation costs drives food prices up for rural communities. Ò Food is often expensive and of low nutritional value. Ò Aboriginal seniors becoming food insecure from low incomes, poor health, high cost of food and limited selection in rural areas (Quandt et al) Ò Assistance programs distributed unequally (Quandt et al)

Overcoming Food Insecurity- Resiliency Ò Resiliency - a system’s ability to adapt and respond to external impacts on a system (King) Ò Strengthen traditional knowledge of local food availability (ex. The Learning Garden Program) Ò Alternative and more sustainable options or alternative agri-ecological systems such as: É Organic Agriculture, Permaculture, Biodynamics, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), Farmer’s Markets and Community Gardens