Saskatoon Food Council

Urban agriculture can contribute to increased food security but it needs to be protected and enabled. Some examples are zoning that makes it possible for homeowners to put up greenhouses and permanent sites and water access for gardens. The City of Saskatoon is currently amending its Official Community Plan and this is the opportunity to ensure that the plan includes language that enables growing food in the city. Let your councillor know you support urban agriculture: ... http://www.city.saskatoon.sk.ca//mayor-ci/city-councillors

The Town of Rosthern has developed a dynamic food centre with excellent food literacy and community food skills programs, including gardening in the summer and vermi-composting all year around. I had the privilege of speaking at their annual meeting and was very impressed with what they have created - a model of how to provide dignified access to emergency food while also working to address the root causes of food insecurity.

Mark your calendar for Tuesday March 19 for the first Food and the City gathering - 7 pm a 9 Mile Legacy Brewing Company on 20th St. Meet other local food enthusiasts including urban farmers Chain Reaction Urban Farm and try some great local beer! This article from Wayne Roberts formerly of the Toronto Food Policy Council is good background on how local food systems have been replaced by long-distance systems. Wayne offers encouragement and ideas for how people and organiza...tions in cities like Saskatoon can rebuild local connections between farmers and eaters. Join the discussion next Tuesday!