Why We Care About Food Systems
What we eat, where it comes from, how it is produced, processed, packaged, marketed, and then eventually disposed of, are all threads of the interconnected food systems web. It is estimated that globally, the food system contributes as much as half of all human-produced greenhouse gas emissions; strengthening our local food system is an essential part of tackling climate change!
Moreover, food self-reliance is identified as a key climate change strategy in BC. Squamish’s food system faces local challenges including increased risks of flooding, wildfire, and drought, development pressure on agricultural land, dependency on imported food, and population growth.
Our food systems team is working literally from the ground up, taking bold actions with resounding impacts on our environmental, social, and economic health!
Our Strategic Priority
Create a resilient food system where all members of Squamish have access to enough nutritious, safe, ecologically sustainable, and culturally appropriate food at all times.
Our Goal
Increase civic engagement in food systems through community gardens, food literacy workshops, and educational programs and events, whilst cultivating partnerships at the local and regional level to influence policy.
Upcoming Events
This year we will be cultivating a gardening education series of workshops and events. The first in our series begins at step one; starting seeds for an edible garden.
Date: February 27th, 7pm-8h30pm
Location: Squamish Public Library
What you'll learn: Harriet runs the Downtown School farm and has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to growing organic food. Not sure where to begin? This talk will cover seed starting essentials at home and how to set up your vegetable garden for success.
Link to register >>> Starting seeds and growing an edible garden
Date: March 1st, 10h00am to 02h00pm
Location: Howe Sound Secondary School | 38430 Buckley Ave
What you'll learn: Join us to Learn about Seeds, the Squamish Seed Library, Exchange or Buy Seeds and Meet Relevant Local Organizations.
Link to register >>> No registration required - Full event details here
Our Ongoing Projects
Useful Food Resources
Local Food Producers
Here is an extensive list of the food producers in the Sea-to-Sky Corridor. Support local!
Nina LaFlamme photography
Food Asset Map
Try out our interactive Food Asset Map that showcases all of the food assets in the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District.
Young Agrarians
A farmer to farmer educational resource network for new and young ecological, organic and regenerative farmers in Canada.
School resource Guide
Designed to provide school districts, schools, and food program delivery partners across British Columbia (B.C.) with information and resources to support the use of B.C. food in school food programs, with a focus on sourcing B.C. foods.
