Cultivating Connections: Alberta Regional Food Systems Forum
February 5, 2017
Harnessing Big Food Buying Power: Getting More Local Food on More Plates
Elizabeth McLennan, Alberta Food Matters (moderator)
Diana Bronson, Executive Director, Food Secure Canada
Jessie Radies, Local Food Associate, Northlands
Bobbi Beeson, President Cheesecake Café
Lilas Bielopotocky, Supervisor, Food Services Office, University of Alberta Augustana Campus
Renee MacKillop, Farmer and Program Manager, Alex Community Food Centre, Calgary
Simon Smotkowicz, President, Culinary Canada Inc.
This theme explores how public institutions, corporations and community organizations can help build a resilient regional food system through their food purchasing decisions. The sheer volume of food purchased through food procurement programs in the public, private and social economy sectors carries enormous possibilities for the evolution of a more localized food system. In this session we learn about Institutions across Canada that worked in partnership with the McConnell Foundation and FSC to get more local food onto more plates We will also hear from local organizations and businesses about the challenges and considerations when they want to “Go Local.”
