The new Revelstoke Food Security Strategy has been unveiled, with five main goals for community food security.
They are:
— Promote and support access to "nutritious, safe, affordable food as a basic human right for all residents."
— Increase access to local and regional food that is “sustainably and ethically produced through personal, business and municipal government actions.”
— Encourage food culture by promoting the significance of "food quality, cooking and preserving skills, food traditions and the importance of eating together to our health and well-being."
— Support economic development opportunities related to local food production.
— Increase knowledge of food security and local food systems and actions that can strengthen food security by public officials, community agencies, business owners and residents.
The food security strategy was developed by a coalition of stakeholders from the North Columbia Environmental Society, Community Connections, City of Revelstoke, Interior Health, Revelstoke School District and others.
It sets out a vision that, "Revelstoke will have a secure food system rooted in the community and centred on good food — food that is HEALTHY, SUSTAINABLE AND AFFORDABLE. Revelstoke will have a culture that supports local food production where possible and recognizes the importance of food in bringing people together through growing, cooking and eating."
The strategy makes several recommendations:
— That the City of Revelstoke provide in-kind support for food security programs;
— That food production is included in Official Community Plan and zoning updates;
— That a food security committee is established and a food security coordinator is hired;
— That the animal control bylaw is amended to allow chickens, bees and other small livestock in all single-family residential zones;
— That a community compost system is implemented;
— That long-term funding is provided for access to food programs for low-income families and individuals.
The strategy was discussed briefly at council on Tuesday, Feb. 10 and the authors were invited to make a presentation before council at a future date.
You can read the full strategy below.