Food Unites Us!

Nearly 60 people came from over 35 different agencies to connect and think collectively about how to apply anti-oppressive practices to the work they do on Food Security on February 2, 2023. It was incredible to see so many folks in the Edmonton area come together out of concern to address the rising food insecurity in their community.

The day began with a chance for people to network and share the current work being done with food, and identifying gaps, action areas and positive changes happening in the community. We heard about community gardens, helping Newcomers access culturally appropriate foods, mobile farmers markets and access to both land and locally grown food and reducing food waste.

The loudest area of our brief poll pointed towards Collaborative and Connection Spaces for Agencies & Frontline Workers and Strengthening Local Production and Distribution as priority areas of work moving forward and towards food security.

After a delicious lunch from GUUTO Mothers Cooperative, the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights (JHC) and Righting Relations Canada presented a snapshot of Poverty in Canada and Edmonton. Grounded in that reality, they delivered training intended to build capacity and implement anti-oppressive practices in food security work. The intention was to recognize the basic right to food and the need for dignity, respect and accessibility that should transcend the provision of poverty reduction services while exploring the necessary path to walk toward food security and food sovereignty.

JHC, Righting Relations and all other attending organizations and people committed to continuing building on the Calls to Action outlined in the Edmonton Food Security Report released in 2021 by JHC, bringing more voices and perspectives, and working together. There is a need to continue to support efforts to build capacity both in individuals and community doing this important work, and to advocate for policy changes to address the root causes of poverty. Awareness of food security and its intersection with all kinds of discrimination must be highlighted, addressed and alleviated in the wake of a global pandemic, supply disruptions and shortages, rising poverty and inflation that are leaving many struggling to meet their basic needs and rights.

A huge thanks to the City of Edmonton and the Catherine Donnelly Foundation for supporting this session and the ongoing work to amplify food justice and security. We also wish to express our thanks to local artist, Dallas, for the epic piece of art displayed above, which was created to capture the gathering and importance of work we are all doing together.