What is food security?

In Nanaimo, food banks and emergency services are in high demand. This reality, combined with a food system that's heavily dependant on distant suppliers and processed foods, means that the availability of affordable, fresh food is declining. Industrial agriculture, fast food, and factory food, damage our environment, put local farmers out of business, and provide poor nutrition.

Foodshare empowers its participants with the tools and knowledge to increase food security in Nanaimo and to build healthier lifestyles, families, and eating habits. It's an initiative that's important to us all, because just as there is an intimate link between diet and health, there is also a link between the food systems of a community and the vitality of that community.

Having food security means that:

• Everyone in the community can afford to buy healthy food they enjoy eating.
• Most of our food is grown locally.
• Food is produced and processed sustainably, in ways that won't harm people, animals, or the environment.