Kjipuktuk/Halifax - Yesterday, Halifax Regional Council endorsed Part B of the JustFOOD Action Plan for the Halifax Region, the first food strategy for Halifax Regional Municipality. The JustFOOD Action Plan has been developed by the Halifax Food Policy Alliance, a coalition co-chaired by the Ecology Action Centre (EAC).
“As Nova Scotians and their families are struggling to keep up with rising food prices, we need a rigorous, coordinated effort to strengthen our food system and increase access to good food across HRM," says Caitlin Skerratt, community food coordinator with the EAC. “The JustFOOD Action Plan represents a commitment to the health and well-being of our communities, and a commitment to collaboration across governments, communities, businesses and organizations.”
Part B of the JustFood Action Plan establishes the governance structure, partnerships, initiatives, strategies, resources and monitoring frameworks to advance the implementation of the plan and the progression of priority recommendations.
“It’s important that the complete proposed budget of $856,000 for Part B is approved for this work to happen,” says Vicki Madziak, community food coordinator with the EAC.
“We know that our food system is extremely vulnerable to climate impacts. Severe weather events exacerbate pre-existing food access issues and can be devastating for local food producers and communities. The Action Plan responds to critical vulnerabilities, acting to build emergency food response strategies and improve food system resilience.
“We commend Halifax Regional Municipality for stepping up to take on this important work, and we look forward to council making the right decision to fully fund the plan this March.”
Over 10 priority recommendations will be advanced by HRM and community partners in 2024/25. Several new programs will be launched, two new granting streams will be established and seven new positions – both internal and external to the municipality – will be created to advance food systems work.
Part A of the Action Plan, endorsed by council in March 2023, put forward a set of measurable recommendations to improve community food security, reduce food inequities, support inclusive economic growth, foster resilience in the face of climate change and promote the well-being of all residents. Visit justfoodhalifax.ca to learn more.
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