Comox Valley Food Programs

The Comox Valley Food Policy Council has provided an update on how the local food system is working.

The CVFPC is coordinated by LUSH Valley Food Action Society, with financial support from the Comox Valley Regional District. It examines the operation of the local food system, providing ideas and policy recommendations for how it can be improved.

“There is a glaring gap across our region with respect to food flows and food storage capacity.", says Maurita Prato, Executive Director of LUSH Valley.

"As a region we are prone to seismic, flood, and fire events, and, being located on an island, we are especially vulnerable to emergency events that impact the flow of goods. Understanding how food flows in our region, including local production and what storage capacity already exists, is expected to enhance our region’s preparedness and resiliency when the next emergency event occurs”.

Council Co-Chair Naomi Robert highlighted the group's 2023-24 Annual Report and accomplishments from the last fiscal year, which included:

• stepping into cross-jurisdictional work
• connecting members across municipalities and silos
• celebrating federal funding for national school food programs
• a focus on emergency planning and drought preparedness

Advocacy efforts across the province, including by the CVFPC, resulted in a windfall of funding for long-term school food programs.

Feeding Futures Funding included almost 1.2 million for SD 71 in 2023.

For more information, visit LUSH Valley.