GTA Food Policy Groups

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The Halton Food Council

The Halton Food Council is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting food security and awareness through a series of sustainable community and environment based initiatives.  Among other things, the Council finalized the Halton Food Charter in 2010 and a detailed community assessment in 2011.  By April, 2013, Halton Region and all four local municipalities had formally endorsed the Halton Food Charter, and remain committed to the development of meaningful regional food and agricultural policy.  More detailed information, reports, and presentations can be found at the Halton Food Council website. [dropdown_box expand_text=”” show_more=”More” show_less=”Less” start=”hide”]

Name: Lynn Roblin
Email:  lroblin@cogeco.ca

Established: 2009
Level of Jurisdiction: Regional
Region(s) Represented: Burlington, Halton Hills, Milton, and Oakville
Website: Halton Food Council

Community Food Assessment: Yes
Food Charter: Yes

Community Food Assessment

Factsheet from Community Food Assessment

Halton Food Charter

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Markham Sustainability (Food for Change)

Although the Markham working group is relatively new, a local food procurement policy has been in place in the region since 2008.  The town of Markham’s Food Strategy is embedded within Greenprint – Markham’s Sustainability Plan.  A more detailed work plan is being developed for the next five years.[dropdown_box expand_text=”” show_more=”More” show_less=”Less” start=”hide”]

Name: Prabh Banga
Position: Sustainability Coordinator, Town of Markham Sustainability Office
Email: pbanga@markham.ca
Phone: 905 477 7000

Established: 2011
Level of Jurisdiction: Municipal
Region(s) Represented: Markham
Website: Markham Sustainability

Community Food Assessment: Not yet
Food Charter: Not yet

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Toronto Food Policy Council

The Toronto Food Policy Council is a sub-committee of the Board of Health and the Toronto Food Strategy is a program of Toronto Public Health.  Both councils receive government support from the Public Health department and individual political representatives.  Completed work includes a Community Food Assessment, Food Charter, Advocacy Campaigns, Policy Research Papers, and Food Strategy Reports (all of which are available as .pdf documents on their websites).[dropdown_box expand_text=”” show_more=”More” show_less=”Less” start=”hide”]

Name: Lauren Baker
Position: Coordinator, Toronto Food Policy Council (Toronto Public Health)
Phone: 416 338 8154

Name: Barbara Emanuel
Position: Manager, Food Strategy (Toronto Public Health)
Phone: 416 392 7464
Websites: Toronto Food Policy CouncilToronto Food Strategy

Established: 1991
Level of Jurisdiction: Municipal
Region(s) Represented: Toronto, GTA

Community Food Assessment: Yes
Food Charter: Yes

Toronto Food Charter
Cultivating Food Connections Report (May 2010)[/dropdown_box]

Toronto Youth Food Policy Council

We seek to mobilize and engage youth to make change by building a just food system. We provide an open friendly space for youth to network, learn from one another, and share opportunities. We are Toronto’s leading Youth voice in sustainable food policy.

Top Priorities: networking, policy research, AR/AO intersectionality in the food system

Top Accomplishments: Biennial publication of the only youth-led, peer-reviewed, academic, food-focused journal: The Gathering. Host five public community events on various food topic every council year.

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Main Contact: Dilya Niezova
Position: Chair
Email: dniezova@tyfpc.ca, info@tyfpc.ca

Established: 2008
Level of Jurisdiction: Municipal
Region(s) Represented: Toronto, GTA
Website: TYFPC
Facebook: TYFPC
Twitter: @TYFPC 

York Region Food Charter Working Group

The York Region Food Network receives government support from the Economic Development and Public Health & Social Services departments.  The YRFN is working towards finalizing a Food Charter draft for the region.

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Name: Joan Stonehocker
Position: Executive Director, York Region Food Network
Email: joans@yrfn.ca
Phone: 905 841 3101 ext. 202

Established: 2011
Level of Jurisdiction: Regional
Region(s) Represented: York Region (Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, Whitchurch-Stouffville, Aurora, King, Newmarket, East Gwillimbury, Georgina)
Website: York Region Food Network

Community Food Assessment: Not yet
Food Charter: Drafted

York Region Food Network Annual Reports (2004-2010)
York Region Food Charter[/dropdown_box]