The Committee

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The Committee image
Workshops

[last updated: Mar 8/10]

Food Safety and Security Group



Food security is a measure of a population's ability to access safe, healthy food at affordable prices.

As the price of fuels increases and the distance from home to farm increases, food security is reduced. Today, our food travels an average of 2,000 km to reach our plates.

The safety and accessibility of the food supply is also threatened by genetic modification and patenting of food seed.

SPEC is committed to helping preserve genetic diversity in our Lower Mainland food supply, by joining the thousands of gardeners in the region who grow heritage and other non-commercial foods and save the seed from those crops. By saving and sharing seed, we increase access to diverse crops that hopefully, will withstand the rigors of climate changes yet to come.

We also work to promote awareness of urban agriculture issues through workshops and our School Gardens Project. These provide opportunities for Vancouverites of all ages to gain urban gardening expertise as well as to learn about the environmental and social benefits of local organic agriculture.

Learning about food security entails understanding the impacts we all make when we shop for food. These include the greenhouse gas emissions generated to bring that food to our markets. We can help you calculate your 'food miles', and give you tips on how to reduce them. Another half of the food security story pertains to the production. SPEC advocates for organic gardening methods which have countless social and environmental benefits. Examining the costs and effects of meat production is just another of the steps we take toward more conscious living.

Through all of this work SPEC's focus is to educate and empower citizens to build healthier cities. The food committee promotes the protection of our precious Fraser Valley agricultural lands from development pressure, and supports the Agricultural Land Reserve while working toward a more sustainable local food system.

Committee Members and Contact Information


The Food Safety and Security Committee is made up of SPEC board members and supported by volunteers, work study students, and SPEC staff. We are always welcoming volunteers and would be happy to hear from you if you are interested in getting involved in our gardens or outreach projects.

Joanna Robinson
Carole Christopher
Tara Moreau: taramoreau [at] gmail.com
Contact for information about the rooftop garden
Vicky Baker, bakervicky [at] shaw.ca
Contact for information about the City Square garden
Marnie Newell, mnewell [at] spec.bc.ca
Contact for information about the School Gardens Project

Campaigns


Demonstration gardens

- City Square
- Rooftop Garden
- City Hall
- Start your own community garden

Other food security projects

- Genetically modified foods
- Food miles
- Schools Gardens Project
- Pesticide disposal
- People preserving food network

Upcoming Workshops

March 20th 2010 2-3pm

Introduction to Growing in Small Spaces

suggested donation is $10 and includes what you need to start a seedling.

contact admin (at) spec.bc.ca to register