In 2015-2016, Niagara Connects worked with Healthy Living Niagara to engage people in examining the role Niagara’s food systems assets play in Niagara’s socio-economic vibrancy. This work built on preliminary steps taken in 2013-2014 by HLN and Niagara Connects, to describe food systems in Niagara.

“Food Systems” refers to a complex topic that represents the cycles of growing, distributing, eating and recycling of food.

This report summarizes information shared at an April 13, 2016 Niagara-wide forum, “The Food Landscape in Niagara: Describing How it Contributes to Niagara’s Vitality”. Forum participants examined priorities established by players in Niagara’s food continuum, and identified opportunities to boost our region’s vitality by strengthening Niagara’s food assets.

The 47 highly-engaged forum participants are involved in diverse aspects of food systems: growing, preparation, consumption, access, processing, marketing, distribution, agritourism, education, nutrition, health, research, business, economic development, employment, waste/disposal, environmental sustainability, policy and government. Cited reasons for attending the forum centered around opportunities to:

  • work together;
  • share learning;
  • gain relevant/high quality information; and
  • take a big picture view of how various food systems elements fit together in Niagara.

Published By: Niagara Connects in partnership with Healthy Living Niagara

Publication Date: December 2016

View Strengthening Our Food Assets to Boost Niagara’s Vitality