Working together to strengthen food resilience is the priority for the upcoming refresh of the city’s Action Plan.

In partnership with Edible Canterbury, Kairos Food Rescue, Lincoln University, Biological Husbandry Unit, Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, the Council held a workshop Growing a Fair Food System - Action Planning Together with more than 60 people from across the food system.

The work is part of a review of the Council’s Food Resilience Policy 2014 and shifts the focus into action, identifying practical, achievable steps that can be progressed collectively.

Councillor Pauline Cotter, who attended the workshop, said it is a timely opportunity to get together and refresh the Policy.

“The Council adopted a Food Resilience Policy in 2014, and that is something I am proud of. Our vision ‘to be the best edible city in the world’ is even more important today as we realise how impacted we can be by global events outside of our control,” she said.

“Food resilience is about more than just having enough food. It’s about dignity, affordability, cultural appropriateness and community control. It’s also about knowledge of growing, cooking, preserving food, and sharing skills.”

Cr Cotter said the passion from organisations was tangible and groups involved are ready to add to the mahi that’s already been done.

Key themes emerging from the session included:

• Strengthening local food networks
• Supporting community-led growing initiatives
• Council’s role in supporting food resilience
• Improving data and coordination across the food system
• Support needed for small businesses
• Food education and life skills of growing and cooking food for young people

Policy and Projects Advisor Sara Nourozi, who is leading the review, said people want to make a positive change, and the Council can facilitate a platform for people to connect.

“We need to work together towards a more fair, resilient and regenerative local food system. The Council plays a pivotal role, making decisions everyday that can influence positive outcomes,” she said.

“We can also bring people together to work through some of these big complex issues locally.”

The outcomes from the workshop will help establish a public, city wide Food Resilience Action Plan, with the Council continuing to work alongside partners on tangible outcomes.

Staff are working on an updating the Food Resilience Policy Action Plan expected to be released later this year.

Main image: Policy and Project Advisor Sara Nourozi (right) at the Linwood Resource Centre's Pacific Gardens.