Food Security

What is Food Security and Food Insecurity?*

Food security is when:

Everyone has equitable access to food that is affordable, culturally preferable, nutritious and safe
Everyone has the agency to participate in, and influence food systems
Food systems are resilient, ecologically sustainable, socially just, and honour Indigenous food sovereignty.

Food insecurity exists when factors outside an individual’s control negatively impact their access to enough foods that promote well-being.

Food insecurity is a public health concern because it:

Negatively impacts physical, mental, and social health
Decreases the intake of nutritious food
Increases the likelihood of chronic disease

One in 4 people in BC are food insecure. (from Canadian Income Survey 2023 as reported by PROOF New data on household food insecurity in 2024 - PROOF

*From: Defining food security and food insecurity in British Columbia by BC Centre for Disease Control https://www.bccdc.ca/Documents/FoodSecurity_FoodInsecurity_Definitions_FINAL.pdf

Food Insecurity in the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN)

In the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN), several systemic issues impact food security. Some key examples:

Limited Access to Healthy Food: Many residents, especially those in rural areas, face challenges accessing fresh, healthy food. This is due to a lack of grocery stores and farmers’ markets within a reasonable distance, compounded by limited public transportation options.

Economic Barriers: High living costs and low incomes make it difficult for some residents to afford nutritious food. For example, the living wage in BC in 2024 was $23.79, well above the current minimum wage of $17.40. This economic disparity leads to reliance on food banks and other emergency food services.

Food System Resilience: The local food system’s resilience is a concern, particularly in emergencies. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted vulnerabilities in the food supply chain, emphasizing the need for a more robust and self-reliant local food system.
Support for Local Agriculture: There is a need for greater support for local farmers and food producers. This includes protecting farmland, providing incentives for sustainable farming practices, and developing infrastructure to support local food production and distribution.

Environmental Threats: Projected warmer summer temperatures due to climate change lead to more wildfires and drought which severely impact human health and safety through disrupting supply chains, local water quality, agricultural productivity, native ecosystem function, and traditional hunting/ fishing/ food gathering groups for Indigenous Peoples. Pollution also negatively impacts food security. A B

Addressing these systemic issues involves creating policies and programs that promote equitable and sustainable access to nutritious food, support local agriculture, and build a resilient food system. Effective food security strategies require collaboration between various stakeholders, including government, non-profits, community organizations, and Indigenous Peoples.

A. Vancouver Island Food Charter (2014)

B. RDN Climate Action Plan – 2025 to 2029 (2024)

Nanaimo-Oceanside Food Security Community Of Practice

Purpose:

The Nanaimo - Oceanside Food Security Community of Practice, hence referred to as CoP, is a group of community members who work in and/or share an interest in food security within the region. The CoP members are committed to work together to advance food security in the region, through collaboration, sharing best practices and creating new knowledge.

Vision:

Every community member experiences food security at a level that is supportive of their optimal health and well-being and contributes to community strength and resilience.

Members:

All community members who have experience and/or interest in advancing food security in the region are welcome to join the CoP. Members can include:

Organizations focusing on food security and local food systems
Organizations focusing on local food systems (e.g., food hubs)
Organizations involved in emergency food relief
Local food producers (e.g., farmers)
School districts, Parents’ groups
Youth groups
Indigenous Peoples (e.g., local First Nations)
Advocacy groups
Healthcare organizations (e.g., ISLH)
Local government (e.g., city staff)

The CoP will consider including others based on shared suggestions or interests. While there is no limit on the number of members, multiple members from a single sector/organization should be minimized to keep the CoP membership workable and avoid overrepresentation of specific food security interests.

Join Us:

Interested in advancing food security in the RDN?

Join the Community of Practice today - contact our Food Security CoP Co-Chair: Taylor Hartwig