VCH staff present Food Charter at North Shore Congress meeting

Food security was on the agenda at the North Shore Congress on November 14 when leaders from the North Shore municipalities, school districts, First Nations and VCH learned about how a Food Charter can help raise the multifaceted issue of food on the agenda of North Shore organizations.

The North Shore Food Charter — a statement of principles to guide decision-making — was created by the North Shore Table Matters Network and is the result of a community consultation process. VCH initiated the Network as part of work under the Ministry of Health Food Security Core Program and our staff continue to be involved because of our understanding that affordable and healthy food is a core determinant of health. We recognize the need to look at the broader context in which food choices are made because accessible as we work towards creating healthy communities.

Response by elected officials was positive and School Districts 44, 45 and the Squamish Nation invited further discussions on this issue at upcoming board meetings. Plans are already in place to present the Food Charter to each of the North Shore’s Municipal Councils.

If you’re interested in knowing more about the North Shore Food Charter or the North Shore Table Matters Network, get in touch with Margaret Broughton at margaret.broughton@vch.ca or 604-904-6482.

Craig Keating, Councillor with the City of North Vancouver, endorses the Food Charter at a recent North Shore Congress meeting.