"to support creative local initiatives that use natural resources to generate socio-economic benefits while advancing conservation and sound stewardship."
Zack Lee
This project organically emerged from the CBT Board's Core Priority of practicing sustainability. It is an ongoing project to be launched in January 2009, comprising of four areas related to nutrition and food security:
1) Food choice education and awareness;
2) Food access solutions (cost, distance, supply);
3) Local food production; and,
4) Culturally-relevant nutrition choices and traditional diets analyses.
The Ucluelet Community Food Initiative (UCFI) is a group of individuals who are concerned with food security in Ucluelet, and on the peninsula more generally. With the support of CBT and the Vancouver Island Health Authority, they recently completed a survey of the Biosphere and Biosphere region (including Ucluelet, Ittatsoo and Macoah). The results and analysis the results can be found here.
Photo Credit: Zack Lee
The CBT was proud to host a workshop on March 28th, 2009 in Tofino and again on March 29th, 2009 in Ittatsoo. With financial support from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's Rural Partnerships program and from Clayoquot Forest Communities, the CBT was able to host six speakers who shared their knowledge over the two days. Dr. Cobi Slater of the Essential Health Natural Wellness Clinic, shared information about nutrition; John Rampanen and Dr. Simon Lucas both spoke about traditional Nuu-Chah-Nulth diets. Jarrod Gunn-McQuillan of the Vancouver Island Health Authority, and Chantelle Gemmel of UCFI both spoke about local concerns about food security. Finally, Keith Hunter of Port Alberni shared information about non-timber forestry as a commercial opportunity. John Rampanen of the BC Healthy Living Alliance facilitated both days.
Media about the two events can be found here and here.
The CBT intends to continue its commitment to Healthy Food, Healthy Communities with its regional partners in 2010.
