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Back to the Foodshed

© Bob Ewing

Yesterday , I began spring cleaning, not my house but the balcony. It has really taken a beating over the winter. We had heavy snow and it was cold. What a mess. This year I need to recycle the soil in the containers. This is a big job. There are 30 containers.

I found how handy it was to have a composter on my balcony just outside the kitchen door. I can let in a little fresh air and dump the food waste, egg shells, coffee grinds and ripped up newspaper (not too often) without stepping outside.

I am returning to the issue of foodsheds because they play an important role in understanding how food travels within a society and how we can develop an action plan which will move us toward community food security. Parts of this article first appeared in the Suite in April 2002.

This week I am beginning an exploration of a local foodshed. In previous articles over the past four years I have written about the elements that can make up a foodshed: community gardens, community shared agriculture, food co-ops etc. To get the discussion going on why foodsheds are important I went back to three articles that were originally published on the Suite in November 2000. I have selected specific quotes from those articles, revised them somewhat and composed this week's effort.

I am a member of an organization called the Food Action Network, (FAN) which addresses food security issues within the city. FAN encourages the development of community kitchens and community gardens as well as acting as an advocate. There are a total of 27 emergency food programs from breakfast clubs to food banks in Thunder Bay and most of them are represented at FAN. On May 25, 2002, FAN held the first Food Fair in Thunder Bay. Our intent was to begin a process which will create a local food culture. The foodshed concept is an important part of this effort.

We all must eat and this fact gives us a common ground upon which we can build a strong and vibrant community. Lets start with a look at community food programs. For the most part, a community food program is working to meet the food needs of people who live within their community and who are at risk because they, through no fault of their own, cannot obtain enough food for their families.

If there is no community program within your area, then you may want to consider starting one. There are resource materials that can help you get started. The beginning of gardening season, at

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