CORNWALL, Ontario – With a global consensus forming around the risks and realities of climate change, some community leaders are trying to get people to rethink everything about their food and where it comes from. That’s why Transition+ Cornwall and All Things Food teamed up with Knoxx St. Paul’s United Church to deliver an informative afternoon on the future of food security, all in time for the UN’s 2016 World Food Day.
The event was held on Sunday, October 16 at the Knoxx St. Paul’s Church. The afternoon featured guest speaker Kate Green, from USC Canada (founded in 1945 as the Unitarian Service Committee of Canada) to discuss the future of agroecology in the face of climate change. Guests were treated to fresh vegetarian soup, bread and other snacks before Green spoke to a crowd of roughly 40 people. Following Green’s presentation, event goers had the opportunity to partake in a food preservation workshop.
“We’ve been doing this for a couple of years…recognizing World Food Day, in part because we’re aware that lots of people don’t have access to food,” said Bill Carrier, a representative from the food action committee of Transition+ Cornwall. “It’s just so people become more conscious that food is something way beyond just going to the grocery store. There is a lot of complexity to it.”
“The climate is changing, and agriculture and food have to adjust to that as well, both in Canada and overseas,” said Green. “Climate change is about extremes…some parts of the word are getting colder and wetter. Other parts of the world are experiencing drier seasons and higher temperatures. So we need ways for farmers to adjust, with access to seeds and soil.”
Green’s works as the project manager for the Asia division of USC Canada. Her work has primarily focused on assisting farmers in areas such as Bangladesh, achieve access to quality seeds, soils, and sustainable farming practices.
Both Transition+ and All Things Food have been holding public, educational celebrations for World Food Day for a number of years. In the past they have primarily featured informative video presentations, however with a growing awareness and increased interest in the food movement, the event is expected to grow again next year.
