What is a Food System?
A food system includes all the structures and practices involved in feeding those living in our region.
What are the parts of a food system?
Production is the process of growing and harvesting vegetables, fruit, and other produce, as well as raising animals and insects for food production or pollination.
Processing refers to how we turn fresh produce, meat, fish and other foods into a form that’s ready for sale.
Distribution is the process of transporting and delivering food to wholesale, institutional or other food access points.
Access includes the factors that affect people’s ability to get food. Food insecurity, transportation networks, land planning, and built environment are some examples.
Consumption is how we make food to eat.
Waste Management includes processes for food waste or food surplus. Food recovery, composting, and recycling fall under this section.
Windsor-Essex Food Policy Council
The Windsor-Essex Food Policy Council brings together representatives from all sectors of the food system – from “grow it” to “throw it”. It aims to connect diverse people with interests in food to work together to improve the food system.
Visit the Windsor-Essex Food Policy Council’s website for more information.
Key Initiatives:
Windsor Essex Food Strategy
In 2024, the Windsor-Essex Food Strategy was created, building on decades’ worth of effort in food-related work in Windsor and Essex County. The Food Strategy is a tool to guide the direction of food system work across Windsor and Essex County. It will be reviewed, evaluated, and updated in regular intervals. Find it here.
Windsor-Essex County Community Food Assessment
In 2018, the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit and the Windsor-Essex Food Policy Council completed the Windsor-Essex County Community Food Assessment report. This report explored the strengths and needs of the local food system. The report helped to paint a picture of the entire food system and provides recommendations on ways to improve it. Find it here.
For more information on Food Systems and Policy, check out Food Secure Canada, an alliance of people and organizations working together to improve food security and food sovereignty.