The TAA and
Food Security
Agricultural development and the development of the NWT agri-food sector is critically important to improving food security and nutrition.
The Territorial Agri-food Association believes that making agriculture work in the NWT must be a central component of policy approaches to food insecurity reduction, poverty reduction and increasing economic growth.
The Agrifood sector contributes to:
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reducing food prices,
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increasing the quantity and diversity of local food,
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creating employment and providing a source of income,
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improving farm/producer income.
Reducing Food Prices
Shortening the supply chain and increasing its stability through locally grown, processed and packaged food helps keep food cost variability from national and global events to a minimum. Community-based growing that shortens the time from farm to table also results in less food waste.
Increasing the quantity and diversity of local food
Small scale agriculture historically produces more crop variety. Additionally, when local food decisions are in the hands of the local farmers, food processors and retailers, the food produced matches local tastes and allows consumers to move beyond food decisions driven by national and international marketers. Global and national research shows this leads to more nutritious food decisions.
SCHOOL FOOD
The Territorial Agri-food Association believes that a school food program should be a requirement for all educational facilities across the NWT and is critically important in improving food security and nutrition for children and families. The TAA believes that supporting locally grown and locally sourced food is an essential component of a successful school food program and benefits both the school program and local communities.
Bringing healthy, local food into schools, and providing students with hands-on learning opportunities that foster food literacy, all while strengthening the local food system and enhancing school and community connectedness is necessary for the NWT.
We must empower students and school communities to make informed food choices while contributing to our sustainable, economically viable regional food systems that support the health of people, places, and the planet.