Fresh Food….A Step Away – Backyard Gardening in York Region from Sustain Ontario on Vimeo.

Markham Community Garden – York Region Food Network from Sustain Ontario on Vimeo.

Sign our Petition to Put Food in the Budget of our neighbours on social assistance. An immediate increase of $100/month to enable people to purchase healthy food is a gift that:

• combats hunger and injustice
• reduces reliance on our already over-burdened food banks and volunteers
• is a start at eliminating some of the wasted  time and energy that goes into maintaining our systemic, second rate food system for the poor.
• is a first step towards raising rates to adequate levels that reflect the real cost of living in Ontario.
• restores the right of individuals to purchase their own healthy food
• is simply the right thing to do.

Thanks to all of you who sign this petition and help to restore some balance in a world where Charity cannot redress poverty and inequity.

Sign the Petition here:
http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/put-food-in-the-budget.html

Food for Change: Building a Food Charter for York Region will bring together a broad spectrum of community representatives to discuss food and agriculture issues in York Region on November 9th.  The purpose is to engage participants in a conversation about what a Food Charter would mean for the Region and what should be included in this Charter…and then take action.

Food is a basic necessity for life, and yet we see people going hungry in our communities, chronic illnesses on the rise, and farmers struggling to earn a living. Food touches all our lives in a variety of ways, several times each day. It creates community connections, cultural understanding, and is an economic driver. Our panel will provide a look at several aspects of our food system and participants will then provide their energy and ideas to create an improved food system that is healthy, equitable, sustainable and financially viable.