1. our mission
2. who we work with
3. our goals
4. what we do
5. our background
   

Our mission

• To ensure that Ottawa is Food Secure.

What does food secure mean?

Food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs, as well as to culturally acceptable food preferences for an active and healthy life. As well, foods are produced as locally as possible, and their production and distribution are environmentally, socially and economically just.

Who we work with

We believe it is important to work with people in all parts of the food system to achieve our goals. In particular, we work to serve the interests of:

• Rural and urban food producers and eaters
• Low-income community members
• Community organizations and partners

Our goals

• Increase sustainable access to nutritious food, with a focus on fresh produce, for all eaters in Ottawa, and in particular, for low-income community members.
• Strengthen the local agricultural economy and increase access to locally grown food for all.
• Develop, link and support food initiatives in Ottawa.
• Produce and promote public information and educational materials on urban and rural food issues, services and opportunities.
• Act as a hub for food-related information, resources and volunteer opportunities and engage individuals and communities in working towards their own food security.
• Engage broader community and decision-makers in food issues related to achieving food security, and in particular, related to farmers and low-income communities.
• With a priority on growers and eaters, work to promote linkages between all partners in the food chain, from field to table, to ensure a sustainable and just food system.

What we do

• Develop projects, programs and services to meet gaps that are identified by our partners and community.
• Organize and advertise food networking events/activities/food events.
• Organize and deliver participatory workshops on food-related topics.
• Build capacity and skills at the individual, community and organizational levels to tackle food security issues.
• Collaborate on food-related research and policy analysis.
• Build a broader network of people interested in working together to advocate for a just and sustainable food system.

Our Background

How did Just Food (formerly the Ottawa Food Security Council) get started?

Summer 1999 - Community members concerned about food security begin talks with staff from several departments of the Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton (RMOC) on the role that local food alternatives such as community gardens and community economic development can play in a greener more inclusive city. (RMOC was the regional governing body before the amalgamation of the new City of Ottawa)

March 2000 - The final report of the "Task Force on Poverty, People First: Removing the Barriers through Action" is released. Recommendation 18 calls for the Region to develop a Food Security Policy in collaboration with community partners. The RMOC Council ratifies the recommendations of the task force.

October 2000 - The Ottawa Food Security Group (OFSG) receives funding from the Health Department of RMOC to conduct an inventory of food programs in the region.

March 2001 - The publication "Food Security in Ottawa: A Community Profile" is jointly released by the OFSG and new City of Ottawa People Services Department.

June 2001 - The Ottawa Food Security Group hosts "Food Connections - Let's Talk." Speakers from Toronto and Waterloo discuss food security structures and next steps. A key message that emerges is that food security is more than a hunger issue; a poorly functioning food system affects everyone. Participants say that Ottawa needs a multi-sectoral Food Council.

October 2001 - The OFSG coordinates a consultation to engage stakeholders in dialogue about a food council; in particular its relationship with the City of Ottawa. Various food projects that could be undertaken in Ottawa also form part of this consultation.

Fall 2002 - The OFSG releases "Community Consultations," summarizing the consultations that took place over the previous months. Stakeholders suggest an Ottawa Food Security Council that is a Community-City partnership.

November 2002 - "A Proposal for an Ottawa Food Security Council" is launched. Volunteers and one part-time staff initiate talks with City Councillors and staff on City participation in the Food Security Council.

January 2003 - Meetings begin with community members who will play some role with the Council.
February 6, 2003 - The Health, Recreation and Social Services Committee of City Council recommends that Council endorse the Ottawa Food Security Council, with funding. In addition, they endorse having a City Councillor and City staff serve on the Ottawa Food Security Council and that City staff be directed to nominate appropriate officials to the Council and determine an appropriate level of support for the Ottawa Food Security Council.

February 26, 2003 - City Council approves the recommendation of the HRSS Committee.

March 25, 2003 - The Ottawa Food Security Council holds its inaugural meeting.

April 1, 2003 - First Coordinator of the Ottawa Food Security Council hired and begins work.

June 19, 2006 - Ottawa Food Security Council officially changes its name to Just Food, and launches this website, the second version of the Ottawa Buy Local Food Guide and the first collaborative version of Food Link with the City Health Department.