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Looking for Food Champions

The garden’s first year was a success; it brought community members together to care for, harvest, and watch over the garden.
Nipissing First Nation’s community garden 2016
Nipissing First Nation’s community garden. Submitted photo,

The Nipissing and Area Food Charter, which supports creating a healthy and sustainable food system for Nipissing District and area, was officially launched a year ago.

Since the launch, seven municipalities (Chisholm, Powassan, Mattawa, North Bay, West Nipissing, Nipissing and Bonfield), one First Nation (Nipissing First Nation), and many local organizations and community members have supported the Food Charter and its principles.

A great example of food systems work is the Community Garden started by Nipissing First Nation earlier this year.

This initiative helped to tap into a rich history of when Nipissing First Nation was known for gardens. The garden’s first year was a success; it brought community members together to care for, harvest, and watch over the garden.

The fresh produce was distributed to community members for free through garden stands, while some were used for various community programs. Nipissing First Nation is excited about next year’s garden, so they can apply everything they learned, further involve the community, and continue to develop related programming.

To carry forward the Food Charter’s vision, the Nipissing and Area Food Roundtable was formed in June.

This diverse group of food champions is working on different initiatives to promote a healthy and sustainable food system in our community.

The Roundtable is always looking for food champions to join the group who have an interest in food systems, food literacy, community gardens, local food co-ops, food policy, social equity, or social media.

The group normally meets during business hours, but anyone can get involved. Contact [email protected] or Kendra Patrick at [email protected] or (705) 474-1400 ext. 2532 for more information.

How can you get involved?

  • Contact them if you are interested in joining the Nipissing and Area Food Roundtable at [email protected]

  • Visit nipissingareafood.ca to endorse the Food Charter and learn what you can do to help create a healthy, sustainable food system for Nipissing and area.

  • Like the Nipissing Area Food page on Facebook to stay up to date with local food-related news and events.