Markham partners with local food group

Markham is making moves to ensure that more of its food is locally produced. Staking its claim as the first Canadian municipality to take such steps, the region has established a partnership with Local Food Plus, a non-profit organization that brings farmers and consumers to the table to share in the benefits of environmentally and socially responsible food production.

The decision was approved unanimously by Markham council. “It’s an opportunity to really support our farmers,” Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti said yesterday. Councillor Erin Shapero, who led the partnership drive, said the price of the initiative would be a small “cost differential” for the city.

Any future contracts will adhere to the city’s target of having at least 10 percent of its food sourced from Ontario farmers, increasing by 5 percent a year. The policy applies to Markham’s community centres and civic centre.

Toronto put off taking similar steps after councillors on the government management committee raised questions about costs.

A broad range of additional social, environmental, and economic issues affect our food systems, including farmers’ ongoing struggle for stable and predictable markets, worker health and safety, air and water pollution, animal welfare, rural revitalization and community food security. Local Food Plus is committed to building and fostering local sustainable food systems by certifying farmers and processors and linking them with local purchasers. Check out their website for a list of LFP certified farmers and processors and info on where to find LFP food.

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