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Health Impacts of Food Disruptions The module will cover how our health is affected when food becomes insecure, and the influences on food insecurity in Indigenous and rural communities. Finally, it will highlight how small communities can target food insecurity using real-world examples from Alberta. Next Home Transcription & Notes Read more 0:00 In previous modules, we learned how food systems have changed dramatically in two centuries. In Module 4: Health Impacts of Food Disruptions, we will discuss how our health is changed when food becomes insecure. 0:19 Food is our body’s fuel and plays a critical role in our overall functioning. When someone is food insecure, both their cognitive performance and mental health decrease, which can have significant long-term health impacts, especially if food insecurity is their default state (1). The stress of trying to find food to feed oneself and one’s family frequently leads to maladaptive coping mechanisms, such as overeating, smoking, and drinking (2). It is possible that increased maladaptive behaviours can explain the association between food insecurity and increased levels of obesity, which is further exacerbated by the fact that nutritious foods such as fruits and vegetables are more expensive (3); obesity is associated with poor long-term health outcomes (4). It is important to add that poor diet quality is highly dependent on both the availability of healthful foods and the affordability of those foods (4). If the only affordable food in one’s neighbourhood is a fast food restaurant, it will have a direct impact on the diets of low income residents who cannot afford to travel elsewhere for food. 1:30 As we learned in the previous module, Colonization has had an enduring impact on First Nations peoples and communities. The sudden changes to traditional food systems and access spurred by famine, disease, and loss of culture (5,6,7) had devastating health impacts. This impact is still felt today in the significant food insecurity rates experienced by Indigenous peoples living on and off reserves (8,9). The impact of food insecurity is reflected in the high rates of nutrition-related chronic diseases, such as Type II Diabetes and obesity (10). 2:03 Food insecurity in First Nation communities is influenced by factors such as (7): The limited availability of affordable and quality store goods Reduced population sizes of cornerstone species such as caribou or salmon The economic inaccessibility of hunting equipment Distance and lack of transportation to larger supermarkets with greater variety Government restrictions to traditional harvesting and food sharing practices Loss of traditional knowledge regarding how to harvest and prepare foods Potentially unsafe traditional foods due to environmental contaminants Unstable access to grocery stores and unstable stocking of grocery stores And finally, increasingly unstable environments due to the impacts of climate change 3:01 Similar to Indigenous communities, many small towns and rural communities do not have access to larger grocery stores like Superstore or Costco. Small, family-owned stores can be significantly more expensive, which means low income, rural residents are at a significant risk of food insecurity and the associated impacts. The further a community is from an urban centre, the greater the percentage of low-income households (11). Additionally, rural residents are more likely to live with obesity and chronic conditions than urban counterparts (12), which may reflect the potential for high rates of food insecurity. 3:33 While these correlations are significant and suggest a higher rate of food insecurity, especially coupled with the fact that rural communities do not offer as many support services, there is limited research done on rural food insecurity in Alberta. We do not know the true picture of food insecurity in rural Alberta. As such, many of these gaps remain unfilled. 3:58 These individual health impacts have significant rippling effects into the community. Among poor mental health outcomes in food insecure households is a high rate of self-isolation (3), which means these households are not active members of their communities. Reduced cognitive performance (1) impacts both students and the workforce and may reduce the skills or educational attainment of those community members. Food insecurity is a complex problem, however, offering options for community participation around food can help alleviate some food insecurity, while promoting community participation. Collective kitchens are one way that food knowledge can be shared, costs can be lessened, and relationships can be built (13). Especially valuable to single mothers, community newcomers, and new cooks, these kitchens can also act as a stepping-stone to further community participation, making food security a tool to build a vibrant community (13). 4:55 In Alberta, St. Paul is a community that is showcasing how building a more vibrant community is inherently tied to food security, knowledge, and healthy options (14). Since 2003, this community has worked to improve their chronic disease rates by improving movement opportunities, cultivating a strong sense of community through art and revitalization, and improving community nutrition (14). Their efforts to improve community nutrition include offering healthful options, such as strawberry parfaits alongside cake and ice cream at community events (14). They’ve also worked to showcase local producers, and share knowledge about how different plants grow through their program Incredible Edible Barrels (14); community members are free to harvest herbs, vegetables, and fruits from these container gardens and the town even includes information on ways to use the different plants (14). Finally, they have taken their nutrition goals to the policy level by limiting how close a fast food restaurant can be to a school (14). As we know, the quality of the food that is closest to us can impact our health, and even this small step can significantly improve the nutrition of children and youth. 6:11 That concludes Module 4: Health Impacts of Food Disruption. Check out our references to learn more about this topic. Health Impacts of Food Disruptions Transcript & Slides Transcript PDF Transcript PDF References Nagpaul, T., Sidhu, D., & Chen, J. (2022). Food Insecurity Mediates the Relationship between Poverty and Mental Health. Journal of Poverty, 26(3), 233–249. https://doi-org.login.ezproxy.library.ualberta.ca/10.1080/10875549.2021.1910102 Joseph, P. L., Applewhite, J., & Fleary, S. A. (2022). Housing and Food Insecurity, Health Literacy, and Maladaptive Coping Behaviors. Health Literacy Research and Practice, 6(4), e280-e289–e289. https://doi-org.login.ezproxy.library.ualberta.ca/10.3928/24748307-20221019-01 Papan, A. S., & Clow, B. N. (2013). The food insecurity-obesity paradox as a vicious cycle for women : a qualitative study. Atlantic Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health. https://cdn.dal.ca/content/dam/dalhousie/pdf/diff/ace-women-health/live/ACEWH_food_insecurity_paradox_vicious_cycle_exec_summ_eng_ths.pdf Eskandari, F., Lake, A. A., Rose, K., Butler, M., & O’Malley, C. (2022). A mixed‐method systematic review and meta‐analysis of the influences of food environments and food insecurity on obesity in high‐income countries. Food Science & Nutrition, 10(11), 3689–3723. https://doi-org.login.ezproxy.library.ualberta.ca/10.1002/fsn3.2969 Hopper, T. (August 28, 2018). Here is what Sir John A. MacDonald did to Indigenous people. National Post. https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/here-is-what-sir-john-a-macdonald-did-to-indigenous-people Owen, J. (2023). Food as a weapon in the Residential School system. Food Secure Canada. https://www2.foodsecurecanada.org/residential-schools-and-using-food-weapon Shafiee., M et al. (2022). Food Security Status of Indigenous Peoples in Canada According to the 4 Pillars of Food Security: A Scoping Review. Advances in nutrition (Bethesda, Md.) , 13 (6), 2537–2558. https://doi.org/10.1093/advances/nmac081 Proof: Food Insecurity Policy Research. (2023). Who are most at risk of household food insecurity? https://proof.utoronto.ca/food-insecurity/who-are-most-at-risk-of-household-food-insecurity/ Willows, N., Veugelers, P., Raine, K., & Kuhle, S. (2015). Associations between household food insecurity and health outcomes in the Aboriginal population (excluding reserves). Statistics Canada. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/82-003-x/2011002/article/11435-eng.htm#:~:text=Compared%20with%20their%20counterparts%20in,21%25)%2C%20and%20cigarette%20smoking Batal, M., Chan, H. M., Fediuk, K., Ing, A., Berti, P. R., Mercille, G., Sadik, T., & Johnson-Down, L. (2021). First Nations households living on-reserve experience food insecurity: prevalence and predictors among ninety-two First Nations communities across Canada. Canadian journal of public health = Revue canadienne de sante publique , 112 (Suppl 1), 52–63. https://doi.org/10.17269/s41997-021-00491-x Healthier Together. (2023). Homepage - Know Your Community. Alberta Health Services. https://www.healthiertogether.ca/prevention-data/alberta-community-health-dashboard/community-cancer-prevention-screening-dashboard/ Chaisson, K., Gougeon, L., Patterson, S., & Allen Scott, L. K. (2022). Multisectoral partnerships to tackle complex health issues at the community level: lessons from a Healthy Communities Approach in rural Alberta, Canada. Canadian journal of public health = Revue canadienne de sante publique , 113 (5), 755–763. https://doi.org/10.17269/s41997-022-00653-5 Engler-Stringer, R. (2006). Collective kitchens in three Canadian cities : impacts on the lives of participants. Community-University Institute for Social Research. https://cuisr.usask.ca/documents/publications/2005-2009/Collective%20Kitchens%20in%20Three%20Canadian%20Cities%20-%20Impacts%20on%20the%20Lives%20of%20Participants.pdf Resilient Rurals. (2024). Champions for Change: Empowering Rural Communities for a Brighter Tomorrow. https://www.resilientrurals.com/rural-showcase/champions-for-change%3A-empowering-rural-communities-for-a-brighter-tomorrow ​ Back Next

Indigenous People as Leaders in the Food Sovereignty Movement This module was created in partnership with Indigenous guidance through SevGen Consulting. It will cover how Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities can collaborate to progress food sovereignty for all. Next Home Transcription & Notes Read more Video coming soon... Indigenous People as Leaders in the Food Sovereignty Movement Transcript & Slides Transcript PDF Transcript PDF References Coming soon. ​ Back Next

Different Approaches to Regaining Control Over Our Food This module will outline the value of cultivating food sovereignty, and ways we can each build resilience into our food system at any level. Next Home Transcription & Notes Read more 0:00 Welcome to Module 5: Different Approaches to Regaining Control Over Our Food. In this module, we outline why there is a need to build sovereignty into our food systems, and the ways in which any of us can start this journey. 0:22 100 years ago, it was fairly normal to grow your own backyard garden and source your food from relatively local markets. If something was out of season in your area, you usually had to wait for the growing season to return or make use of preserves. Thanks to globalisation and new growing technologies, this is no longer the case. We now have access to bananas, tomatoes, and bell peppers year-round, as well as produce many of us in Canada may not have heard of such as okra, daikon, bitter melon, and chayote squash. 0:57 Access to a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, as well as affordable meat, eggs, and dairy products, is not a bad thing, but relying on international exports comes with risks. In Module 1, we explored how our food system is vulnerable to natural and man-made disasters. Flood, drought, and other disasters globally can impact whether or not food is even available for international trade. Additionally, war and disease can significantly disrupt trade networks. Further, in Modules 2 and 3, we explored how rural and Indigenous food systems are even more vulnerable due to their distances from urban centres, smaller populations, and lack of services. Localised disruptions, such as washed out roads or multi-day blizzards can dramatically impact the availability and quality of food in these communities. 1:56 Luckily, many individuals and communities are making strides in regaining ownership over their food systems. 2:05 For example, Rural Routes to Climate Solutions is an agriculturally based non-profit that connects farmers to regenerative agriculture solutions (1). Regenerative agriculture is an approach to farming that aims to improve the land you are working (1). Strategies, such as using cover crops, inter-cropping, and rotational grazing, seek to protect the land from erosion, balance nutrient absorption with nutrient building, and reduce overuse (1). Intercropping, for example, is a strategy whereby several different crops are planted together, which diversifies the nutrients pulled from the soil and contributes to biodiversity (1). This strategy supports carbon sequestration, which results in healthier soil, plants, and pollinators (1). Not only does a farmer’s yield increase, but they contribute to land stewardship and climate mitigation (1). 3:02 Permaculture is similar, although often operates on a smaller scale than regenerative agriculture. It too seeks to work with the natural environment to improve soil health and biodiversity (2). Further, permaculture is a holistic approach to community building that protects against erosion, supports natural water purification, grows food for oneself and community, and limits waste materials (2). It thrives on diversity and a circular economy, whereby materials are used until they can be returned to the earth. 3:39 There are times, however, where the soil we live and work on is not suitable for growing food due to previous land uses or pollution. Urban gardens and container gardening offer a solution to these limitations and can allow for gardening even in small spaces. In Red Deer, the Common Ground Garden Project is an initiative which is repurposing a former Electric, Light & Power site for a community garden (3). This space is interactive, moveable, and educational, and operates as a space of learning, growing, and relationship-building (3). In their recent harvest supper, the Common Ground Garden Project team fed over 160 community members in order to raise awareness of their efforts (3). 4:29 Even small steps can pave the way for food sovereignty. Whether you have a front lawn or a balcony that can be converted for food growing, or you move to support local producers, we can all play a role in strengthening our local food system. 4:44 To learn more about the different ways we can pursue food sovereignty, check out our list of videos: Rural Routes to Climate Solutions - Podcast Verge Permaculture - Mini-Documentary About the Avis Urban Permaculture Homestead Common Ground Garden Project Alberta Urban Garden The Self-Sufficiency Garden GROW: An Indigenous Food Sovereignty Story World Famous Permaculture Property Tour Regenerative Agriculture on a Small Scale Tea Creek Farm - Indigenous Owned and Operated 4:51 You can also check out our references to learn more about food sovereignty and climate adaptation strategies in the food system. Thank you for joining us for Module 5. Different Approaches to Regaining Control Over Our Food Transcript & Slides Transcript PDF Transcript PDF References Resilient Rurals. (2022). Rural Routes To Climate Solutions: Why More Farmers Are Taking The Road Less Travelled. https://www.resilientrurals.com/rural-showcase/rural-routes-to-climate-solutions%3A-why-more-farmers-are-taking-the-road-less-travelled . Verge Permaculture. (2023). What is Permaculture? https://vergepermaculture.ca/what-is-permaculture/ . Rethink Red Deer. (2024). Common Ground Garden Project. https://rethinkreddeer.ca/commonground . ​ Back Next

The Current Food System This module is about the current food landscape in Alberta. Learn about the shared challenges faced by Indigenous and rural communities, the role Canadian agriculture plays in our economy, and the barriers that exist when revitalising rural communities. Next Home Transcription & Notes Read more 0:00 Welcome back. Previously, we defined food sovereignty and the unique role it can play in addressing Canada's food insecurity. In Module 2, we will explore the current food landscape in Alberta. We will touch on topics such as the shared challenges faced by rural and indigenous communities, the role Canadian agriculture plays in our economy, and finally, the barriers that exist when revitalising rural communities. 0:33 Rural and Indigenous communities have a lot of differences. However, they also share significant food insecurity factors, including: Higher food costs Food that travels longer distances to reach communities, which can increase spoilage and cost There is often a lack of local grocery stores, which can impact the nutritional value of food. Or these communities might only have one grocery store, which can exacerbate those high prices. Transportation infrastructure is particularly vulnerable to weather impacts and due to a lower population density, fixing and maintaining transportation routes is often considered lower priority. Limited support services exist within each community, which can reduce their ability to respond to different challenges. And finally, both rural and indigenous communities exhibit strong community resilience, which is a protective factor against food insecurity. It is because of these shared food insecurity factors that we believe we can generate shared food insecurity solutions. 1:48 Canada has a strong, agri-food industry, which generates significant revenue (1). Despite generating nearly $90 billion in 2022, the reality is that the number of Canadian farms is decreasing, as industrial farms buy independently-owned property (1). One aspect of this is the urbanisation trend in Canada. Over 80% of Canadians live in urban centres, making Canada more urbanised than the United States, France and Germany (2). Despite agriculture operating as one of its main industries, Alberta has urbanised significantly since 1901; in 1901, only 25% of Alberta's population lived in urban centres and a mere 115 years later, 83.5% of Albertans now live in large towns and cities (3). The discovery of oil and fossil fuels, industrialisation, and World War II all played a significant role in driving Alberta's urban boom (3). This pattern of industrialisation and urbanisation in Alberta has resulted in significant depopulation of rural areas, which places rural municipalities at a significant disadvantage due to a reduced tax base and greater responsibilities dedicated delegated by the provincial government (4). These challenges can make it difficult for small towns and rural communities in Alberta to meet their infrastructure needs or invest in services to draw in new residents (4). 3:25 Rural communities are facing a small tax base, which reduces their capacity to adapt, our farm, nursery, and greenhouse sector is also facing a significant lack of workers (5). Farmers are growing older and many do not have plans for who will take over their farms when they retire (5). Often these family farms will be absorbed by industrial farms. While farmers and other producers could play a significant role in stewarding the land, protecting ecosystems, and implementing carbon capture technologies, the reality is, is there's not enough workers to fill these necessary positions (5). The lack of a labour force means that sometimes crops are wasted, farmers are overworked and profits are lost (6). While temporary‌ foreign workers have been hired for decades to fill this labour gap, even that is not enough to respond to this shortage (6). Additionally, as more of the agriculture workforce nears retirement, the existing worker pool is growing even smaller (7). The seasonality of agriculture, lack of required skills, long hours, distance from urban centres and competition with a high-paying energy industry are all factors that contribute to lack of interest in agriculture positions (7). Increased awareness among Canadian workers is needed to fill these positions and increase farm sustainability long term (6,7). 4:48 We can hope that as more people join the agricultural industry, this will also lead to more people moving to rural communities. Overwhelmingly, rural depopulation has emerged as a barrier to growing rural communities and to meeting these agricultural worker requirements. As Albertans moved to urban centres in the 20th century (3), the skills that would have opened up agricultural careers were not passed on. Additionally, personal food skills such as how to grow your own food, cook from scratch, or preserve food for winter also diminished over time (8). This was a natural pattern as the convenience of grocery stores and commercially available foods meant people did not need the labour-intensive skills that they had in the past. However, it also means that if there is a disruption to that convenience, people may not have the skills to adapt. Luckily, these skills are not forever lost. Think back to grocery store shelves. In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, red yeast and baking supplies were nearly impossible to find! This move back to cooking from scratch, preservation and home gardening can be seen in the growth of social media pages and groups targeting these skill sets. Additionally, many Canadian cities, such as Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver, lost residents to small towns and rural areas, reflecting a potential for revitalising rural Canada with the help of remote and hybrid working conditions (9). While this pattern was not reflected in Alberta, the rising cost of housing in metropolitan areas may push residents towards affordable, smaller communities (9). 6:28 Rural Canada adds vibrancy, resilience and innovation to the Canadian fabric and contributes about 30% of the overall GDP (10). However, drawing new residents, skilled workers and youth is a continuous challenge (10). For example, high-speed internet has swiftly become a required resource for those pursuing further education, and rural communities often have limited Internet speed and bandwidth (10). Internet speeds can also act as a barrier to retaining youth and for the implementation of new technologies and businesses (10). By building stronger Internet infrastructure across the country, the Canadian government will be able to open up new opportunities and ensure rural communities can better access additional resources (10). A skilled and talented workforce can also be difficult to attract rural communities, as is represented by the decrease in healthcare services in many communities across Alberta (10). Training the existing rural population is a key, as is ensuring that rural communities are enticing enough for other skilled workers to relocate there. This often requires stronger infrastructure such as a recreation center, library, or community events (10). Unfortunately, due to a diminished tax base and reduced capacity to apply for funding, rural communities simply do not have the funds to build new infrastructure and can already struggle to maintain aging infrastructure (10). Without addressing the lack of services and the challenges that we're all communities face, rural revitalization is difficult. Finally, as rural communities will likely face the brunt of climate change impacts while lacking the funds to address these risks, rural sustainability and climate adaptation in these communities is significantly limited (10). These same climate risks expose vulnerabilities in the rural food system, exacerbating already limited choices and high costs. Visit resilientrurals.com to learn more about how we help rural communities adapt to climate risk. 8:33 That concludes Module 2: The Current Food Landscape. To learn more about this topic, please review our references page. The Current Food System Transcript & Slides Transcript PDF Transcript PDF References Government of Canada. (2021). Overview of Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector. https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/sector/overview . Crenna, D. (2015). Urbanization. The Canadian Encyclopedia. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/urbanization. Stamp, R.M. (2009). Alberta. The Canadian Encyclopedia. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/alberta . Hallstrom, L., Stonechild, J., & Reist, W. (2015). Alberta. State of Rural Canada. https://sorc.crrf.ca/ab/ . Yaghi, M. (2023). Farmers Wanted: The labour renewal Canada needs to build the Next Green Revolution. Royal Bank of Canada: Climate. https://thoughtleadership.rbc.com/farmers-wanted-the-labour-renewal-canada-needs-to-build-the-next-green-revolution/#tab-0_ 2. Briere, K. (December 5, 2023). Alberta’s Labour Challenges Continue. Alberta Farmer Express. https://www.albertafarmexpress.ca/news/agricultures-labour-challenges-continue/ . The Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council. (2019). How Labour Challenges Will Shape the Future of Agriculture in Alberta: Agriculture Forecast to 2029. https://cahrc-ccrha.ca/sites/default/files/2021-11/AB_EN_Reduced%20size.pdf . Braun, J., & Beckie, M.A. (2014). Against the odds: The survival of traditional food knowledge in a rural Albertan community. Canadian Food Studies. DOI: 10.15353/cfs-rcea.v1i1.21. Cox, W. (February 17, 2023). Canadians on the move, to smaller communities. Troy Media. https://troymedia.com/lifestyle/canadian-dream-alive-in-smaller-communities/ . Government of Canada. (2023). Rural opportunity, national prosperity: An Economic Development Strategy for rural Canada. https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/rural/en/rural-opportunity-national-prosperity-economic-development-strategy-rural-Canada . ​ Back Next

Defining Food Sovereignty This module will define food sovereignty, clarify the difference between food sovereignty and food security, and explore how food sovereignty can help target food insecurity while building a more resilient food system. Next Home Transcription & Notes Read more 0.00 Thank you for joining our Cultivating Food Sovereignty training program. In Module 1, we will define food sovereignty, clarify the difference between food sovereignty and food security, and explore how food sovereignty can help target food insecurity while building a more resilient food system. 0:24 Food sovereignty is the right to healthful, culturally appropriate, and sustainable food (1). Defining and controlling our own food systems, including production, transportation, and distribution of food, is a key aspect of food sovereignty, according to the Canadian Center for Policy Alternatives (1). In Indigenous communities, food sovereignty recognizes the inherent and fundamental right Indigenous persons have to food from the land, the importance of participating in cultural harvesting practices, and the critical ability to manage one's own decisions about how much to take from the land and how much is needed (2). In order for this idea to be realized, many of the forestry, fishing, hunting, conservation and other environmental laws need reform (2). Similarly, in Canadian agriculture, food sovereignty targets how producers sell their products and whether Canadian consumers have access to that product before it is exported (1). 1:16 Food sovereignty is supported by 7 pillars (3). Focuses on Food for People means that food is more than a commodity, it is a human right. This pillar places feeding people at the centre of policies and programs. Building Knowledge and Skills is a pillar that promotes sharing of traditional knowledge and ensuring that knowledge is passed on to future generations. Working with Nature aims to improve the resilience of food systems by optimizing and contributing to ecosystems rather than draining the soil and land of resources. Valuing Food Providers is a critical pillar which respects the important work producers do and seeks to keep their livelihoods sustainable. Localizing Food Systems has several goals, such as reducing the distance between producers and consumers, which can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This pillar also rejects inappropriate food aid, such as only desserts being sent to disaster-stricken areas. Additionally, this pillar builds accountability into the food system as we know where our food is coming from. In addition to localizing our food system, food sovereignty Puts Control Locally . This means local food providers have ownership and decision-making power over their product. Local control also helps resist the privatization of natural resources and supports the sharing of territories and land. The seventh pillar was added by members of the Indigenous circle during the People's Food Policy process in Canada. Food is Sacred . It is a gift that should not be wasted or commodified. What we eat affects our spirit, and sourcing food from our own land helps build a connection to that land. 2:58 Food sovereignty and food security are not the same, despite many people using the terms interchangeably. Food sovereignty refers to ownership and agency within the food system. Do you have a say over the food you're eating and where it comes from? As a producer, can you choose where you sell your food? Can you access land to grow, harvest, or hunt culturally appropriate food? Food security is simply how much food you have, or whether you have enough of that food. For example, when a natural disaster hits, it is human nature to send aid. However, food aid is often not culturally appropriate or nutritionally complete. People in disaster situations cannot choose to eat something else and are frequently limited to what is given. Their food sovereignty is lost, even if they are considered food secure. If they had a resilient, localized food system, culturally appropriate and nutritious food would be more readily available and their food sovereignty and food security would be maintained. As the founder of Tea Creek, an Indigenous-owned and operated farm in British Columbia, explains “Food sovereignty is about rights and the decisions surrounding food and decreasing reliance on external sources. Food security is a part of food sovereignty. It is food wealth, a measure of how many days you can go without going to the store. Food security is about how much food you have in your bank account, while food sovereignty is about how you get that food into your bank account.” 4: 28 Why should we focus on food sovereignty? Food sovereignty and food security are connected, and food insecurity is a prevalent concern in Canada. Food insecurity is tied to factors such as low income, reliance on social assistance, renting and having children (4). Most food-insecure households in Canada are working, which means many Canadians are not making enough money to afford basic necessities (4). Additionally, Black and Indigenous households are over twice as likely to be food insecure than White households (4). In fact, People of Colour have significantly higher rates of food insecurity the White households across the board (4). Food insecurity has also worsened across Canada from 2021 to 2022, with Alberta ranking second highest in foods insecurity after Newfoundland (4). Food insecurity is also usually worse in the territories, with 46.1% of households and none of it and 22.2% of households in the Northwest Territories being food insecure (4). In rural and remote communities, food insecurity is often worse due to lack of options. Food in these communities is frequently more expensive and transportation to other food sources is expensive, time-consuming, or unavailable (5). Additionally, less support services are active in remote areas, which further compounds food insecurity (5). Food sovereignty can shift the reliance for food onto one's own skills and knowledge. For example, in Indigenous communities with the ability to access traditional foods, nutrition and diet quality improve (6). Access to traditional foods incorporates pillars of food sovereignty such as Knowledge and Skills, Working with Nature, Localized Food Systems, and Keeping Food Sacred. Indigenous hunters and gatherers have agency over where they can source their food and how it is distributed, which has positive impacts on food insecurity in their families and communities. Similarly, only a few generations ago it was common for every household to have their own vegetable garden (7). The ability to grow food, cook and preserve vegetables was critical for ensuring one's family ate throughout the winter (7). Growing food for one's family, knowledge and skills, valuing those who grew the food and local control were embedded in the food system. Food insecurity still existed, but food sovereignty empowered families to feed themselves, and there is pride in the skills households cultivated. 6:57 Food sovereignty also enables adaptation and innovation as it puts agency back into our food system. A sovereign food system is a resilient food system. Our current globalized food system is not without challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic showcased our global reliance on international trade in our food system (8); any disruption to this flow of trade can lead to empty grocery shelves, food shortages, and rippling food security consequences (8). As global weather patterns become increasingly erratic, climate-related disasters can significantly disrupt our food system at a number of levels (8). A wildfire in California or a drought in Alberta can both impact food availability and cost in regions globally. Similarly, regional disasters can have immediate impacts on whether or not food can be transported to local grocery stores. In 2021, this exact disruption occurred in the town of Lytton, British Columbia and the neighbouring Kanaka Bar Nation. Following a record-breaking heat dome in the region, a wildfire fueled by high winds and dry tender incinerated the town and much of the surrounding region (9). Regional drought and increased air temperatures, both driven by climate change, resulted in this devastating wildfire, which destroyed grocery stores and led to refrigerated food spoilage (9). Only a few months later, severe regional flooding washed out important transportation corridors, which contributed to significant food system disruptions (10). Kanaka Bar Nation has been aware of the changes to the regional climate, and they have developed a Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment and adaptation plan in response to emerging regional pressures, which include drought, impacts to staple foods such as salmon and berries, forest fires, reduced air quality and heat stress (11). Their adaptation plan seeks to continuously monitor the region's watershed and inspires to install a raw water reservoir to complement their local ecosystem (11). They are also tackling the vulnerabilities in their food system by extending local food production activities, documenting traditional food sources, implementing an agricultural plan, and working to protect salmon in the region (11). The efforts and innovation seen in Kanaka Bar are a testament to the value of sovereignty and our food systems. Their efforts will support food security, skill development, local ecosystems and their local food system with or without regional disaster. Food sovereignty builds food system resilience and nurtures respect for both natural and human-driven resources. It does not avoid challenge and seeks to adapt to difficulties, whereas food security often relies on food from elsewhere. Kanaka Bar is responding to their food needs locally and immediately, which means they are able to adapt and adjust as needed. 9:48 Thank you for taking the time to listen to Module 1: Defining Food Sovereignty. Please review our references and further reading sections to learn more about this topic. Defining Food Sovereignty Transcript & Slides Transcript PDF Transcript PDF References Wittmann, H., & Desmarais, A.A.(2012). Food Sovereignty In Canada: Movement growing to control our own food and agriculture. Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. https://policyalternatives.ca/publications/monitor/food-sovereignty-canada . Indigenous Food Systems Network. (2024). Indigenous Food Sovereignty. https://www.indigenousfoodsystems.org/food-sovereignty . Community Alliance of Global Justice. (2024). Food Sovereignty: Seven Pillars of Food Sovereignty. https://cagj.org/food-sovereignty/ . Proof: Food Insecurity Policy Research. (2023). Who are most at risk of household food insecurity? https://proof.utoronto.ca/food-insecurity/who-are-most-at-risk-of-household-food-insecurity/ . Piaskoski, A. (2020). Experiencing rural household food insecurity: A broad examination and regional example. The University of Western Ontario. https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=9605&context=etd . Native Women’s Association of Canada. (2023). Policy Brief: Food Insecurity. https://nwac.ca/assets-knowledge-centre/POLICY-BRIEF-Food-Insecurity-Core-Health.pdf . Braun, J., & Beckie, M.A. (2014). Against the odds: The survival of traditional food knowledge in a rural Albertan community. Canadian Food Studies. DOI: 10.15353/cfs-rcea.v1i1.21 Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2023). Building sustainable and resilient city region food systems. https://www.fao.org/documents/card/en/c/CC5184EN . McKinley, S. (November 24, 2022). Blame for deadly heat dome, Lytton, B.C. blaze pinned on climate change in new study. Toronto Star. https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/blame-for-deadly-heat-dome-lytton-b-c-blaze-pinned-on-climate-change-in-new/article_fd796c75-c391-5deb-b484-b96b7b7d602f.html#:~:text=The%20deadly%20heat%20wave%20that,a%20new%20study%20has%20found . Crace, J. (November 21, 2021). Flood and wildfires are now normal life in smalltown Canada. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/nov/21/floods-and-wildfires-are-now-normal-life-in-small-town-canada . Kanaka Bar Indian Band. (2023). Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment. https://www.kanakabarband.ca/files/climate-change-vulnerability-assessment-pdf.pdf . Further Reading Back https://www.indigenousfoodsystems.org/food-sovereignty https://www.bia.gov/service/indigenous-tourism/why-food-sovereignty-matters https://www.nfu.ca/campaigns/food-sovereignty/ https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsufs.2021.704750/full https://policyalternatives.ca/publications/monitor/food-sovereignty-canada https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsufs.2021.704750/full Next

Cultivating Food Sovereignty Training Modules Our Food Sovereignty training modules are designed to educate and inform individuals about the importance of food sovereignty and how to make their own communities more food-sovereign. By watching the following modules, you'll learn about the principles of food sovereignty, the benefits of local food systems, and how to advocate for food justice in your community. Join us in creating a more sustainable and equitable food system for all. 🌾 Defining Food Sovereignty This module will define food sovereignty, clarify the difference between food sovereignty and food security, and explore how food sovereignty can help target food insecurity while building a more resilient food system. Read More 🌿 The Current Food Landscape This module is about the current food landscape in Alberta. Learn about the shared challenges faced by Indigenous and rural communities, the role Canadian agriculture plays in our economy, and the barriers that exist when revitalising rural communities. Read More 🍎 Health Impacts of Food Disruptions The module will cover the health impacts of food disruption and how our health is affected when food becomes insecure. It will cover factors that influence food insecurity in indigenous and rural communities, as well as offer an example of an organization in St. Paul that is taking small steps to help alleviate some of their food insecurity problems. Read More 🌽 Different Approaches to Regaining Control Over Our Food This module will outline why we need to build food sovereignty in our food systems and include ways to start this journey. Read More 🌽 Impacts of Colonization Coming soon... Read More 🌱 How Can We Start to Strengthen Our Food Systems Coming soon... Read More

Cultivating Food Sovereignty Training Modules Our Food Sovereignty training modules are designed to educate and inform individuals about the importance of food sovereignty and how to make their own communities more food-sovereign. By watching the following modules, you'll learn about the principles of food sovereignty, the benefits of local food systems, and how to advocate for food justice in your community. Join us in creating a more sustainable and equitable food system for all. 🌾 Defining Food Sovereignty This module will define food sovereignty, clarify the difference between food sovereignty and food security, and explore how food sovereignty can help target food insecurity while building a more resilient food system. Read More 🌿 The Current Food Landscape This module is about the current food landscape in Alberta. Learn about the shared challenges faced by Indigenous and rural communities, the role Canadian agriculture plays in our economy, and the barriers that exist when revitalising rural communities. Read More 🍎 Health Impacts of Food Disruptions The module will cover the health impacts of food disruption and how our health is affected when food becomes insecure. It will cover factors that influence food insecurity in indigenous and rural communities, as well as offer an example of an organization in St. Paul that is taking small steps to help alleviate some of their food insecurity problems. Read More 🌽 Different Approaches to Regaining Control Over Our Food This module will outline why we need to build food sovereignty in our food systems and include ways to start this journey. Read More 🌽 Impacts of Colonization Coming soon... Read More 🌱 How Can We Start to Strengthen Our Food Systems Coming soon... Read More

Cultivating Food Sovereignty Training Modules Our Food Sovereignty training modules are designed to educate and inform individuals about the importance of food sovereignty and how to make their own communities more food-sovereign. By watching the following modules, you'll learn about the principles of food sovereignty, the benefits of local food systems, and how to advocate for food justice in your community. Join us in creating a more sustainable and equitable food system for all. 🌾 Defining Food Sovereignty This module will define food sovereignty, clarify the difference between food sovereignty and food security, and explore how food sovereignty can help target food insecurity while building a more resilient food system. Read More 🌿 The Current Food Landscape This module is about the current food landscape in Alberta. Learn about the shared challenges faced by Indigenous and rural communities, the role Canadian agriculture plays in our economy, and the barriers that exist when revitalising rural communities. Read More 🍎 Health Impacts of Food Disruptions The module will cover the health impacts of food disruption and how our health is affected when food becomes insecure. It will cover factors that influence food insecurity in indigenous and rural communities, as well as offer an example of an organization in St. Paul that is taking small steps to help alleviate some of their food insecurity problems. Read More 🌽 Different Approaches to Regaining Control Over Our Food This module will outline why we need to build food sovereignty in our food systems and include ways to start this journey. Read More 🌽 Impacts of Colonization Coming soon... Read More 🌱 How Can We Start to Strengthen Our Food Systems Coming soon... Read More

Cultivating Food Sovereignty Training Modules Our Food Sovereignty training modules are designed to educate and inform individuals about the importance of food sovereignty and how to make their own communities more food-sovereign. By watching the following modules, you'll learn about the principles of food sovereignty, the benefits of local food systems, and how to advocate for food justice in your community. Join us in creating a more sustainable and equitable food system for all. 🌾 Defining Food Sovereignty This module will define food sovereignty, clarify the difference between food sovereignty and food security, and explore how food sovereignty can help target food insecurity while building a more resilient food system. Read More 🌿 The Current Food Landscape This module is about the current food landscape in Alberta. Learn about the shared challenges faced by Indigenous and rural communities, the role Canadian agriculture plays in our economy, and the barriers that exist when revitalising rural communities. Read More 🍎 Health Impacts of Food Disruptions The module will cover the health impacts of food disruption and how our health is affected when food becomes insecure. It will cover factors that influence food insecurity in indigenous and rural communities, as well as offer an example of an organization in St. Paul that is taking small steps to help alleviate some of their food insecurity problems. Read More 🌽 Different Approaches to Regaining Control Over Our Food This module will outline why we need to build food sovereignty in our food systems and include ways to start this journey. Read More 🌽 Impacts of Colonization Coming soon... Read More 🌱 How Can We Start to Strengthen Our Food Systems Coming soon... Read More

​ This module will define food sovereignty, clarify the difference between food sovereignty and food security, and explore how food sovereignty can help target food insecurity while building a more resilient food system. Next ​ Read more ​ ​ Transcript PDF Transcript PDF ​ ​ Back Next