THOUSANDS of students, faculty and staff in 20 of B.C.’s public post-secondary institutions are enjoying more local food on their campuses through the Province’s Feed BC initiative.
“Increasing access to fresh, local food on campuses will help feed our next generation of great minds and create new opportunities for our farmers, food producers and processors,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries. “The demand for B.C. food and beverages continues to grow and serving more B.C. products in our public post-secondary institutions strengthens our provincial food system and food economy.”
Popham made the remarks at Camosun College’s Interurban campus while attending a Feed BC-sponsored Pitch & Plate event designed to give local food and beverage businesses the opportunity to meet and pitch their products to buyers at public post-secondary institutions, health-care facilities and other supply-chain partners. This regional Pitch & Plate is connecting nine Vancouver Island food companies with partners interested in using more locally grown, raised, harvested and processed foods.
“Camosun culinary arts is committed to the sourcing and procurement of goods from local producers and suppliers alike. It is our firm belief that supporting our local economy is not only best practice, it is necessary,” said David Lang, chair, culinary arts/school of trades and technology, Camosun College. “It helps the students connect the dots from point of origin to table, and gives us all a sense of pride when we know the farmers, foragers and fishermen that contribute to our work. Camosun culinary arts is glad to partner with Feed BC and we endeavour to build upon the work that has already been done.”
Since announcing the initial nine Feed BC public post-secondary institution partners in February 2021, 11 more have joined the program to bring more B.C. food and beverage options to their campuses.
“Feed BC gives students home-grown food options while allowing public post-secondary institutions to buy local, explore sustainable options and meet sustainability goals,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training. “By prioritizing B.C. foods on their campuses, these public post-secondary institutions are supporting farmers and agricultural communities across the province.”
Through local food commitments and action, public post-secondary institution partners are leading the shift to more B.C. food on campuses throughout British Columbia. Bringing more local food to staff, students and visitors tangibly demonstrates their sustainability values and measurably contributes to the economic development and vibrancy of their local communities.
Feed BC is a key priority for the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, and works with other government agencies and stakeholders across the provincial food system on the Province’s commitment to increase B.C.-grown-and-processed foods in hospitals, schools and other government facilities. Feed BC offers a range of program supports to enable partners to source food locally, including tools, resources and business-to-business opportunities and events.
Quick Facts
* Feed BC partnerships are in place with all B.C.’s health authorities and 20 public post-secondary institutions.
* B.C.’s institutions and commercial buyers can now easily connect with B.C. producers and processors through the searchable, online Feed BC Directory to connect to market-ready B.C. food and beverage products.
Learn More:
For the full list of all 20 public post-secondary institutions and details on their Feed BC partnerships and stories, go to:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/
Visit the Feed BC website: http://www.gov.bc.ca/feedbc
