We hope to provide food to students for the purpose of nourishment and energy to help you be and feel well throughout the day. We know how important energy is to study for tests, complete assignments, work while studying, and so much more. UFV food security initiatives are in effect to ensure your access to food does not impede your success.
We believe that to effectively offer food security initiatives that are equitable and accessible, we must operate from an anti-oppressive lens that decenters thinness, whiteness, and that is rooted in antiracism. To do this work we collaborate with UFV students, staff, faculty, and the external community so we can provide programming that reflects the values highlighted above.
What is food security?
Food Secure Canada explains that Food Security is a goal, while Food Sovereignty describes how to get there. There are seven pillars of Food Sovereignty:
- Focuses on food for people
- Builds knowledge and skills
- Works with nature
- Values food providers
- Localizes food systems
- Puts control locally
- Food is sacred
Food Secure Canada encourages a commitment to zero hunger, a sustainable food system, and healthy and safe foods.
Resilience.org defines Food Security as all people, at all times, having adequate amounts of nutritious, culturally conscious, safe foods. It also means that people are able to make informed decisions about food options, and that food is produced in a socially just manner.
Food security on a global scale also means that our food is ethically produced and that folks who produce our food are able to earn a decent, living wage. Food access is closely linked to food supply, so food security is dependent on a healthy and sustainable food system. The food system includes the production, processing, distribution, marketing, acquisition, and consumption of food.
A healthy, sustainable food system is one that focuses on environmental health, economic vitality, human health, and social equity.
How is UFV working towards food security?
At UFV we value these commitments and work towards them in our Food Security programs by:
- facilitating the consumption of information through our website, workshops, and other materials,
- supporting collaboration and projects within the university, and
- advocating for students and working towards achieving food security for the UFV community.
