Cowichan Food Security Mapping Project
Cowichan Local Food Map
Welcome to the Cowichan Local Food Map! This project is part of a greater initiative called the Food Security Mapping project, which aims to improve community access to food in the Cowichan Valley.
The Cowichan Local Food Map is designed to serve as a direct marketing tool for farmers and food producers in the Cowichan Valley, driving more business straight to where local food is sold and served.
Farmers that register to be on the map receive:
- a full listing on the map and map index, including space to detail what products you sell, where and when
- complimentary advertising on the Cowichan Green Community website
- a branded sign for use on your property
- use of our Buy Local! Buy Fresh! logo as you need it.
Additional advertising space is available and can be purchased in three different sizes. More information about advertising opportunities can be found on our advertising rate sheet.
The Cowichan Local Food Map is scheduled to be released early June 2010...don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to advertise your farm and/or business! The map will be widely distributed through a variety of venues, including farms, markets, retail outlets and restaurants.
To participate in the 2010 Local Food Map please fill out and return the map participation forms. Even if you are not interested in being listed on the local food map, we would appreciate you completing the food security information form to help us form a clearer picture of food security in our communities.
Gain visibility...Attract more customers...Advertise your unique products and services!
Food Security Mapping Project
What is Food Security?
Food security exists when ALL members of our community have access to enough nutritious, safe, ecologically sustainable, and culturally appropriate food at all times.
Project Summary
Agriculture has long been a part of the Cowichan Valley’s identity; however, our ability to buy local and nutritious food that supports our economy is of significant concern. Not only are we heavily dependent on food imports, but many of our friends, families, neighbours and community members are unable to access local and/or high quality food that, in turn, supports the residents of the Cowichan Valley.
In response to our region's growing food insecurity, Cowichan Green Community has initiated the Food Security Mapping Project.
Through extensive community research on local food production and consumption in the Cowichan Valley, including where it is grown, processed and sold, the Food Security Mapping Project will provide a clearer picture of the opportunities and challenges we face in becoming more food secure.
The main deliverables of this project are:
- an interactive online map of various food resources in the Cowichan Valley (e.g. farms, abattoirs, retail, emergency food services, community gardens, etc)
- a database of information, which supports the online map and will act as an inventory of food resources in the Cowichan Valley
- an outdoor mural
- a tourist-friendly fold-out map that will provide an overall summary of where food is grown, purchased, processed and distributed in the Cowichan Valley
Through this project we hope to:
- connect the community with local food producers, retailers, and emergency food services, such as community dinners and outreach programs,
- raise awareness about the state of our food security,
- help people meet their immediate food needs,
- reveal what food is currently being produced and where, as well as the potential of future food production in the region,
- help promote the numerous local food producers in the region,
- encourage further support for local food production and increase consumption of these goods.
Who will benefit from this project?
- Farmers will gain greater visibility within their community and have the opportunity to attract more customers.
- Consumers will learn more about what kind of food is locally available and where they can purchase it (including emergency food services and value-added foods).
- Processors and Distributors will be highlighted for the valuable services they provide in promoting local food.
- The Local Economy will benefit as more tourism and business is attracted to the Cowichan Valley.
Many thanks to our sponsors and supporters, including the Cowichan Community Land Trust and the Canadian Mental Health Association- Cowichan branch, who are helping to make this project a reality!
Funded in Whole in or in part through
the Canada-British Columbia labour
market development agreement