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Cowichan Food Security Mapping Project

“Improving community access to food in the Cowichan Valley”

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.

Attention Cowichan Farmers!

To participate in the 2010 Local Food Map please read the letter and fill out the map participation forms below.   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 in our research into food security in the Cowichan communities.

Map Invitation Letter          Local Food Map and Food Security Forms

Project Summary

Agriculture has long been a part of the Cowichan Valley’s identity; however, our ability to buy local and nutritous 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.

Cowichan Green Community has initiated the Cowichan Food Security Mapping Project in response to our region’s growing food insecurity. WIth support from the Cowichan Community Land Trust and the Canadian Mental Health Association- Cowichan branch, CGC is developing a range of tools that will help improve access to food in the Cowichan Valley, as well as promote local food production  to increase our future agricultural capacity.

 These tools will include:

  • an interactive online map of various food resources in the Cowichan Valley
  • an outdoor mural directing those in need of emergency food services
  • 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.

Get involved!

Our vision of a food secure future is that “our food system will be economically viable and ecologically sustainable; our community will grow, harvest, process, preserve, and distribute food to all of its members while minimizing waste. A thriving local food culture that celebrates eating locally and eating together will support us in living healthier, happier, and richer lives - connected to the land, to growers, and to each other.” The details of this vision are further articulated in our Cowichan Food Charter.

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Many thanks to our sponsors and supporters 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