A community group of hardworking volunteers are encouraging public involvement in implementing the new South Cariboo Food Security and Sovereignty Plan (SCFSSP).
The plan was released in June 2016, after two years of work by the South Cariboo Food Security Committee, including local consultations and reviewing the plans adopted in other communities.
Chair Lisa De Paoli says starting this September, the committee will be working on action plans for each of the strategies outlined in the report.
"We hope that [area residents] will join us on the second Thursday of each month from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Cariboo Family Enrichment Centre [CFEC]."
The executive director adds there are several important reasons why this planning is so important.
For one, the South Cariboo community is losing all the contributions its hungry people could otherwise provide, De Paoli says.
"We see kids that are just 'lost' – they have poor self-esteem, they don't think there is anything they are good at doing – they have this 'hole' in them.
"Without [help] what often happens to these children and youth is they look for an easy way to fill that hole through unhealthy choices, such as drugs and alcohol."
However, De Paoli says the right guidance and balance in their lives can help raise the strong, healthy individuals needed to contribute to the overall community, such as entrepreneurs, civic leaders and volunteers.
"Most communities in British Columbia are working on food security and food sovereignty."
Food security committee vice-chair Rita Giesbrecht says the new community plan is focused on numerous strategies that are further divided into the three components.
These components are the natural environment, social environment and economic environment (to ensure an economy that supports producers and gets affordable food to those who need it), she explains.
Giesbrecht adds their plan "brings the community into the global loop."
"We are not alone in this; we are part of a worldwide movement."
"Globally, 'food security' is defined by the World Health Organization. It is an international definition, which we subscribe to – it's basically the [South Cariboo Food Security Charter].
"The definition of food security is the ability to control your food sourcing – so you have control over your food supply," adds Giesbrecht.
The social, economic and natural environment barriers exist that "collude" to prevent many people – whether in cities or rural communities – from having control over their families’ meals.
"Food sovereignty is being able to decide for yourself, where your food is going to come from, how you are going to source it, and you are able to prepare it [and] provide your family with a healthy meal each day."
That barrier can be almost attributed entirely to the cycle of poverty, she adds.
Giesbrecht explains the negative offshoots of children living in poverty are often inadequate education, inadequate home environment, and lacking the skills needed to find, secure, or even prepare healthy foods.
"That cycle of mentorship doesn't exist in a situation of social breakdown, which is poverty, lack of education, abuse...."
The Agri-Culture Enterprise Centre Society chair adds local sustainable agriculture is another strategy of the food security plan.
Poverty amongst the local producers is another factor, as there will be no food security or food sovereignty if the people producing the food cannot make a living at it, she adds.
Giesbrecht notes the SCFSSP is a document that is meant to be a "continuous basis for dialogue" for the community.
De Paoli says anyone interested in local food security is also welcome to join the committee.
"We have an e-mail distribution list, so members also get all of our information about food."
Anyone interested in learning more about the committee is encouraged to contact Lisa at 250-395-5155, e-mail ldepaoli@cariboofamily.org, or drop in to the SCFSSP open forum (on the days and times above) at CFEC at #1-486 Birch Ave. in 100 Mile House
The plan is available for anyone to download for review on the District of 100 Mile House website at www.100milehouse.com/community-links.