CHALLENGE
There is no longer doubt that food systems impact the sustainable development of communities and people’s health and quality of life. The North Shore region faces unique challenges when it comes to implementing or enhancing a sustainable food system. Challenges such as regional geography, climate and low population density complicate food production and distribution and, as a result, restrict physical and economic access to a variety of healthy foods. This spells all the more true for some communities further remote. In addition, cultural aspects are closely linked to the local population’s eating habits.
PROPOSED SOLUTION
MU Conseils was hired by the Table Santé-Qualité de la Côte-Nord to take stock of each health and quality component of the regional North Shore food system, from the field and the sea to the consumer’s plate, including waste recovery, with territory-specific characteristics considered. By building relevant knowledge and mobilizing key players, MU Conseils supported the Table in identifying promising or even innovative projects likely to promote access to healthy, local food for the region’s population.
RESULTS
- Mobilization of key players in each territory during a regional tour aimed at raising awareness of sustainable food system concepts and identifying issues and territory-specific solutions;
- Comprehensive data collection on each component of the North Shore food system;
- Sharing the resulting assessment and a summary at regional and provincial levels;
- Consolidation of territorial and regional consultation processes on North Shore food system issues;
- Representations with strategic partners.
Click here for the full assessment of the North Shore food system and click here to consult the assessment summary (French only).
