Food systems are increasingly complex, facing growing threats from interconnected shocks – from climate change to global economic disruptions. The following research activities and projects aim to support and enhance regional food system resilience.
Exploring and Supporting School Food Programs
School Food Programs are networks that can be integral parts of regional food systems – from increasing access to supporting local producers. However, School Food Programs also face a range of challenges unique to their local contexts. In collaboration with College of the Rockies we are providing research support for multiple projects investigating how to improve school food programs and better integrate them into our regional food systems.
Supporting Regional Supply Chain Improvements
Grow & Connect is a collaborative pilot project designed to strengthen regional food networks across BC. By improving communication, coordination, and distribution between producers, carriers, retailers, and other local food stakeholders, the project supports a more efficient and resilient food system. At the heart of the pilot is a user driven platform with interactive tools and data that make it easier to share logistics and spark new opportunities.
Grow and Connect includes the Kamloops Food Policy Council, the Kootenay Food Council, Boundary Community Ventures Assn., TruGIS, and Selkirk Innovates. To find out more visit Grow and Connect Interior.
Resilience and Alternative Food Networks - Exploring the Roles of BC's Food Hubs
Food systems around the world face many unprecedented threats and challenges. In the midst of this, alternative agrifood and seafood networks that deliver locally harvested products to communities are emerging.
An interdisciplinary research team from across North America is studying the resilience of these emerging alternative networks. As part of this project, a BC-based study aims to explore and better understand the role of Food Hubs in the resilience of regional food systems.
This BC study aims to respond to the following questions:
1. What roles do or could Food Hubs play within regional food systems?
2. How do regional conditions impact the ability of Food Hubs to be resilient and sustainable?
3. How have periods of stress or crisis (e.g., COVID-19, wildfires) impacted regional food systems?
This case study has four objectives:
1. Mapping the evolving structure and function of the provincial British Columbia Food Hub Community of Practice.
2. Exploring the evolution and resilience of regional food systems through food supply chain modelling.
3. Conducting a detailed exploration and understanding of two select food hubs and their contribution within two regional food systems.
4. Compiling and comparing the results of objectives 1-3 to build a more complete picture of Food Hubs as an alternative food network.
Food Hub Findings and Resources
Access all project resources.
Browse select resources:
- Exploring the Roles of BC’s Food Hubs in regional Food Systems: Summary Report
- Beyond the Business Plan: Building Food Hubs for Resilient Local Food Systems: From Idea to Day-to-Day Operations
- Balancing Act: Regional Needs, Aspirational Goals, and the Business of Running a Food Hub. Presentation to the 2024 Basin Food Summit and Expo.
- Exploring Food Hubs as a Vehicle for Building Resilient Local Food Systems. Presentation at the 2024 Northern Dialogues Conference.
- Food Hub Community of Practice Year 1 Report Back. Presentation to the June 2024 BC Food Hub Community of Practice.
- Food Hub Community of Practice Year 1 Review. Summary of Year 1 Research Findings.
- Food Hubs, Resilient Food Systems, and Economic Development. Presentation to the Economic Development Practitioners Network.
This case study is led by Dr. Sarah-Patricia Breen, Selkirk Innovates, in collaboration with Lindsay Harris, Kamloops Food Policy Council; and Damon Chouinard, Central Kootenay Food Policy Council.
Find out more about the overarching project.
The research is supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council and the Common Ground Network.
