Chatham-Kent Food Policy Council

Understanding Food Policy Councils

What is a Food Policy Council?

A Food Policy Council (FPC) brings together community members and organizations from across the food system to address local food issues. By working together, they develop solutions that improve access to nutritious food, support local agriculture and businesses, and create a stronger, more sustainable food system.

Why a Food Policy Council for Chatham-Kent?

Chatham-Kent is a farming community where food is an important part of our economy and identity. Despite growing large amounts of fresh produce, many residents are unable to access fruits and vegetables and this can lead to health issues.

These challenges are shaped by many factors, including income, housing, transportation, and access to services. A Food Policy Council can help bring people together to address these issues and build a healthier, more sustainable food system for everyone in Chatham-Kent.

About Us

Our Mission

The purpose of the Chatham-Kent Food Policy Council is to lead in the development of relevant policies and to advocate for our local food system.

Our Vision

Chatham-Kent is a healthy community with a vibrant, local food system where the healthy choice is the easy choice.

Our Values

• Food production and distribution is done in a sustainable manner.
• People have a right to know what is in their food and where and how it was produced.
• All people should have physical and economic access to healthy, culturally diverse, local food.
• Local food businesses should be valued and supported to promote economic viability.
• All share in the responsibility for environmental stewardship of the local food system.

Our Strategic Plan

We encourage those who are interested in learning more to view our 2025-2027 Strategic Plan.

Opportunities to Get Involved

Join our Food Policy Council

We welcome community members who are interested in helping shape Chatham-Kent’s food system to join the Food Policy Council. We encourage you to view our current Council Membership List and explore the available positions below:

• Agriculture (1 vacancy)
• Education (1 vacancy)
• Grocer/Restaurant/Food Processing/Food Distribution/Institutional Purchasing (2 vacancies)
• Older Adults Organization (1 vacancy)

If you are interested in joining the CK Food Policy Council, please complete the Application Form and send it to foodpolicycouncil@chatham-kent.ca

Join a Workgroup

To help achieve the goals outlined in our strategic plan, we have created workgroups focused on specific priority areas.

Community members are welcome to join any workgroup that matches their interests, experience, or expertise.

If you would like to get involved, please contact us at foodpolicycouncil@chatham-kent.ca

CK Food Policy Council Supported Programs

Looking for ways to connect with local food programs?

Community Garden Program

• Visit CK Public Health to learn how the program helps residents grow their own food and connect with their community.

Harvest to Home (formerly the CK Gleaning Project)

• Visit FreeHelpCK to learn how this program connects surplus fruits and vegetables from local sources with community members, helping to reduce food waste and increase access to fresh food.