Building a Better Food System, Together!

Welcome! 

This page shares our community’s efforts to strengthen the local food system. Together, we’re developing a collaborative plan to help make our food system more fair, sustainable, and secure for everyone—now and into the future.   

This page will grow and improve with input from you and others in the community.  

 

What Is a Food System? 

A food system is everything that happens from farm to fork: 

• Growing and producing food 

• Processing and moving food 

• Selling, eating and sharing food 

• Composting and managing the waste our food produces 

It also includes education, policies, and community programs that affect how we access and value food. 

Each part of the system has an impact on our health, environment, and economy. 

Why a Strong Local Food System Matters

A strong food system helps us: 

• Make sure everyone can access nutritious food 

• Support local farmers and food businesses 

• Take care of our land and environment 

• Value and promote local food 

 

Why This Matters  

Food is a big part of our lives. It affects our health, our land, and our local economy. People in our region care about food—and we’re ready to work together to make things better.  

Here are some of the challenges we’re facing— these are issues our community can act on through a food system plan:   

What Is a Food Systems Plan? 

It’s a shared plan to: 

• Understand how our food system works 

• Coordinate efforts across sectors 

• See what’s going well and what needs work 

• Set clear goals and actions 

• Involve the community every step of the way

 

Project: The Development of an Orillia and Area Food Plan   

This work builds on years of local food action in Orillia and area, including: 

How You Can Get Involved 

This work is led by The Sharing Place Food Centre, the City of Orillia, and other local partners – like you!  

Your voice matters. Help shape the strategy by: 

• Filling out our short community survey:

• Joining upcoming events (check this page for updates) 

• Signing up for news and updates by completing the survey 

 

Resources  

As the strategy grows, we’ll post more information here: 

 

Key Documents: 

• Simcoe County Food Charter 

• Simcoe County Food Security Framework 

• Growing Change Report 

 

Helpful Links 

• Simcoe County Food Council website 

• Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit – Sustainable Food Systems  

• City of Orillia Food Access and Sustainability Working Group 

• Developing Your Community’s Food Strategy – FCN 

 

Have Questions?
Email us at: foodsystem@sharingplaceorillia.org 

 

Updates  

• Check back here often for the latest news and ways to get involved! 
• The April 2nd Food Strategy Open House was cancelled due to power outages caused by the ice storm – stay tuned for a new date for this event coming soon!