Nova Scotians are encouraged to submit their comments on what government can do to help people have access to healthier, local food.
“This government has strict objectives when it comes to local products. We want twenty percent of the money spent on food in Nova Scotia to be on local food, says Greg Morrow, Minister of Agriculture. Not everyone has easy access to healthy, local food, and we want to change that. Your input will help us develop a food and beverage strategy that reflects the priorities of all Nova Scotians – the producers, buyers and community partners who connect these two groups. »
Representatives from 12 government departments worked together to identify and better understand the programs currently in place to increase the production of healthy local foods, as well as awareness and access to such foods, whether industry strengthening, buy local initiatives, school healthy eating programs or food security programs. They met with nearly 100 key partners involved in the food system, including primary producers, retailers and food banks.
This information, along with input from Nova Scotians, will be used to develop the Food and Beverage Strategy.
The public comment period begins today November 25 and runs until December 23. People can provide feedback anonymously by completing an online survey.
The strategy will guide the work of government and the work of industry and community partners to:
- increasing access to healthy foods;
- increase food production;
- supporting economic development;
- creating a more diverse and inclusive food system.
Source : Novascotia .ca