Item - 2008.HL15.1

This report proposes a plan for developing a Food Strategy for the City of Toronto; presents the "State of Toronto's Food" discussion paper that formed the basis of preliminary consultations on the feasibility and appropriateness of a strategy; and provides an overview of existing food-related activities in Toronto.

The goal of a Toronto Food Strategy is to develop an action plan to improve the food system to better support good nutrition, healthy development and disease prevention, poverty reduction and social justice, a strong local economy, environmental protection and climate change action, and the promotion and celebration of culture and community through food. Achieving these goals will require a collaborative process that includes a wide range of City divisions and community partners.

Toronto experiences high rates of obesity and diabetes, too many families that are unable to put enough nutritious food on the table, and a food system that under-serves many ethno-racial and Aboriginal populations. The excessive marketing of unhealthy foods to children, the contribution of the food system to climate change and the viability of agricultural lands surrounding Toronto are also immediate concerns. While most elements of the food system are directed and regulated by provincial and federal governments or the private sector, the City of Toronto has opportunities to influence food systems locally, to use food activities to meet other urban priorities, and exert influence as an advocate and champion. Other local and regional governments around the world are developing and implementing food strategies.

A preliminary consultation on the feasibility and appropriateness of a Toronto Food Strategy found an overall positive response with many stakeholders expressing the need for urgent changes as well as a long-term comprehensive process. The Food Strategy will flow from an analysis of each stage of the food system through a health lens, broadly defined in terms of nutrition and disease prevention, poverty and social justice, economic development; the environment and climate change, and culture and community building. The structure for developing the strategy will be multi-sectoral and interdisciplinary, with expertise and input from a wide range of food sectors. The process will ensure input from councillors, senior City staff, community members, academic institutions, the Toronto Food Policy Council and other food issue experts. It is anticipated that a draft Toronto Food Strategy can be completed by winter 2008/09 with a public consultation process in spring 2009.

There are no direct financial implications arising from this report. Resources to support the development of the Toronto Food Strategy will be within the Toronto Public Health Operating Budget for 2008/09.