Marine StationCommunity - University Research for Recovery Alliance
Community Food Security
The overall goal of this component was to explore the need and capacity for fisheries to contribute to sustainable community food systems, and to develop collaborative community relationships to help inform social and policy change related to local coastal food systems.
An interview with Kristen Lowitt, PhD, discussing issues of food security on VOWR radio.
In the summer of 2009, a community food security assessment was undertaken to compile baseline data about food security in the region, and identify community strengths and weaknesses related to local food systems. The assessment integrated information from a variety of sources, and focused on four main questions:
- How does the regional context (e.g. demographic trends, economic and social policies, environmental resources, etc.) impact community food security?
- What are the existing food resources in the region? (e.g. food retail outlets, restaurants; community food resources such as community kitchens, gardens, and pastures; "alternative" food networks such as farmers' markets, fish markets; food production resources such as fisheries, farms, and wild foods)
- Is food available and affordable to local residents?
- What are the main community assets/strengths and gaps related to food security?
Funded by a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council fellowship and the Industrial Research and Innovation Fund.
Researchers and Partners
Student:
Kristen Lowitt, Interdisciplinary Ph.D.
Materials
As We Fish And Farm
by Kristen Lowitt
This documentary explores a changing food system in the Bonne Bay region. It features Mancel Halfyward, Ernie Decker, and Marsha Crocker about their experiences fishing and farming, and what these activities mean to them and the community.
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An Examination of Rural and Coastal Foodscapes: Insights For the Study of Community Food Security and Sustainable Food Systems
Kristen Lowitt (2013). A Dissertation submitted to the School of Graduate Studies in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies. Interdisciplinary Studies PhD Program, Memorial University of Newfoundland.
A Community Food Security Assessment of the Bonne Bay Region
A report prepared by Kristen Lowitt, PhD, Interdisciplinary Studies, Memorial University of Newfoundland.
A slideshow presenting some key concepts
A report prepared by Kristen Lowitt, PhD, Interdisciplinary Studies, Memorial University of Newfoundland. [Powerpoint]
Examining the foundation for stronger fisheries-tourism synergies and increased local seafood consumption in the Bonne Bay region of Newfoundland
A report prepared by Kristen Lowitt, PhD, Interdisciplinary Studies, Memorial University of Newfoundland.
Fisheries-Tourism in Bonne Bay - Summary Report
A summary report prepared for the CURRA by Kristen Lowitt, PhD, Interdisciplinary Studies, Memorial University of Newfoundland.
Interview with Kristen Lowitt on VOWR Radio
An interview with Kristen Lowitt, PhD, discussing issues of food security on VOWR radio.
Not working? Click here.
Related
"Off the Hook" Community Supported Fishery
Off the Hook, Atlantic Canada's first Community Supported Fishery, connects a co-operative of small-scale, groundfish bottom-hook-and-line fishermen from the Bay of Fundy to subscribing customers in and around Halifax, Nova Scotia.
CBC Interview with Kristen Lowitt
CBC's West Coast Morning Show interviews Kristen Lowitt about food choices on the West Coast, and the possibility of linking the fishery and tourism together.
Photos
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