Public Health Association of BC

 
 

Bringing Local Food into Schools

Fraser Region School Food Gathering

 

Event Feedback Survey

 

Bringing more BC foods into schools can have many benefits for students, schools and communities: it strengthens the local food system, builds the economy, and increases students’ food systems knowledge and connections (Feed BC, 2024). Together, school districts and BC-based food producers and processors can positively impact the lives of thousands of children across British Columbia.

Farm to School BC is hosting a regional gathering in the Fraser region to bring together school districts, food teachers, local food producers and processors and any other stakeholders who have an interest in bringing local food into schools. This event is designed to facilitate meaningful conversations, with the ultimate goal of increased understanding, collaboration and partnerships.

 

Date and Time: Tuesday, May 27th, 3:30 – 5:30 pm PDT
Location: Guildford Park Secondary School, 10707 146 St, Surrey, BC V3R 1T5, Canada
Cost: Free

Organized by Farm to School BC and Fraser Health Public Health Dietitians. 

 

Event Agenda

  • 3:30 pm – Welcome
  • 3:45 pm – Presentations and Q&A
    • Michelle Vandepol, School Food Coordinator, SD78
    • Christian Cowley, Executive Director, Ceed Centre Society, Maple Ridge
    • Chef Nimmi Erasmus, Culinary Arts Teacher, SD36 and Chef Brent McGimpsey, Culinary Arts Teacher, SD42
  • 4:45 pm – Discussion and Networking
    • Barriers, opportunities, and next steps
  • 5:30 pm – Wrap-up

Snacks and refreshments with locally sourced food will be offered.

 

Intended Audience:

  • School Districts, including school food coordinators and administration
  • Food Teachers
  • Non-profits that engage in school food work and locally sourced food
  • Third-party caterers
  • Local farms or food processors interested in working with schools

 

What we hope to achieve:

  • Highlight and showcase successful partnerships between schools and local producers in the region that help bring more nutritious and local foods into schools.
  • Facilitate discussion and networking session designed to explore the current state of local food in schools.
  • Explore the development of healthy school food programming that connects to the classroom.