The proposed Ontario Local Food Act encourages public institutions to support local foods. Can a viable business case be made for local food in healthcare? Join us for a lively discussion and highlights from a recent 3-year, multi-method University of Guelph study as we explore the key issues and challenges associated with this timely topic.
The Ontario government re-introduced its Local Food Act in March, 2013. The Act doesn't include quotas or legislated requirements for the amount of local food sold or bought by retailers or institutions, such as schools and hospitals. However, it will require Ontario ministries to buy local food.
While the government’s efforts are well-intended, a recently completed 3-year research project conducted under the auspices of the University of Guelph-OMAFRA Partnership Fund provides evidence both for and against increasing the use of local food in the healthcare sector
A symposium entitled “Food and Healthcare: Does Local Fit?” will be held in the OMAF Conference Centre in Guelph, Ontario on Friday, September 13th, 2013 from 9:00 am -1:00 pm. Its purpose is to provide an opportunity for political leaders, healthcare administrators, academics and food industry to dialogue objectively about local food and Ontario’s healthcare system.
When: Friday, September 13, 2013 - 9AM to 1PM
Symposium Agenda:
8:45 – 9:00 Login to WebEx Webinar Service (See order confirmation for instructions)
9:00 – 9:30 Introduction and Review of current food policy context in healthcare
9:30 – 10:30 Presentation of Research Study Results, followed by an audience Q & A
11:00 – 1:00 Panel Discussion, followed by an audience Q & A and suggestions for next steps
Panelists:
Dr. Michael von Massow, Assistant Professor, School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, University of Guelph
Dr. Heather Kellar, Professor, Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo
Heather Fletcher, Manager - Food Services, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto
Denise Zaborowski, Manager, Domestic Marketing - Foodland Ontario, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food
Pierre Desrochers, Associate Professor, Department of Geography, University of Toronto Mississauga
To register for this event, click here