The previous articles focused on food security, food literacy and food sovereignty, respectively, as ingredients for a healthier tomorrow. This week for part 4, let’s explore the next key ingredient for a healthier tomorrow: sustainable food choices.
Sustainability can be viewed and defined in many different ways, but a quick and simple definition is:sustainability is the process of meeting current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to be able to meet their future needs.
Many believe that our current food systems are unsustainable, and action must be taken to ensure the success and ability of future generations. To help future generations succeed, more sustainable practices can be made throughout the entire food system, including the production, processing, distribution, marketing, preparation, consumption and the disposal of anything related to our food system.
Nationally, the CAF looks at and considers many items when it comes to sustainability. Specifically concerning the procurement of food, Strat J4 Foods follows the Green Procurement Policy, which was introduced in 2006. Many factors are also considered when it comes down to reducing the amount of waste at CAF dining facilities. Examples of this include tracking the number of diners continuously and using leftovers as much as possible, while of course following all food safety protocols.
At the individual level, more sustainable choices can be made daily by everyone, if they choose. Examples include such things as buying more locally produced/grown foods to reduce the carbon footprint; reduce the amount of waste produced by using refillable water bottles and by reducing the amount of over consumption and food that simply goes to waste.
For more information on sustainable food choices and March is Nutrition Month, check out all of the available information at Dieticians of Canada, March is Nutrition Month.
Locally for March is Nutrition Month, your local Health Promotion Team is looking at answering your questions regarding Nutrition. Should you have a question that you want us to answer, submit it by filling out this Microsoft Form. By submitting your question, you will also be entered into a draw for a great prize. We will be answering all the questions submitted virtually on 25 March.
March is Nutrition Month is an annual campaign lead by the Dietitians of Canada. This year’s theme for the campaign is ’Ingredients for a Healthier Tomorrow’. The five key “ingredients” that will be featured this month that promote a sustainable food system are food security, food literacy, food sovereignty, sustainable food choices, nutrition care and prevention.
By: Nathaniel Smith, Health Promotion Specialist at CFB Borden
