Part 4 of 4: Our Vision for the Food System

Throughout this series, we’ve explored the journeys of Ginette, Kathy, Ellen, and Susan—how they became dietitians, their connections to food beyond nutrients, and what has shaped their perspectives. Now, in our final installment, we look ahead: What is our vision for the food system?

As dietitians, we see a future where food is more than just fuel—it’s a cornerstone of health, community, and sustainability. A just and resilient food system ensures that everyone has access to nourishing food, values cultural food traditions, and supports local producers. Here’s how each of us envisions a food system that works for all.

Ellen (former dietitian, retired licence in Dec 2024): “One change I would like to see in our food system is greater support for local production of food so that it is not only available in local stores, but is affordable. Perhaps local producers could be subsidized by provincial and federal governments and/or the food industry. Then perhaps they could have competitive pricing with food coming from elsewhere, which is often cheaper.”

Kathy: “I’d love to see stronger protections for farmland and natural spaces. With the growing need for affordable housing, we should focus on building within existing towns and cities rather than expanding outward and paving over farmland. Thoughtful urban development—like the kind outlined in Five Ways Home—can create housing that supports community, public transportation, accessibility, and sustainability while preserving the land that feeds us.”

Susan: “We should aim to eat for our health which in turn is a local and sustainable diet.

Ironically, so much of the work we have been doing to promote this very thing, is now being sought with interest secondary to the recent changes in American politics. However, having people’s interest is not enough. Creating meaningful actions is where the real challenge lies, and the hard work begins. The ongoing research conducted through the MLFPC informs us of the needs in our community.

One change I’d love to see is a growing interest in local food politics, inspired by the recent focus on tariffs. This would include greater support for urban agriculture, smallholder farmers and advocacy for fairly priced local foods.

By promoting increased use of local protein crops such as legumes and peanuts, we would balance the nutrients and in turn optimize human health. This would also enhance the opportunity for food entrepreneurs to create products with plant proteins. Imagine local peanut butter. The other slightly overlooked local protein source comes from our Great Lakes fish, a resource well known to some and a mystery to others.

The priority in any changes to our local food system, should be to provide the greatest benefit to individuals whose social determinants of health are most impacted. We will make a difference, one calorie at a time.”

Ginette: “I would love to see food security integrated into our community; where farmland is protected, local farmers and community members are thriving, and food security initiatives are addressed at a community level. By integrating sustainability into these efforts, we can create a resilient food system that nourishes people while protecting the health of our planet for future generations.”