What We Do

About Us

A Food Policy Council is made up of members representing many parts of the food system including production, distribution, consumption, waste, and more. Members could be farmers, food workers, consumers, grocers, educators, non-profit organizations, concerned citizens, government officials, and others.
 

Food Policy Councils identify challenges in local food systems and promote collaboration among sectors to address their economic viability, environmental sustainability, and social justice.

The Middlesex-London Community Food Assessment Report recommended that the Middlesex London community form a Food Policy Council because we are “ripe with assets and opportunities for developing a healthier, sustainable, resilient and equitable food system. A Food Policy Council will provide an on-going place for dialogue, decision-making and the coordination of a variety of initiatives that may be citizen-led, community-led, industry-led, municipally-led or truly cross-sector.”

Our Strategic Plan for 2025 - 2027

Updated January 2026

This image shows a four-column table outlining the Middlesex London Food Policy Council’s strategic plan. The first column is labeled “Strategic Priority.” The next three columns each represent a strategic priority with a coloured header. The first strategic priority is titled “Become a Trusted Voice Regarding Our Food System.” Under this priority, three objectives are listed: first, to cultivate partnerships with key organizational partners; second, to engage in dialogue with the community about the food system; and third, to increase awareness and knowledge about the Council and the local food system. The second strategic priority is titled “Create Purposeful Impact on Our Food System.” Under this priority, three objectives are listed: first, to support regional collaboration to address long-term community food security; second, to establish food policy goals and engage in advocacy; and third, to establish Middlesex London as a leader in agrifood and community food security. The third strategic priority is titled “Build Council Engagement and Capacity.” Under this priority, four objectives are listed: first, to maintain an effective structure for the Council; second, to create a sustainable funding model and structure for the Middlesex London Food Policy Council; third, to increase knowledge among council members, staff, volunteers, and students; and fourth, to cultivate effective engagement among council members, staff, volunteers, and students. The table uses different background colours to visually distinguish each strategic priority and its associated objectives.

When we refer to “our food system” we mean the food system that supports London and Middlesex County.

2024 Annual Report

Discover the highlights of the 2024 year in our latest annual report.

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Terms of Reference

Learn about MLFPC’s Governance, Committees, and Structure

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Updated January 2026

Vision

The Middlesex London community sustains a healthy, safe, equitable, and ecologically responsible local food system that nourishes all residents and economically viable.

Mission

The Middlesex London Food Policy Council will:

  • Be a forum for discussing local food issues
  • Empower citizens to be involved in food system decisions
  • Foster coordination between sectors in the food system
  • Create, evaluate, and influence policy
  • Support programs and services that address local needs

 

Values

Accountability

Accountable to citizens of Middlesex London.

Diversity

Our communities celebrate the culture and diversity of food.

Community & Partnership

lnclusivity, sharing responsibility, and working together will improve the food system and benefit all.

Equity

All people have equitable access to healthy, local and culturally appropriate food.

health + well being

All citizens have opportunities for optimal physical and mental health.

Sustainability

There is a reliable, secure, economically viable, ecologically and socially responsible food system and a sustained commitment to a local Food Policy Council.

respect

The perspectives and contributions of everyone in the food sector. Including those farming, processing, distributing, cooking, and eating food are respected and valued

Transparency

People have a right to know what’s in their food, where and how it is produced and what is being discussed within the Food Policy Council.

Actions

Advocate

Identify policy changes which support goals and advocate for their implementation.

Coordinate

Identify and prioritize emerging issues, opportunities and needs in the Middlesex London food system and support the creation and implementation of initiatives.

Evaluate

Establish benchmarks and targets for achievement of mission/goals and monitor and report on progress of implementation.

network

Build new partnerships and facilitate networking between existing and emerging food system stakeholders in Middlesex London.

Communicate

Engage with the community on relevant and timely issues through the sharing of information and involvement in action groups.

educate

Provide evidence-based research and the most current knowledge on local food systems issues.

Leverage

Align and seek community resources to support the mission and goals of the Food Policy Council.

Research

To facilitate, or conduct research on emerging local food system priorities where information gaps exist.