Our Council
A Food Policy Council, such as the Middlesex London Food Policy Council (MLFPC) focuses on policy development, education and community engagement at the local level. Within the London-Middlesex region, MLFPC aims to unite partners across the food system to evaluate food-related challenges and advocate for policy changes.
How is MLFPC organized/structured?
MLFPC operates through a constellation of committees and working groups that work together and independently to forward the vision and mission of the Council. The mission of MLFPC can be broken down into five main aims:
- To be a forum for discussing local food issues
- To empower citizens to be involved in food system decisions
- To foster coordination between sectors in the food system
- To create, evaluate, and influence policy
- And to support programs and services that address local needs
Committees & Working Groups
Communications Committee: Works to share information and stories to connect people and inspire awareness and action on relevant topics.
Finance and Fund Development Committee: Works towards securing resources and funding to support the work of the Council
Political Advocacy Committee: works on advocacy and policy recommendations that advance food security in our region
Community Engagement Committee: Plans a range of events annually to unite partners from across the food system
Food Systems Champion Working Group: Works to recognize and celebrate individuals and organizations contributing meaningfully to our local food system in London-Middlesex.
Our History
June: Event held – Building Your Food Future: Lessons from a Circular Economy
Summer/Fall: Local Food Map created
Fall: Food Charter community consultations scheduled
Fall: Virtual Summit Series begins
Summer/Fall: Regional Food Systems Alliance created – first two advisory groups launched
November: Cultivating Resilient Food Systems Summit held
Hired full time Food Systems Facilitator
November Event “Taste, Talk and Connect” to release Multiphase Research findings.
Community Food Assessment update and multiphase research.
November Event “Know Your Food”.
MLFPC Food System Champion Campaign initiated.
February: Beyond Waste forum held at Western University.
January: Inaugural meeting of MLFPC with first members.
May: Community forum, inviting stakeholders to make decisions on terms of reference and present highlights of Community Food Assessment.
June: Public release of the Middlesex-London Community Food Assessment Report and the Middlesex-London Food Policy Council Application to invite those interested to apply for Initial Food Policy Council membership.
Fall: Meeting to plan for MLFPC governance and membership and recruitment for MLFPC members.
January-April: The Community Food Assessment Implementation Team is created. The Community Food Assessment is supported by the London Community Foundation, City of London, London Food Bank and Middlesex-London Health Unit.
May: County of Middlesex Agriculture Strategy Report and Recommendations released with the guiding principle of increasing employment, investment and production in a sustainable manner. Also, the second draft of The London Plan, outlines strategies for building a “sustainable and strengthened local food system” within “City Building Policies”.
Fall: Middlesex-London Community Food Assessment initiated and Asset Mapping/Priority Setting Community Sessions are held.
February: London Community Foundation, City of London and Middlesex London Health Unit host a Food Forum to determine the potential for a local food council. Attendees express unanimous support for a future Middlesex-London Food Policy Council (MLFPC).
October: Second community forum discusses the development, framework and activities for a future Food Policy Council. Attendees unanimously support a partnership model for a future FPC co-led by two community organizations. The group recommends a community food assessment (CFA) be completed as the next step.
Ontario Local Food Act is enacted to help support the growth of successful and resilient local food economies and systems throughout Ontario.
London Training Centre publishes their report on Sustainable Food Systems.
London Community Foundation hosts a focus group to talk about gaps in the local food system.
The County of Middlesex Official Plan includes statements and policies that promote sustainable local food systems.
London City Council endorses London’s Food Charter, which establishes a vision of London as a food secure community. Part of the recommendation includes exploring the creation of a long-term group that will implement the Food Charter.
London’s Food Charter Development Group is formed.