Regional Food Systems Alliance

Regional Food Systems Alliance

The Regional Food Systems Alliance is a collaborative initiative dedicated to strengthening the local food system in Southern Ontario.  

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Our Vision

We envision a thriving local food economy that:

    • stewards ecosystems
    • fosters rural, urban, and Indigenous connections
    • is rooted in food sovereignty
    • coordinates equitable and sustainable access to regionally produced food

Structure: Backbone and Advisory Groups

Backbone Organization

Following the visioning sessions, the Middlesex London Food Policy Council (MLFPC) was recommended to serve as the backbone organization for the Regional Food Alliance. The MLFPC will provide strategic leadership, coordination, and ongoing support to drive the Alliance’s mission and ensure its progress.

Advisory Groups

Based on the priority areas identified during the visioning sessions, the following five advisory groups were recommended to guide the Regional Food System Alliance’s efforts:

    • Local Food Economy

    • Agriculture 

    • Access and Distribution

    • Food Policy and Advocacy

    • Public Engagement

A circular diagram divided into five pie-shaped sections representing the advisory groups of the Regional Food Security Alliance. Each section is color-coded and includes a goal and related actions: Yellow (Local Food Economy): Goal – Strengthen local/regional supply chains Actions – Increase local food procurement; Create a local/regional food procurement strategy/action plan Green (Agriculture): Goal – Strengthen local/regional supply chains Actions – Coordinate and support the creation of sustainable business plans for food producers to increase local food distribution Blue (Access and Distribution): Goal – Food sovereignty and equity Actions – Develop a community-wide vision and coordinated plan for equitable access Red (Food Policy and Advocacy): Goal – Coordinate and amplify advocacy at all government levels Action – Advocate on behalf of other working groups Orange (Public Engagement): Goal – Increase food literacy Actions – Develop a public engagement strategy and a coordinated community-wide agri-food education strategy/action plan At the center is a semi-transparent circle labeled "Backbone Organization (MLFPC)", with a black arrow pointing to text: "Connect/coordinate, Communicate, Evaluate, Report" — highlighting MLFPC’s coordinating role.
Regional Food Alliance advisory groups with associated goals and actions.

Resources

Key Reports:

Regional Examples:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

While both work to improve the food system, they differ in scope and function.

A Food Policy Council, such as the Middlesex London Food Policy Council (MLFPC), focuses on local policy development, education, and community engagement. It unites partners to evaluate food-related challenges and advocate for policy changes.

In contrast, a Food Alliance operates on a broader scale, driving systems-level change. It unites organizations, institutions, businesses, and individuals to align efforts, share resources, and advance a collective vision. While a food policy council may be a key partner within the alliance, the Food Alliance coordinates large-scale collaboration across the entire food system.

March 19, 2025: Hosted an exploratory virtual meeting with community partners to discuss the Alliance’s purpose and structure.

May–June 2025: Held three visioning sessions to collaboratively develop a shared vision and alliance structure. Approximately 20 participants from diverse sectors across the food system actively engaged in this process.

July 10, 2025:  Hosted a virtual meeting to provide an update visioning sessions and next steps. (View slides)

Summer/Fall 2025:  Launching first two advisory groups: 1) Local Food Economy, 2) Agriculture

Late Fall 2025: Additional advisory groups will be launched.  

Yes! We have not defined a strict geographic boundary for participation. If you live or work in a nearby county such as Oxford, Perth, Huron, Elgin, or elsewhere in Southern Ontario, you are very welcome to get involved.

Our goal is to build a strong, connected regional food system, and we recognize that food systems don’t stop at municipal borders. If you’re unsure whether your involvement fits, feel free to reach out to us at info@mlfpc.ca — we’d be happy to connect.

Get Involved

Please complete our interest survey to let us know how you’d like to contribute.

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