Guelph-Wellington Food Charter

We, the undersigned believe the following principles are key priorities as we create a just and sustainable food system for all. As signatories to this food charter, we commit to entering into a dialogue on actions based on these principles.

Because we value Health, we support…
• Public policy that recognizes food’s contribution to physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional well-being.
• Neighbourhoods that encourage walkable and bikeable access to healthy food.
• Strategies to prevent and manage chronic diseases through access to affordable healthy food.

Because we value Education, we support...
• Initiatives that develop food skills.
• Programs that train future farmers.
• The integration of food literacy and gardening into school curricula.
• Public education about the connections between our health, the environment, and our food choices.

Because we value Sustainable Economic Development, we support …
• Prioritizing production, processing, distribution, and consumption of local food.
• Promoting our region as a food, agricultural, and culinary destination.
• Advancing food and agriculture research and innovation for alternative food systems.

Because we value Environment, we support…
• The preservation of local farmland that protects watersheds and wildlife habitat.
• The growth of food production methods that sustain or enhance the natural environment in both rural and urban settings.

Because we value Culture, we support…
• Celebrating and promoting respect for traditional, cultural, and spiritual food diversity.
• Enhancing the dignity and joy of growing, preparing and eating food.
• Strengthening links between rural and urban communities.

Because we value Social Justice, we support…
• Identifying healthy food as a social good and ensuring access regardless of income.
• Championing a fair wage for the production of food, and a safe and respectful environment for all food workers.
• Helping to ensure land access for new farmers for the growing of food.
• Advocating for income, education, employment, housing and transportation policies that support access to healthy, sustainable food.