The second Community Conversation on Food Systems and Food Security took place in Hedley April 25 and 26 at the community library.
Kent Mullinex, Director of Sustainable Food Systems for the Kwantlen Polytechnic University in Washington, was guest speaker on Friday, April 25, speaking to a group of 45 people representing 10 communities from Midway to Princeton.
Many of those participating in the two day event felt it was imperative local leaders make food security a priority for their communities.
Four local food leaders from the Similkameen formed a panel, each one discussing their work to provide safe, secure food in the Similkameen. Joe Dennis, Economic Development Coordinator for the Lower Similkameen Indian Band spoke about the band’s plans to create an 11 acre farm on land near Chopaka. Lee McFadyen, Kevin Klippenstien and Linda Edwards spoke about their work in agriculture, and the those who attended were also given suggestions as to how they could play a role in building local food security.