Brandon Food Council Now Accepting Membership Applications

The newly created Brandon Food Council is seeking twelve members to help achieve its vision of a sustainable food system.

First envisioned in the Brandon Food Charter and coordinated by Food Matters Manitoba, the Brandon Food Council will be tasked with developing a community food strategy, building partnerships between food systems stakeholders, supporting community projects, enhancing public engagement and education, and advocating for solutions to food insecurity.

The Brandon Food Council has received broad support from both community members and city hall. Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation and the City of Brandon Poverty committee have been leading champions.

“It is truly exciting to see this initiative finally come to fruition after so much hard work, dedication, and collaboration. This is such a great opportunity to bring Brandon together to collectively work towards a sustainable and just food system” – Jan Chaboyer, City Councillor and Member of the City of Brandon Poverty Committee.

Available positions include six general members who are residents of Brandon, and six representatives from community groups or networks connected to food security, food production, food business, community health, youth services and food systems research.

“The goal is to ensure that members represent the diversity of food systems stakeholders and includes equitable representation of underrepresented groups,” Carly Gasparini, Executive Director of Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation.

Those who identify as Indigenous, youth (age 16-30), newcomers or refugees, elders or seniors, persons with disabilities, and those with lived experience of food insecurity are encouraged to apply.

Members will meet every second month. Membership terms are 2 years with possibility of renewal.

Applications can be completed online at http://bit.ly/BrandonFoodCouncil, or by filling out an application form at the Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation Offices at City Hall (410-9^th, Main Floor). Applications are due by 4:30pm on November 30, 2018.