Keep our public libraries open and public!

If you love the Toronto Public Library, you need to come to her defense right now!

The cost cutting agenda of Toronto City Council could target the TPL within weeks.  Local branches could be closed and some or all of the Library’s operation could be privatized, unless we act now.

I have just signed a petition at www.OurPublicLibrary.to - I hope you will sign the petition too and forward it to your friends.

Visit http://www.OurPublicLibrary.to to sign the petition.

Council gives green thumbs up to local food

TORONTO, ON – Good news comes out of City Council’s third day this week as Councillors voted nearly unanimously to keep the City’s local food procurement policy, providing fresh food at City child care centres and long-term care homes.

“This is a win for the City’s food movement, the environment and Toronto food sector jobs,” said Darcy Higgins, Executive Director of Food Forward.  “In deciding to support local food, Council sends a clear message that it cares about local farms and healthier food for its residents.”

The policy, which began in 2008, had been at risk after a tie vote at Government Management Committee brought the matter to Council.  Over the last two weeks, letters and petitions from residents and cooperation by councillors on different sides of the political spectrum helped to return support for the policy.

“Over 58,000 people in Toronto are employed in the food sector, providing 1 in every 8 jobs, and this policy will continue to generate support for good work in this sector.” said Higgins. “Toronto residents and our members hope for continued support from this Council in recognizing the benefits of expanding food programs like urban agriculture and allowing community food projects and businesses to flourish.”

Food Forward especially thanks new Councillor Mary-Margaret McMahon and the Toronto Environmental Alliance for their work to support local food.

Healthy food tops agenda for new councillors

As a new Council prepares for its December start, getting better food
on people’s plates has emerged as a priority for many new and incumbent councillors this
term. Solutions addressing food insecurity, health and sustainability have become widely
discussed as food centres, community gardens and food entrepreneurs continue to sprout
up across Toronto.

“I am excited by the number of councillors interested in healthy food and that it will
finally be getting Council’s attention,” said Darcy Higgins, Executive Director of Food
Forward. “Support for urban agriculture was a highlight of many successful candidates’
election platforms. Food Forward will be advocating to advance solutions,” he said.

Bureaucratic barriers and limited approvals have been the norm for community projects.
The City is working to remedy this through the Toronto Food Strategy, a comprehensive
approach to food policy which was passed unanimously by the Board of Health earlier
this year, which is expected to come to Council for broader support and implementation.

“I am impressed by the work of the Toronto Food Policy Council,” said Kristyn Wong-
Tam, Councillor-elect for Ward 27. “I welcome the opportunity to work with residents
and businesses to address general concerns about improving healthy food affordability
and accessibility in our distinctive neighbourhoods,” she said.

The newly elected Councillor in Ward 32 shares Wong-Tam’s interest.

“I am looking forward to working hard to promote urban agriculture in our great city,”
said Mary-Margaret McMahon. “I plan to work with residents to create more community
food gardens in Ward 32 as our current gardens have long waiting lists. Starting the
East Lynn Farmers' Market with my neighbours has been a wonderful and educational
experience. It is now a dynamic community hub promoting Ontario farmers,” she said.