Future Planning for the BC Food Systems Network!

It’s been 12 years since the BC Food Systems Network (BCFSN) was formed by Cathleen Kneen at her kitchen table in Sorrento. Since then, the issue of food security has grown from a fringe topic discussed by a small group of self ascribed foodies to a global movement on everyone’s lips. Here in British Columbia, local and regional food security groups have popped up all over the province bringing the issue from an initial kitchen table, to field to table, and beyond. As a result of this growing and necessary surge in interest, the BCFSN board and staff came together in Nanaimo from July 16th to 18th for an intensive strategic planning retreat.

Funding and facilitation for the retreat was provided by the BC Healthy Living Alliance’s Community Capacity Building Strategy. The group came together to review the overall purpose of the network and to discuss ways to better connect with bio-regional and topical groups that are sprouting up all over the province. As well, the group discussed issues related to sustainability and governance.

An overview of Barbara McMillan’s ‘Thinking Like a Network*’ workshop was presented on the first evening in order to set the stage for contemplating next steps for the BCFSN. According to McMillan, networks aren’t new, but the ways and means of networking has exploded in the last decade (particularly social media). There are three main types of networks:

• Connectivity - connects people for easy flow of and access to information and transactions (all networks start this way)
• Alignment –aligns people/ organizations to develop and spread an identity and collective value proposition
• Production – fosters joint action for specific outcomes by aligned people/organizations.

*See the ‘Thinking Like a Network’ blog.

In terms of functioning as a connectivity network, the BCFSN does this through its’ main vehicles of list-serves and the annual gathering. It was also decided that the network has helped to normalize / align the values of food sustainability into a powerful movement throughout the province and amongst key stakeholders like health authorities. The network has also had some successful joint actions in the past and decided that this should be an annual outcome at each year’s gathering.

The group discussed the things they valued most about the BCFSN including:
- statements that have come out of gatherings and fostered action steps
- First Nations values / spirituality
- diversity/ inclusivity across cultures and sectors
- mentorship and youth involvement
- it’s grassroots ‘ness’ and extreme honesty
- theoretical and practical opportunities for discussion and learning
- fostering relationships
- personal food policies and story telling

In terms of looking towards the future and important next steps for keeping the network going and growing, the Board identified four key initiatives including:

1) to respect the autonomy of the emerging bio-regional and topical groups, and to invite representatives from these groups to participate in an advisory that would meet quarterly and discuss ways that the groups can connect and share resources etc. A network outreach group was struck.

2) acknowledgement of the importance of the working group on Indigenous Food Sovereignty and a desire to incorporate its values into the overall mission of the network. The Alert Bay Accord (www. ) was provided as a model for future discussions and a governance committee was struck to provide recommendations for future directions.

3) the importance of enhancing member engagement and the opportunities that social networking and web tools can provide. A ‘communications’ sub-committee was struck that will make recommendations to enhance the networks presence on the web. As well, the vital importance of face-to-face connections was emphasized and some members agreed to help spread the word / create displays in their communities/ at special events etc.

4) that funding and fund-raising is a key and urgent issue for the network and it was agreed that special emphasis would be placed on identifying key opportunities for creating sustainability for the network. As a result a fund-raising committee was also established with one of the first tasks being to create a promotional strategy, in conjunction with the communications committee.

The retreat wasn’t all work though! Delicious meals based on a local food philosophy were provided by Jessica Chenery and an evening picnic at the mouth of the Nanaimo river provided excellent opportunities for eating, sharing and laughing together.