Food is a fundamental requirement of life on this planet. However, the basic structure of today’s linear “take-make-dispose” food system is unsustainable—economically, socially and environmentally. In Guelph-Wellington, one in six families experience food insecurity, and the cost of healthy food keeps increasing. Meanwhile, between a third and a half of the food we produce is thrown away. Much of that ends up in landfill, where it creates the greenhouse gases that drive climate change.
Guelph-Wellington aims to address these issues by creating Canada’s first circular food economy, reimagining how we produce, distribute, sell and consume food. We imagine a food system where everyone can access nutritious food, nothing is wasted, and the impact on our environment is minimal. We imagine a system where food experts and entrepreneurs come together to tackle our most complex food challenges.
Guelph/Wellington will become Canada’s first technology-driven Circular Food Economy with three bold goals:
- 50% increase in access to affordable, nutritious food;
- 50 new circular food businesses, collaborations and social enterprises; and
- 50% increase in economic revenues by reducing and reimagining our food waste.
