652 Elizabeth Street
London, Ontario
N5Y 6L3
(519) 432-1801
Bringing together individuals, organizations and
resources to foster community action
Brief Summary of the Event:
The Local Food for Local Table Conference was a collaborative effort initiated by
the London Community Resource Centre and FoodNet Ontario. The conference brought
together farmers, organizations, retailers, restaurants, academics, and individuals to learn
and discuss the Global Food Economy, Trends and Current Research and also to hear about
success stories, challenges and innovations in bringing local food to consumers. We
learned that local food is not a passing fancy and consumers are ready to participate in
supporting the local farmers and the local economy, but it has to be convenient. Both big
and small food retail chains have to work with our local farmers to bring local foods to
where people shop. As Elbert van Donkersgoed put it, "the message about the locavores is
clear. These are not hunters and gathers. They like to find local foods at the place where
they shop now".
Expected Number of Attendees: 150 Actual Number of Attendees: 200
Further action resulting from the conference:
As a result of feedback from conference attendees, we are partnering with several
organizations to present a "Meet and Greet Networking Event" for producers, chefs,
retailers and food procurement officers in late March 31. 2009. The Meet and
Greet Networking Event will be a collaborative effort with FoodNet Ontario, OMAFRA,
London Economic Development Corporation, Elgin St Thomas Health Unit, Local Food Plus,
Middlesex Federtion of Agriculture and the London Hunt Club.
Summary
