VIU Speaker Series Addresses Food Security in the Age of COVID-19

WHAT: VIU’s Engaged Citizens Speaker Series presents Food Security in the Age of COVID-19: Toward More Resilient Regional Food Systems

WHEN: Thursday, October 8, 2020, 6:30 – 8 pm

WHERE: Hosted by Zoom webinar

Earlier this year, COVID-19 curtailed travel on and off Vancouver Island, grocery stores began running out of select products and there were interruptions in food supply chains as virus outbreaks affected producers, processors and transport systems. COVID-19 has been a wake-up call for many, and a reminder to people about just how precarious our food supply can be.

Join Dr. Evan Fraser, Director of the Arrell Food Institute at the University of Guelph, who will be discussing this timely topic alongside local food system experts:

• Jennifer Woodland, CEO of Nuu-chah-nulth Seafood LP
• Jen Cody, Executive Director of Nanaimo Foodshare Society
• Christopher “Farmer” Brown, a permaculturist, agricultural activist, entrepreneur and farming educator

Fraser will share his thoughts on what can be done to make our food systems more sustainable and resilient. The evening will be divided into three shorter presentations by Evans – each followed by an audience Q&A with the presenter and local experts – that will explore:

• The impacts of COVID-19 on North American food security;
• The implications on regional food systems; and
• Pathways to more resilient regional food systems.

The Engaged Citizens Speaker Series launched last fall with the goal of encouraging “intellectual, engaging and meaningful dialogue about social challenges, opportunities and the community around us while advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.” Talks take place twice a year on timely, relevant and thought-provoking topics. Please register for this free event on Zoom webinar. 

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MEDIA CONTACT: 

Jenn McGarrigle, External Communications Advisor, Vancouver Island University

C:  250.619.6860 | E: jenn.mcgarrigle@viu.ca