Our Story
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.
From 2020-2023 Our Food Future was Guelph-Wellington’s initiative to create a regional circular food economy that could be an example for communities across Canada and around the world. We aimed to address the unsustainable challenges facing the food system by reimagining how we produce, distribute, sell, and consume food. We worked to create a food system where everyone can access nutritious food, nothing is wasted, and the impact on our environment is minimal as well as creating an environment where food experts and entrepreneurs come together to tackle our most complex food challenges.
In 2020, Our Food Future launched with three bold goals
increase in access to affordable, nutritious food
new circular food businesses, collaborations and social enterprises;
increase in economic benefit by unlocking the value of waste
By December 2023 these goals were achieved and in most cases exceeded. Our Food Future shows how when working broadly as a region, leveraging relationships, data and technology and new ways of collaboration we can move from the current system to a sustainable and thriving food economy that creates new jobs, and values our planet, health, equity and dignity for everyone.
The work of Our Food Future has received national and international recognition from the Ellen McArthur Foundation, World Economic Forum, Milan Urban Food Policy Pact, Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
Our Impacts
Meals distributed to community members
Individuals with increased access to affordable, nutritious food
Acres of land piloting regenerative agriculture practices
Data sets centralized in the Food Future Data Hub
Stakeholders engaged in our programs
$
New funding leveraged
$
Value of in-kind contributions
$
Value of supports for NGOs
$
Value saved and/or earned by shifting to more circular business practices
$
Value of edible food recovered
Business that established or expanded their circular practice
Business collaborations strengthening the circular supply chain
New products and services from diverted food waste
Tonnes of food waste diverted, upcycled or recycled
Tonnes of food upcycled to new products
tonnes GHG emissions prevented