A “Right to Food” Framework for Tackling Food Waste and Achieving a Just Circular Food Economy in Vancouver, British Columbia

In Canada over 35 million metric tonnes of food is wasted and lost, which costs an estimated C$49.5 billion annually. Food loss and waste has negative consequences for environmental sustainability, the economy, and social welfare. Most research on this issue focuses on solutions that target retail and consumer waste reduction such as redistribution of ‘ugly’ produce to food banks. Solutions that do not address the root causes of food waste limit our ability to implement effective strategies to reducing food insecurity. This research will identify gaps in current food system design that allow food to be wasted and explore innovative solutions which center justice, equity, and the right to food. In partnership with the Vancouver Economic Commission, the research will propose ideas for reducing food waste in the local food system. This will provide insight into the limits and opportunities to implement an equitable circular food economy in Greater Vancouver.

Faculty Supervisor:

Tammara Soma

Student:

Partner:

Vancouver Economic Commission

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Public administration

University:

Simon Fraser University

Program: