PROVINCIAL FOOD NETWORK CO-OP INTERNSHIP

Our Mitacs intern, Paula Renee Boldut will be assisting with the launch of a new Co-op and carrying out research for her Master’s degree into challenges and strategies to achieve food sovereignty in rural and urban communities

The project sponsor, the provincial non-profit group Food Producers Forum (www.foodproducersforum.com), is a six-year old non-profit group developing community-based solutions to food insecurity. At a Gathering in Cormack NL during the fall of 2024, more than 30 NL food-system stakeholders at different levels and scales, with a direct interest in food production and harvesting attended. This group included ten out of the fifteen member sites making up the Provincial Food Network, a two-year funded project of Food Producers Forum. Over several days this diverse group discussed food-related challenges affecting them and their communities, as well as actions that could be taken to address them.

The event provided an opportunity for a ‘SWOT analysis’ (strengths-weaknesses-opportunities-threats) during which the strengths and weaknesses of the current NL food system were assessed and varied opportunities and threats were explored. The key outcome from the event was a decision by attendees to move forward with forming a new co-op entity that could support food system stakeholders to work together on the issues and actions the Gathering had identified. A steering committee was formed to investigate options and report back to those involved.

At this gathering the PFN network sites agreed to move forward to form the PFN Co-op. Articles of incorporation, bylaws, and this draft business plan were developed and approved. The PFN Co-op is now officially registered with the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. It is now time to launch the organization, recruit members and develop services. This broadly based group of food producers, processors and distributors will work together to rebuild local food security and community health.

Faculty Supervisor:

Atanu Sarkar

Student:

Partner:

Food Producers Forum Inc

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture

University:

Memorial University of Newfoundland

Program: