Oakland Food Policy Council

Wayne Roberts, coordinator of the Toronto Food Policy Council (TFPC), retired in June after working with the TFPC for ten years. The council, formed back in 1991, experienced many successes during his tenure. Most recently the council authored a food strategy report entitled, Cultivating Food Connections, which calls on all of the city’s departments to address healthy food issues, and in 2009 formed the Toronto Youth Food Policy Council. Mr. Roberts has also served as an invaluable resource to our very own Oakland Food Policy Council, providing guidance and encouragement throughout its beginning stages.

At his retirement, Mr. Roberts offered his inspiring thoughts on the modern food movement as he moves on to the next phase of his life. His first piece of advice was to “love your city.” Although he was referring to Toronto, a lot can be said for being proud of the place where you are working, having an appreciation for and a commitment to that place. As far as what is needed to be successful in food policy, Roberts posits that positive energy is essential as well as the recognition that any progress, no matter how small, is meaningful. You must also be thankful for all the help you receive along the way; food policy work is clearly not achieved alone. Keeping this in mind, he emphasized the importance of working in partnership as opposed to competition with other groups. Mr. Roberts’ reflections also brought to the forefront the reason why many are in this line of work, where the goal is to ensure access to food for everyone. He spoke about how the need for food is a human vulnerability that we recognize in ourselves and in each other. Food at first glance may seem simple, but because of this vulnerability we share, it truly has a power to bring people together. More importantly, food has been and continues to be the source of its own movement.

These are words of wisdom from a professional who has dedicated a large part of his career to improving food access in the city of Toronto. Food policy councils and food justice activists around the nation can take note of his approach to local food systems change. To view Wayne Roberts’ full remarks, visit his blog, Cook Globally. Eat Locally. Act Neighbourly.